Zion & Bryce, Escalante…Oh My! The Wonders of Southern Utah Hiking
Key Takeaways
- Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos create one of the most striking landscapes in Utah, and trails like the Fairyland Loop offer hikers a full immersion into its colorful, otherworldly formations.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument rewards adventurous hikers with solitude and hidden gems—from slot canyons and arches to ancient rock art and waterfalls.
- The Escalante region’s vastness and rugged terrain make a guided hiking or backpacking tour a smart choice for safety, comfort, and access to remote destinations.
- Travelers seeking an empowering experience can join all-women’s Southern Utah hiking adventures for expert-led exploration of Escalante’s most breathtaking trails.
- Whether you crave scenic beauty or off-the-grid solitude, Southern Utah hiking delivers a unique blend of challenge, discovery, and unforgettable natural wonders.
Bryce Canyon is known best for its hoodoos, odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion. And the entire park is an erosional wonder unlike any other in Utah and it’s sure to tantalize the visual senses. A favorite hike in the park is the Fairyland Loop, an 8-mile trek along and below the canyon’s rim featuring full immersion in a world of hoodoos and stately pine trees.
It becomes a bit strenuous with its regular ups and downs but it offers a comprehensive overview of all that Bryce Canyon is famous for…other-worldly rock formations, gorgeous colors, and spectacular views. You can experience the best of these trails on one of our Bryce Canyon hiking adventures.
But if solitude is your goal, the Escalante region of southern Utah should be top of your list. Officially known as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this region boasts some of the most beautiful sandstone canyons in the world.
The intrepid hiker that chooses to leave the beaten path will be rewarded with endless hidden wonders: waterfalls and whispering springs, ancient cliff dwellings & remarkable rock art, natural arches hundreds of feet tall, impossibly narrow slot canyons, and massive echoing amphitheaters. Of course, there are a number of more popular attractions in the area that are easily accessed.
But the best of best requires a little bit of research, a high-clearance (preferably 4-wheel drive) vehicle, and a few days worth of supplies. The immense size and remoteness of this area can be a bit daunting to the casual explorer and a guided hiking or backing tour is often well worth the money. Explore our guided hiking and backpacking trips in Utah for more inspiration.
The guide services operating around here know the area best and can lead you safely and comfortably to the more remote and outstanding destinations, quietly hiding away and awaiting discovery in this endless wilderness of rock and sun.
Our
all-women's Southern Utah hiking adventure offers exactly that—expert-led hikes into some of the most breathtaking and remote corners of Escalante.
The canyon country of the southwestern United States has attracted the awe and wonder of many generations of explorers, adventurers, and hikers…anyone, really, who revels in the thrill of wide-open spaces and the largely untrammeled wild areas where one might wander alone, in peace and perfect solitude.
And the vast slickrock wilderness wonderland of southern Utah remains one of the finest places in the lower 48 states to experience the pleasure of exploring the landscapes still minimally impacted by the hand of man. It’s a seemingly endless world of multicolored rock layers, soaring cliffs, deeply incised, serpentine canyons, desert oases replete with secret waterfalls and hanging gardens, and ancient relics from a nearly forgotten civilization that once thrived here a thousand years ago.
It’s a hiker’s paradise and one that could satisfy a thirst for discovery and adventure for anyone with the will to get out in it. So, let’s brush up on Southern Utah Hiking — or explore more Southern Utah hiking adventures to start planning your next trip.
Our all-women's Escalante adventure offers exactly that, with expert-led hikes into some of the most breathtaking and remote corners of Escalante.
Zion & Bryce Canyon are perhaps the crown jewels of Utah’s National Parks, and rightly so. Zion Canyon is certainly a remarkable sight, with its towering cliffs of pink and red sandstone, sparkling desert streams, and epic viewpoints perched high above the canyon floor. And it offers a unique perspective compared to other canyon attractions…seeing it all from the bottom looking up.
There is a particular feeling of grandeur experienced while venturing along the park’s main thoroughfare, gazing up at 2000 foot high cliffs all around you. Hiking along one of the parks many wonderful trails offers the opportunity to climb to higher vantage points, rewarding the great effort with unimaginable views. Angel’s Landing is the most famous of these viewpoints, and is perhaps the most exciting hike in the park.
Another highlight is the Zion Narrows, a 16-mile stretch of the Virgin River featuring towering walls often just 20 to 30 feet from wall to wall. Plan on getting wet on this hiking adventure! If you’d like to experience these trails with expert guides, check out our Zion hiking tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the beauty and adventure of Southern Utah’s hiking destinations — from Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos to the remote sandstone canyons of Escalante and the grandeur of Zion.
What makes Bryce Canyon unique for hiking?
Bryce Canyon is world-famous for its hoodoos — tall, thin rock spires shaped by erosion. Trails like the Fairyland Loop let hikers explore these formations up close, combining dramatic colors, pine forests, and panoramic views of the canyon’s rim and amphitheaters.
What is the Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon?
The Fairyland Loop is an 8-mile hiking trail that circles along and below Bryce Canyon’s rim. It’s moderately strenuous with frequent elevation changes, but it offers some of the park’s most stunning views and an immersive experience among the hoodoos.
Why is Escalante a great destination for solitude seekers?
The Escalante region, part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, is vast and remote. Its hidden slot canyons, waterfalls, arches, and ancient rock art offer hikers a sense of true wilderness and quiet beauty far from crowded trails.
What are some must-see features in the Escalante area?
Highlights include narrow slot canyons, tall sandstone arches, natural amphitheaters, cliff dwellings, and desert waterfalls. Each feature showcases the incredible erosional power and natural artistry that make Escalante one of Utah’s most captivating landscapes.
Do I need special equipment to explore Escalante?
Because of its rugged terrain and remote access, a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Bring ample water, food, maps, and navigation tools. Preparation and self-sufficiency are key to safely exploring the backcountry.
Are guided hikes available in Southern Utah?
Yes. Guided hiking and backpacking tours are available throughout Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Escalante. Expert guides know the terrain, ensure safety, and often lead travelers to hidden spots that are difficult to find without local experience.
What should I expect from a guided Escalante hiking tour?
Guided Escalante tours typically include small groups, professional leadership, and access to remote canyons, springs, and rock formations. These tours emphasize safety, comfort, and exploration of areas less accessible to casual visitors.
What is special about the all-women’s Southern Utah hiking adventure?
This trip focuses on community, empowerment, and discovery. Led by experienced guides, it offers women the chance to explore remote and stunning parts of Escalante in a supportive environment, blending adventure with shared outdoor experiences.
When is the best time to hike in Southern Utah?
Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in Bryce, Zion, and Escalante. Temperatures are mild, and the trails are less crowded. Summer can be very hot, especially in exposed areas, while winter may bring snow to higher elevations like Bryce Canyon.
How difficult are hikes in Southern Utah?
Hikes range from easy, scenic walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Bryce Canyon’s rim trails are moderate, while Escalante’s slot canyons and off-trail routes demand more experience and preparation. Guided tours can match routes to your fitness and skill level.
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