The best running trails in Utah

Utah offers an extensive network of over 1,200 running routes, catering to all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy paved paths to challenging mountain ascents, traversing diverse landscapes from red rock canyons to alpine peaks.

Yes, Utah has many routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier run. For instance, the Moab Canyon Pathway offers a paved trail with beautiful red rock scenery. In Utah County, the Spanish Fork River Trail, Provo River Trail, and Murdock Canal Trail are known for their gentle grades and well-maintained surfaces, perfect for a relaxed jog.

Utah's running trails offer incredibly diverse and scenic views. You can experience the towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons of Zion, the unique 'hoodoos' of Bryce Canyon, or the iconic arches of Arches National Park. Trails in the Wasatch Mountains provide stunning alpine vistas, while routes near Moab showcase dramatic red rock formations. For specific viewpoints, consider visiting Sunset Point or Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon.

Yes, Utah's diverse landscape includes trails with beautiful waterfalls. You can explore routes near the Mill Creek Waterfall or the Fifth Water Hot Springs & Waterfall. The Lower Calf Creek Waterfall Trail is another popular option for those seeking a refreshing natural landmark during their run.

Absolutely. Many of Utah's trails are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. For example, the challenging Pritchett Canyon and Hunter Rim Loop in the Moab area provides technical terrain and stunning desert views. Another option is the Grandeur Peak Loop for a more strenuous mountain experience.

The running routes in Utah are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Runners frequently praise the breathtaking natural beauty, the variety of terrain, and the well-maintained trails that offer unique challenges and rewarding views.

Utah is home to numerous iconic landmarks. While running, you might encounter formations like Thor’s Hammer (hoodoo) in Bryce Canyon or the famous Angels Landing in Zion National Park. The Delicate Arch Trail leads to one of the most recognizable sandstone arches in the world.

In the Moab area, runners can enjoy a variety of trails. The Grandstaff Canyon Trail offers a moderate run through a lush desert canyon. For a paved option with red rock scenery, the Moab Canyon Pathway is excellent. More adventurous runners might tackle the technical Pritchett Canyon and Hunter Rim Loop.

Yes, the Wasatch Mountains, particularly near the Salt Lake Area, offer fantastic mountain running. Trails like Lake Blanche Trail and Mount Olympus Trail provide challenging ascents and rewarding alpine views. The Red Pine Lake Trail is another popular choice for a scenic mountain run.

The best time for jogging in Utah largely depends on the elevation and specific region. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures across the state, ideal for most trails. Summer is excellent for higher-elevation mountain trails where temperatures are cooler, but desert routes can be very hot. Winter can be suitable for lower-elevation or paved urban trails, but many mountain paths will be snow-covered and require specialized gear or be inaccessible.

For those seeking a significant challenge, Utah has numerous difficult and longer routes. The Pritchett Canyon and Hunter Rim Loop, at over 12 miles, is a technical desert run. Mountain trails like Lake Blanche Trail (7.7 miles with significant elevation gain) and Mount Olympus Trail (over 7 miles with substantial climbing) offer strenuous workouts and incredible views.