Best Hiking Trails in Garfield, UT

Last Updated: January 31, 2026By Tags:

Best Hiking Trails In Garfield Utah

Nestled in the heart of southern Utah’s red rock country, **Garfield County offers some of the best hiking trails in the American Southwest**. From the iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the remote backcountry of Grand Staircase-Escalante, this region delivers unforgettable scenery for hikers of all skill levels. In this guide, you will discover **top-rated Garfield, UT hikes**, along with tips to help you plan a safe and rewarding outdoor adventure.

As you explore, you will encounter **panoramic canyon vistas, natural arches, slot canyons, and high-elevation forests**, each revealing a different side of Utah’s diverse landscape. Moreover, many of these trails are easily accessible from popular gateway towns, making it simple to combine day hikes with longer stays. Whether you are seeking family-friendly walks or challenging backcountry routes, Garfield County’s hiking network provides endless opportunities to experience Utah’s rugged beauty.

Introduction

Garfield County, Utah, is a hiker’s paradise, home to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the American Southwest. From the iconic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to the remote canyons of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, this region offers unforgettable outdoor adventures for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. In this guide, you will discover the best hiking trails in Garfield, UT, along with practical tips to help you plan a safe and rewarding visit.

Bryce Canyon National Park Trails

One of the crown jewels of Garfield County is Bryce Canyon National Park. Its maze of red rock hoodoos and amphitheaters creates a dreamlike setting for hikers seeking both scenic beauty and accessible trails.

The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is often considered the park’s signature hike. This moderately challenging loop descends from the rim into the heart of the amphitheater, weaving among towering formations and offering excellent photo opportunities. Meanwhile, the Peekaboo Loop Trail provides a longer, more strenuous route, perfect for those wanting a deeper immersion into Bryce’s unique geology.

To compare some of the top Bryce Canyon trails, use the table below as a quick reference.

Trail Name Distance (Round Trip) Difficulty Highlights
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden 3.0 miles Moderate Hoodoos, switchbacks, canyon views
Peekaboo Loop 5.5 miles Strenuous Extended hoodoo formations, fewer crowds
Rim Trail (Sunrise to Sunset) 1.0 mile Easy Panoramic views along the canyon rim

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument Trails

Heading east, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument offers a more remote and adventurous hiking experience. Here, narrow slot canyons, slickrock domes, and desert oases reward hikers who are willing to explore beyond the beaten path.

The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail is one of the monument’s most popular hikes, leading to a stunning 126-foot waterfall framed by vibrant desert foliage. This well-marked trail is relatively moderate, making it ideal for families. For a classic slot canyon experience, the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch Loop challenges hikers with tight passages, short scrambles, and unforgettable sandstone corridors.

Trail Name Distance (Round Trip) Difficulty Key Features
Lower Calf Creek Falls 6.0 miles Moderate Waterfall, petroglyphs, lush canyon
Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Loop 3.5 miles Moderate–Strenuous Slot canyons, tight passages, adventure
Escalante River Trail (Segments) Varies Easy–Moderate River crossings, arches, side canyons

Practical Hiking Tips For Garfield Utah

Because many of the best hiking trails in Garfield County traverse high desert terrain, preparation is essential. Always check local weather and road conditions, as flash floods and unpaved access roads can affect safety. Additionally, carry more water than you think you will need, wear sun protection, and let someone know your itinerary, particularly for remote routes in Grand Staircase–Escalante.

Permits may be required for certain areas, so it is wise to consult the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management websites before you go. By planning ahead, you will protect both yourself and the fragile desert environment.

Conclusion

From the dramatic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the secluded waterfalls and slot canyons of Grand Staircase–Escalante, Garfield, UT offers some of the best hiking in Utah. Whether you are seeking an easy rim stroll with panoramic vistas or a challenging backcountry adventure, the trails in this remarkable county deliver unforgettable experiences. With proper planning and respect for the land, your next hiking trip to Garfield County can be both safe and spectacular.

Finding the Best Hiking Trails in Garfield, UT

How can I find the best hiking trails in Garfield County, Utah?

Use a combination of authoritative sources such as the National Park Service websites for Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, trail databases like AllTrails and Hiking Project, and the Garfield County tourism website. Cross-reference trail reviews, recent trip reports, and difficulty ratings to ensure accuracy. Local ranger stations in Bryce Canyon City, Escalante, and Torrey are invaluable for current trail conditions and personalized recommendations, especially regarding weather, seasonal closures, and road access to remote trailheads.

What are some must-visit hiking areas in Garfield County?

Priority areas include Bryce Canyon National Park for its hoodoo-filled amphitheaters and iconic trails like Navajo Loop–Queen’s Garden; Capitol Reef National Park’s Waterpocket Fold region for day hikes such as Hickman Bridge and Cohab Canyon; and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument for more remote routes including Lower Calf Creek Falls, Escalante River Canyon, and various slot canyons. Scenic Byway 12 also provides access to short interpretive trails and overlooks, making it a central corridor for exploring multiple top-quality hikes in the county.

How do I choose a trail that matches my skill level in Garfield County?

Evaluate trails using distance, total elevation gain, terrain type, and exposure to drop-offs or scrambling. Beginner-friendly choices include the Rim Trail sections in Bryce Canyon, Mossy Cave in Bryce Canyon National Park, and Lower Calf Creek Falls near Boulder. Intermediate hikers can consider Fairyland Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Capitol Reef’s Cassidy Arch. Advanced hikers may seek longer, less-traveled routes in Grand Staircase–Escalante, slot canyon explorations with route-finding, and backcountry loops. Check topographic maps, trail profiles, and recent reports before committing, and always match your plans to your group’s least-experienced member.

When is the best time of year to hike in Garfield County, Utah?

Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for comfortable temperatures and more stable trail conditions. From April to early June and September to October, many routes are accessible while avoiding the most intense summer heat. Summer can be suitable for early morning and higher-elevation hikes, but hikers must be prepared for high temperatures and monsoon-related thunderstorms, especially in slot canyons. Winter offers quieter trails and unique scenery, particularly in Bryce Canyon, but snow, ice, and road conditions may limit access, making traction devices and local condition checks essential.

What safety considerations should I keep in mind when hiking in Garfield County?

Plan for arid, high-desert conditions by carrying more water than you think you need, wearing sun protection, and knowing that shade may be limited. Check weather forecasts carefully, with special attention to flash-flood risks in slot canyons and narrow washes, and avoid those areas if storms are predicted anywhere in the watershed. Many trailheads are reached via unpaved roads that can become impassable when wet, so verify road status before driving in. Cell service is often unreliable, so bring a paper map or downloaded offline maps, tell someone your itinerary and return time, and consider a satellite communicator for remote routes. Always respect park regulations, stay on established trails where required, and turn back if conditions or your energy level deteriorate.

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