At Utah Sites, we’re proud of where our headquarters are located. With the change of seasons upon us, we love to showcase what our home state has to offer.
(Pixabay / tpsdave)
Utah is famous for its world-class ski resorts. Unknown to many out-of-state’rs, however, is that the state is also a rich playground after the snow melts. Areas that attract skiers during winter also attract hikers during spring. The beautiful Wasatch Mountains, with their pristine lakes, granite summits, and shaded canyons, offer endless hiking trails. Many hiking trails are within easy access of the downtown area, so you can venture out into nature even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare.
The following areas provide some of the most picturesque spring hikes in Utah:
- White Pine Lake is ideal for day hiking and overnight backpacking. The beautiful lake with its intense blue water can be reached 5 miles from the trailhead. The lake offers a great view of the mountains and valleys. It is a short hike that can be completed in a day.
- Donut Falls, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is good for afternoon hikes. The melting snow cascades through a “donut hole” in the rocks. The hike is only 3.5 miles round trip.
- The Brighton Lakes – This short hike that covers 3.5 miles into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest takes you to three lakes. The first lake can be reached just one mile from the parking lot. Hikers can reach all three lakes without having to negotiate any peaks, and elevations do not exceed 1,200 feet.
- Broads Fork Basin – Broads Fork hikers will reach an alpine meadow that offers magnificent views of the peaks in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The trailhead begins in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail leads to a great basin that features an alpine meadow with magnificent views of massive peaks. Past the pond, hikers will encounter wild raspberry bushes.
- Bell Canyon – Hikers of Bell Canyon get the added bonus of fishing in a secluded lake. Hikers can spend a relaxing day or take an overnight camping trip with fly-fishing for cutthroat trout on the side. Bell Canyon is one of most popular hiking trails in the state.
Utah is not just for skiers. If you love exploring nature’s wonders, you won’t want to miss hiking adventures in the Salt Lake City area.