Utah is considered one of the top places in the entire United States for the best and most diverse hiking trails.
Head south and you’ll find vibrant, red trails with incredible rock formations and desert vibes. Drive north and you’ll be in the forested mountains filled with wildflowers and cooler temps.
What happens though, when you find yourself in Utah without a hiking buddy? Try these 6 Best Utah Trails for Solo Women Hikers and don’t miss out just because you don’t have someone with you!
Canyon Overlook Trail In Zion National Park
Found at Zion National Park, the canyon overlook trail is a short hike that can be easily done solo. This hike is not as well known because it is found on the east side of the canyon and is one of the few “official” trails on that side. Which makes this trail even more exciting!
Getting To Canyon Overlook Trail
You’ll find the parking trailhead on the east side of the famous Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Park and you’ll encounter a rock staircase on the right-hand side of the road. That is the starting point.
From there, it is a short 0.5-mile hike to the scenic overlook. The trail is clearly marked and can be done in 30 minutes.
Viewpoints
What I love about this trail is that you get to enjoy expansive views throughout the entire hike, not just at the end. From the beautiful rocky staircases to the wooden bridge that curves around a boulder outcrop, you’ll never be bored.
Once you arrive at the scenic outlook you’ll find several spots to take in the view. The most popular one leads you to a massive open-face boulder that has a railing along the edge for safety purposes. Of course, you’ll want to check this spot out, but, if you want more of unique canyon overlook view, head to the left side of that railing and you will find a secluded area with a direct view of the canyon.
The hike will probably only take you 30 minutes, but you’ll want to plan on at least an hour in order to spend time taking in the gorgeous view.
Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon In Kanab, Utah
I’m sure you’ve heard of the world-famous Antelope Canyon in Arizona or at least seen pictures of it. Consequently, because of that fame, the slot canyon can be quite busy. However, you can find those incredible red-rock views without the crowds at Peek-a-Boo Canyon in Kanab, Utah!
Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah is one of the Southern Utah towns that hasn’t become overrun by lots of tourists as of yet, making exploring that much easier! But you don’t have to just take my word for it. In fact, the town slogan is “magically unspoiled.”
Getting To Peek-A-Book Slot Canyon Trail
There are plenty of hiking trails in Kanab, but the best one is the hike through Peek-a-boo slot canyon. The ideal way to get to the trailhead is to be transported there through a tour company if you don’t have a 4WD vehicle. There are several to choose from but the Kanab Tour Company does a great job at getting you directly to the trailhead.
However, if you have an off-road vehicle, you can make it there by following the sandy road on the north side of US 89. The road is about 3 miles long which will lead you directly to the slot canyon. When looking up directions, be careful not to confuse this canyon with the Peek-a-Boo Canyon found near Grand Escalante.
Once you arrive at the slot canyon, you’ll find miles and miles of trails that are just begging to be explored. As you walk throughout the slot canyon, you’ll find parts that are a tight squeeze and other sections that are quite wide. I would plan to spend at least two hours on this incredible hike.
Bryce Canyon offers miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails that it can be overwhelming deciding which one to choose. The best solo women hiking trail though would be the Navajo and Queens Garden Trail Loop!
Start at Sunset Point and make your way down the switchbacks into the cool canyon. If you’re headed toward Wall Street, you’re going the right way. You’ll then arrive at the Navajo Loop benchmark where I recommend switching trails and continuing on to the Queens Garden trail.
The Queens Garden Trail is flatter than Navajo Loop, which is a welcome relief after hiking through somewhat steep terrain. Enjoy it while it lasts though because the last half mile back up to Sunrise Point is all uphill.
During the last part of the hike, I loved the curvy paths that lead you to a number of light red rock arches. Once you finish and make it back to Sunrise Point, take a moment and enjoy the view.
Corona Arch In Moab, Utah
You can find the Corona Arch trailhead on Potash Road. There is a sign along with a parking lot about 10 miles down that road. If you arrive and the parking lot is filled, you may park alongside the road.
Once at the trailhead, you’ll begin by climbing several small flights of red rock stairs before coming to the still-in-use railroad tracks. Once you’ve crossed over the railroad tracks, you’ll be hiking over some open slick rock, you’ll want to have good hiking shoes for this part.
The trail is very well marked but the best thing to look for is cairns along the way, ensuring you that you’re on the correct path. You’ll next get to a ladder bolted to a large boulder. As you are climbing, you’ll begin to see Bowtie Arch in the background.
After climbing the ladder, the trail continues along a bench directly to Corona Arch. Bring your camera because this arch is extremely photogenic!
Saratoga Hot Springs Trail In Saratoga Springs, Utah
To find this hot spring trail, you’ll want to drive to Inlet Park in Saratoga Springs. Once there, you’ll find a small parking lot and a non-paved path that leads away from the outhouse. This hike is extremely easy and accessible (you could consider it more of a nature walk).
After walking about 0.25 miles you’ll come upon the largest hot springs pool. This is the one that most people enjoy but there are smaller pools around that same area headed out towards Utah Lake that is fun to search for as well. Perhaps the best part of taking this short trail is getting to relax in a hot spring with a killer view of Utah Lake and the mountains in the background.
Pro-tip – Depending on what season you visit, the ground surrounding the hot pools can be quite muddy. You’ll either want to bring shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or bring cheap flip flops (you can usually find $3 sandals at Walmart of Old Navy). Another thing that I like to encourage people to do while visiting these hot springs is to bring a bag in case there is any trash left behind by others. The last must-have would be something to drink so you don’t get dehydrated while soaking in these warm springs.
Silver Lake Loop Trail, Near Salt Lake City, Utah
The Silver Lake Trail can be found near Salt Lake City, Utah and is good for all skill levels. This mile round-trip trail is found by driving towards Brighton Ski Resort. Right before arriving at the lodge parking lot, you’ll see signs and another, smaller parking lot for hikers looking to access the trailhead.
The first part of this hike will lead you through tall grasses and marshy land on a windy boardwalk. A lot of people claim that this trail is one of the best to find moose on because of these conditions. Once off of the boardwalk, you’ll be directed to a dirt path trail that snakes alongside the lake.
Pro-tip – Don’t forget your mosquito repellent for this trail! You’ll also want to remember to pack a bottle of water and your camera! My favorite time to visit is in September-October where you’ll encounter a color-explosion of beautiful fall colors. However, I’ve also visited during the summer and winter and the trail is always uniquely beautiful in every part of the year.
After you have finished hiking the Silver Lake Loop Trail and you have the energy for other trails, you’re in luck! Two other trails that are very solo hiker-friendly near Silver Lake include Donut Falls and Dogwood Trail. Donut falls would have to be my second favorite because it leads to a waterfall that cuts inside a rock cave. So cool!
I hope you enjoy these 6 best Utah trails for solo women hikers! These trails are accessible, beginner-friendly, and most have cell service for those worst-case scenarios. Although hiking with a buddy is recommend (and a lot more enjoyable) don’t feel like there are not trails for the solo women hiker in Utah!
We hope that this article has helped inspire you to hike Utah trails as a solo female traveler. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
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We Are Travel Girls Contributor Jess Darrington of PartTimeTourists.com
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Linda T Eibel says
I’m wondering what you think makes a trail especially good for a solo hike for a woman, vs any other trail?
warsha says
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