Zion & Bryce, Escalante…Oh My! The Wonders of Southern Utah Hiking

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…

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!

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.

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. 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.