Ah yes, the wonderful Utah desert. Full of giant walls of red rock, incredible sandstone formations, the open road, and plenty of sunshine. Unfortunately, if you are in southern Utah during the summer, the sun can be overbearingly hot. Exploring southern Utah in the fall is much cooler and is just as gorgeous as any other time of the year. Not only is it more convenient weather-wise, but the normally popular areas here are drastically less crowded. Southern Utah is the place to be because all wanderlust and hikers love it doesn’t just have one or two, but five national parks visit! They are known as “The Mighty 5.” These parks are spectacular. Many travelers have found their favorite memories were created on hikes that may leave you breathless and are perfect especially during the cooler season. Here are the best hikes in southern Utah during the Autumn.

Delicate Arch

If you are looking for pretty mild hikes, Arches National Park have some very convenient breeze hikes. Delicate Arch is the most famous hike in all of Utah, it is the symbol that represents Utah and is one of the designs on the Utah license plate and postage stamps. It’s structure is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This arch is made of Entrada Sandstone and was created by erosion. This hike is too strenuous during the summer due to the blistering heat. But during the fall is perfect. You can do this hike at sunrise when it’s least busy, during the day, or even go at night to sit underneath the stars. If you want to see the arch up close like most people, it is a 3 mile hike round trip. If you’d like to see the arch from a distance you can see it from the viewpoint which is a half a mile hike.

Angels Landing

This is one of the most popular hikes in all of southern Utah. Even famous American Singer Miley Cyrus ventured Angel’s Landing is located in Zion’s National Park. This beautiful hike received its because someone once mentioned that the peak of this hike was so high, only Angels could land on top of it. This hike can be challenging but has switchbacks to make it a little easier on you. The path is a 5 mile hike round trip but is most convenient and has perfect weather from September to October gauging around 60 to 90 degrees. The view uptop overlooks a view of Zion’s National Park and you will be able to see the vibrant colors of the fall leaves.

Mesa Arch

This arch is located in Canyonlands National Park, a park with effortless hiking and driving to view points. The fall weather at Canyonlands makes it perfect for biking, river activities, and all the hikes. i Mesa Arch is one of the top highlights Canyonlands. It is only a 0.8 km hike which is just a five minute walk from the parking lot to the arch. Most people love to see this location right before sunrise and sunset. This arch is located right at the edge of a canyon where the eye can see for miles. You will see La Sal mountains in the distance and several rock spires. Watching the sunset or sunset can be mesmerizing looking through the arch. Be sure to be there before everyone else so you can get a good spot.

The Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop

Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop is located in Bryce Canyon National Park. The bright red and orange rocks almost make it seem as if you were on mars. This is the most popular hike because the trial is nicely paved and moderate. This takes you to see outstanding views and later joins with the Navajo loop that will take you up the canyon.

Sulfur Creek

Sulfur Creek runs through Capitol Reef National Park. This is a splendid hike for families and groups of friends to enjoy with each other, of course while keeping your six feet apart COVID distance. This trek will take you through the park and is a downhill hike. You will see some waterfalls along the way, a gorge, areas for canyoneering and the creek for cooling aid. This is a 5.8 mile one way hike, you can take a shuttle back or have a vehicle at the end of the beginning.

These are the more popular hikes especially during the fall. There are several other hikes you can find in southern Utah such as Zebra Slot Canyon In Escalante,Calf Creek Falls in Boulder, The Narrows or The Subway in Zions, Dead Horse Point in Moab, Timber Creek Overlook in Kolob Canyon, the list is endless!

Autumn is the perfect time where it is still sunny but great weather to go hiking. In Southern Utah. Most people love to camp close by to these locations to experience the glories of being in nature. Acanela provides glamping opportunities at our Wander Camps that will give you a glamorous modern way of camping. Come glamp with us and enjoy the great outdoors in Southern Utah during the best time of year!