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Utah is arguably the best place in the world for winter sports, but winter sports aren't for everyone. Some, who weren't raised on the slopes, still feel the physical and emotional pain of their first — and only — attempt at snowboarding at the age of 25.
Fortunately, in its typical inclusive fashion, our state offers those people several other winter recreation opportunities — opportunities that don't use gravity as the primary method to get from point A to point B.
One such activity is hiking. Indeed, many mellow and family-friendly trails can still be explored in this season with the right precautions taken. Your rewards for braving these trails include: mind-blowing seasonal scenery, improved fitness and the right to view yourself as much of a winter sports(wo)man as anyone with an Ikon pass.
Ready? Here are five amazing Utah winter hikes.
But before we get started…
We'll get to the hikes in just a second. First, a word of caution. What makes winter hiking so special can also make it dangerous. The weather is cold, trails are snowy and icy, and fewer crowds can mean no immediate help if something goes wrong.
But with the proper preparation, you don't need to worry about losing a finger to frostbite and reducing your typing speed by 10%. Whenever you are hiking in winter, mind the following tips:
- Dress appropriately: Wool is better than cotton and wear waterproof hiking boots.
- Stay hydrated: The cold may trick you into thinking you don't need water — you do.
- Don't go alone: And if you do, tell someone where you'll be and when you plan to return.
- Wear microspikes or crampons: Lose traction and hiking can turn into a way less fun (albeit cheaper) version of skiing.
- Wear sunscreen: UV rays do their thing regardless of the season. Stay protected
Donut Falls
Donut Falls is probably the leading year-round family-friendly hike along the Wasatch Front — and for good reason. Its 1.5-mile round-trip trail is suitable for all ages and is just as fun in winter as it is in summer. The climb to the cave that contains the falls is short but steep. It will also most likely be slippery so bring spikes or cleats.
Make sure to bring your camera. Icicles often adorn the cave's ceiling near its opening, making for a fantastic shot. And of course, only donuts are allowed for consumption while in the cave. Rumors are that a French guy once sat in there and ate a croissant, loudly. He's not allowed to come back.
Ensign Peak
Another Wasatch Front classic, Ensign Peak is a short hike that offers stunning views of the valley. Its trail is easy to follow even in the winter; there are many markers and the trail's visitors mean the snow on it is pretty packed down. However, it is slippery and steep so bring the right footgear and the right attitude.
The hike itself is scenic with its bright, snowy landscape full of contrast. But the real showstopper is at the top where you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic vistas of SLC. The effort-to-reward ratio is unbeatable and, towering over the valley, you'll feel like Mark Eaton probably used to when walking around town.
Silver Lake
The best attraction (in a 10-way tie) of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Silver Lake offers something new every season. In the fall, the hike is prime leaf-peeping territory. But as the temperatures drop and the leaves slowly disappear, Silver Lake turns into a serene and quiet winter wonderland.
Early in the winter, the easy one-mile hike can be completed in cleats. But later on, as the snow gets deeper, snowshoes are necessary. And if the winter-coated canyon views weren't enough, there's a good chance you'll see moose while hiking.
These majestic creatures are most likely used to skiers and hikers and won't see you as a threat as long as you keep a safe distance and don't act aggressively. (As a rule of thumb, you should never provoke anything that weighs twice as much as Andre the Giant did.
The Rim Trail
The Rim Trail, which links up to popular Bryce Canyon hikes (e.g., the Navajo Loop) and viewpoints, is the most accessible way to experience the national park in winter. Spanning three mostly flat miles from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, the trail isn't too treacherous even in adverse weather — although maybe don't hike it in Crocs.
And the views? Bryce yourself. As grand as the park is in the summer, the snow caps on the hoodoos are just the icing on the cake — literally.
Canyon Overlook Trail
If you love hiking but don't love freezing temperatures, consider making your way down to southern Utah for a weekend. There the winters are milder, with high temperatures usually in the high 40s or low 50s. And of course, if you're in southern Utah, Zion is a must-visit.
Although nothing in the world is a hidden gem anymore (thanks, Instagram!), Zion's Canyon Overlook Trail gets close to that denomination. It's nowhere as popular as, say, Angels Landing but produces views as magnificent — for a quarter of the effort and a fifth of vertigo. Plus you get to experience the Mount Carmel scenic drive as a warm-up.
Best of the rest
Of course, there are tons of scenic hikes in Utah that aren't on this list. Some others to consider include Y Mountain in Provo, several trails on Antelope Island, Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove, Corona Arch in Moab and Snow Canyon in St. George.
If your favorite wasn't included, don't despair. No matter where you choose to hike in the winter, you'll find spectacular views and a less crowded experience so bundle up and go — breathtaking scenery awaits.
