4 Stunning Utah Trails I’ve Hiked & Driven Home in a Day
Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon
One of the best things about living in Utah is that I don’t have to travel far to experience incredible hikes. Some of my favorite adventures have been day trips—hitting the trail in the morning and being back home by evening. If you’re looking for trails that offer slot canyons, arches, and breathtaking scenery, these four hikes are perfect. I’ve personally hiked each one, and they all make for an unforgettable day outdoors.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon (Grand Staircase-Escalante)
Willis Creek is a slot canyon hike that feels like a hidden gem, though it’s become more popular in recent years. I’ve hiked it in different seasons, but my February visit was one of the most unique—the entire canyon floor was covered in a thick sheet of ice!
Microspikes made all the difference, turning what could have been a slippery struggle into an amazing winter adventure. The 4-mile round-trip hike is relatively easy and perfect for families. The winding sandstone walls, running water, and the peaceful atmosphere make this one of my favorite day hikes.
Little Wild Horse Canyon (San Rafael Swell)
If you love slot canyons, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a must. Located in the San Rafael Swell, this trail features some of the most stunning and narrow canyon passages. The full loop (including Bell Canyon) is about 8 miles but I always turn back the way I came.
Walking through the sculpted rocks twists and turns is what makes the trail fun for the whole family! And I love that this hike doesn’t require any technical skills—just a good sense of adventure. It’s an easy drive for a day trip and well worth the visit.
Cassidy Arch, Capitol Reef
Cassidy Arch (Capitol Reef National Park)
Cassidy Arch is one of the few arches in Utah that you can stand on, which makes it a favorite of mine. The 3.1-mile round-trip trail gains about 670 feet in elevation, so it’s a bit of a climb, but the views make every step worth it. The hike takes you through Capitol Reef’s beautiful red rock terrain before reaching the massive arch, named after outlaw Butch Cassidy. My family and I visited the trail in October for the first time and enjoyed every minute of it!
Double Arch Alcove
Double Arch Alcove – Taylor Creek Trail (Zion National Park - Kolob Canyons)
Zion National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, but not all of its best hikes are in the crowded main canyon. The Taylor Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyons section leads to Double Arch Alcove, a stunning sandstone formation hidden deep in the canyon.
With a group of friends, I visited this 5-mile trail in February. It was freezing and required several creek crossings (nothing difficult) before reaching the massive alcove where two natural arches had formed. It’s a peaceful, scenic hike that offers all the beauty of Zion without the hustle and bustle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve hiked and driven home from four of my favorite Utah trails in a single day. Whether it’s weaving through the narrows of Willis Creek, squeezing through the winding passages of Little Wild Horse, standing atop Cassidy Arch, or marveling at Double Arch Alcove, each hike offers something special.
If you’re looking for an adventure that doesn’t require an overnight stay, these trails are perfect for a day of exploration and incredible scenery. Happy hiking!