Alpine Forestry Utah

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Top 20 Winter Hikes in Utah: Dog-Friendly, Scenic, All-Level Trails

Alpine Forestry

Good morning, Utah! I’m Xia Ren, and this is Alpine Forestry, coming to you live from the breathtaking forests of Park City. It’s a crisp morning here, and your seasonal weather forecast is calling for chilly temps and a good chance of adventure! So, bundle up, lace those boots, and make sure your spikes are in place because today’s the perfect day to hit the trails. Thanks for welcoming us into your home, and after this, you’ll thank us for getting you out here!

Winter’s coming. Snowfall has already begun to blanket the Beehive State—known for its rugged peaks, untouched backcountry, and of course “the best snow on Earth.” Seasonal sadness can hit hard, but we’re here to face it head-on with some solid trail therapy. Grab your favorite hot beverage, let the sun peek over the mountain ridges, and get ready to chase those endorphins with your adventure companion of choice. Welcome to The Wake-Up!

  1. For the on-the-go adventurers: under all listed, are quick tailored checklists for each hike.

  2. For the metaphorical hunters, gatherers, Virgos, and pre-planners: here is the ultimate Utah winter hiking checklist.

  3. Crucial resource links to check before your hike can be found at the bottom of this post!

Donut Falls

Northern Utah

Bonneville Shoreline Trail 
Ogden, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • BST Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 5.8 miles, Loop

  • Elevation Gain: 1,112 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 2 h 49 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash.

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Families with children and the experienced outdoors person alike.

  • Features: Panoramic views of Ogden and the Great Salt Lake.

  • Popular: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, cross country skiing.

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Trail is well-maintained; can be icy in shaded areas.

  • AllTrails Link: Bonneville Shoreline Trail (Ogden)

Donut Falls
Salt Lake City, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • DF Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 1.5 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 291 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy (Harder with snow and ice)

  • Average Time: 44 min

  • Dog-Friendly: No

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Family-friendly + the experienced

  • Features: Unique waterfall.

  • Popular: Hiking, walking, snowshoeing.

  • Access Fees: $5 per vehicle (Millcreek Canyon fee)

  • Notes: Trailhead parking can be limited; consider carpooling. Trail is popular; arrive early to avoid crowds. During winter you’ll need to park at the Mill D Trailhead. This alternate trailhead adds roughly a mile round-trip to the hike.

  • AllTrails Link: Donut Falls Trail

North Fork Park Trail
Ogden, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • NFPT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 1.4 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 367 ft.

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 47 min.

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash.

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kid and family friendly + the seasoned outdoors-person

  • Features: Scenic forested areas with views of Ben Lomond Peak.

  • Popular: Cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding.

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Check trail conditions before visiting; grooming schedules may vary.

  • AllTrails Link: North Fork Park Trail

Big Rock via Elephant Rock Trail
Bountiful, UT | Mueller Park

  • BRvERT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 6.8 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 1,099 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 3 h 6 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kid-friendly & for those experienced

  • Features: Beautiful panoramic city, forest, and Elephant Rock views. Crosses a couple springs and bridges along the way.

  • Popular: Snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, cross-county skiing, running

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Trail is well-maintained but can be muddy after snowfall and be busy on weekends. The thick scrub oak provides anchors for the snowpack so avalanche danger ranks low.

  • AllTrails Link: Big Rock via Elephant Rock Trail

Fifth Water Hot Springs

Central Utah

Grotto Falls Trail
Santaquin, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • GFT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 0.6 miles, Out & Back (or 5.7 mi. if road is closed)

  • Elevation Gain: 114 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

  • Average Time: 17 min (or longer if road closure is in affect. See below)

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes! Can be off leash in some areas, and on leash.

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Friendly to kids and solo hikers alike

  • Features: Frozen waterfall creates a picturesque winter scene.

  • Popular: Hiking, snowshoeing.

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Trailhead may be inaccessible after heavy snowfall; check conditions. Short and sweet; trail can be icy near the falls. Can be busy.

    • Seasonal Road Closure: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. When closed, the route length is closer to 5.7 miles. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

  • AllTrails Link: Grotto Falls Trail

Fifth Water Hot Springs
Springville, UT | Diamond Fork Canyon | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • FWHS Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 4.6 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 636 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 1 h 59 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Adult hikers only are recommended

  • Features: Natural hot springs with multiple pools; perfect for soaking in the snow.

  • Popular: Hiking, soaking in hot springs

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Be cautious of icy rocks near the springs. Trail is well-maintained but icy near the springs in winter.

  • AllTrails Link: Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail

Wadsworth Creek Trail
Springville, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • WCT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 5.5 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 1,079 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 2 h 42 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Best for adult voyagers

  • Features: Creekside trail with forested views and minimal winter crowds.

  • Popular: Hiking, snowshoeing

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Snowshoes may be needed after heavy snowfall. A quiet and scenic trail, especially in winter.

  • AllTrails Link: Wadsworth Creek Trail

Provo River Parkway
Provo, UT | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

  • PRP Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 15.2 miles

  • Elevation Gain: 839 ft

  • Type: Point to Point

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 4 h 49 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Lengthy but kid-friendly (various routes available) and open to the adventurous!

  • Features: Peaceful scenic views along the Provo River, wildlife spotting opportunities. Dramatic views of the canyon’s towering cliffs, waterfall, river bridges, and parks with picnic areas. Natural beauty + outdoor amenities.

  • Popular: Hiking, running, biking, bird watching

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Accessible even in light snow. A well-maintained trail, great for a leisurely winter walk. Partially paved.

    • Partial Closure: Part of this route at the Geneva Road undercrossing is temporarily inaccessible, but you can still enjoy other sections of this trail. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ProvoParks

  • AllTrails Link: Provo River Parkway Trail

Spanish Fork River Trail
Mapleton, UT

  • SFRT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 12.1 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 137 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Average Time: 3 h 34 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: For everyone! Kid-friendly, stroller-friendly, wheelchair-friendly, seasoned hiker and runner friendly

  • Features: Peaceful river views with light snow coverage. Travels through open farmland with horses and mule deer. The trail surface is asphalt, cement, or wooden bridge (with railings), and typically at least 6 feet wide. The estimated grade is gentle (3% or less) and the route has a steady downhill when going west. There are benches along portions of the route for resting.

  • Popular: Walking, running, hiking, birding

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: The trail is gentle and paved, following the Spanish Fork River from Canyon View Park to Sports Complex Park.

    • Accessibility: There are at least 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lots off of East Powerhouse Road at the east end of the trail. There are 4 additional spots about 1000 feet to the west of the trails' start-marked with a waypoint. There are several additional designated accessible spots off of West Volunteer Drive, also marked with a waypoint. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles.

  • AllTrails Link: Spanish Fork River Trail

Zion National Park

Southern Utah

Scout Cave Trail
Ivins, UT | Snow Canyon State Park

  • SCT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 3.4 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 351 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 2 hours

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kid-friendly, welcomes all hikers

  • Features: This trail passes over lava flow fields, stream beds, and Navajo Sandstone rocks. A beautiful cave at the end of the trail. Scramble.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography

  • Access Fees: Snow Canyon State Park entry fee required

  • Notes: Trail rarely accumulates snow but can be chilly in the mornings. Trail offers stunning views of Snow Canyon’s red rock formations.

  • AllTrails Link: Scout Cave Trail

Hidden Pinyon Trail
Dammeron Valley, UT | Snow Canyon State Park

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 1 mile, Loop

  • Elevation Gain: 147 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Average Time: 26 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Suitable for families with young children and adventurers alike.

  • Features: Red rock formations and desert vegetation.

  • Popular: Hiking, nature walks

  • Access Fees: Snow Canyon State Park entry fee required

  • Notes: A short trail with interpretive signs, ideal for learning about the area’s unique geology. For such a short hike, you'll enjoy a variety of terrain and scenic views. You'll traverse over red sand, volcanic rocks, and boulders.

  • AllTrails Link: Hidden Pinyon Trail

Petrified Dunes Trail
Dammeron Valley, UT | Snow Canyon State Park

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 1.2 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 229 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Average Time: 35 minutes

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kids and hikers welcome

  • Features: Ancient petrified sand dunes with panoramic views. Some steep slopes, uneven surfaces. This route crosses massive Navajo sandstone outcrops and sand dunes.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography

  • Access Fees: Snow Canyon State Park entry fee required

  • Notes: Trail offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography.

  • AllTrails Link: Petrified Dunes Trail

Lower Calf Creek Falls
Boulder, UT | Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Canyonlands National Park

Eastern Utah

Corona and Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail
Moab, UT | Bureau of Land Management: Moab Field Office

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 2.3 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 462 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 1.5 - 2 hours

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash but not all pups may be able to get up the ladder section

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Adult explorers

  • Features: A massive natural arch with stunning views.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography, camping, scramble

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: The trail begins near the Gold Bar camping area along Potash Road, nestled tightly to the banks of the Colorado River. There is a small section of the trail that includes ladders and safety cables. This section is exposed to steep drop-offs and is considered a scramble.

  • AllTrails Link: Corona Arch Trail

Shafer, Meander, and Basin Overlooks via East and West Rim Loop
Moab, UT | Dead Horse Point State Park

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 5.2 miles, Loop

  • Elevation Gain: 875 ft

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 2 h 24 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Ideal for families and beginners.

  • Features: Panoramic overlooks of the Colorado River.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography, camping, running

  • Access Fees: $20 per vehicle (Dead Horse Point State Park entry)

  • Notes: Trail offers jaw-dropping canyon views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Partially paved. There are some superb picnic sites along this loop. During the winter months, the trail can be icy and snowy. The Kayenta and Wingate Campgrounds are located within walking distance of this loop.

  • AllTrails Link: Dead Horse Point Rim Trail

Fisher Towers Trail
Moab, UT | Fisher Towers Picnic Area

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 4.2 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 1,469 ft

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Average Time: 2 h 46 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash but there is a small ladder about 1.5 miles into the trail that may be difficult to pass with a large dog.

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Older kids and adult hikers

  • Features: Towering rock spires and stunning desert views.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography, running

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Early morning light offers the best photo opportunities. Iconic trail with dramatic red rock formations; watch for icy patches. It is important to stay on the trail. Cell service is limited.

  • AllTrails Link: Fisher Towers Trail

Druid Arch Trail
Monticello, UT | Canyonlands National Park

  • DAT Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 9.7 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 1,446 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Average Time: 6 hours

  • Dog-Friendly: No

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Adult explorers

  • Features: Sweeping vistas of red rock landscapes.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography, camping, scramble

  • Access Fees: Yes

  • AllTrails Link: Druid Arch Trail

Antelope Island

Western Utah

Ensign Peak Trail and Overlook
Salt Lake City, UT | Foothills Natural Area

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 0.9 mile, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 374 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Average Time: 1 hour

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kid-friendly, adult-friendly

  • Features: Panoramic city, historic site, and mountain views.

  • Popular: Hiking, sightseeing, running, bird watching

  • Access Fees: None

  • Notes: Best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset. Popular for its views of Salt Lake City. Can be icy.

  • AllTrails Link: Ensign Peak Trail

Antelope Island Lakeside Trail
Syracuse, UT | Antelope Island State Park

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 5.0 miles, Loop

  • Elevation Gain: 314 ft

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Average Time: 1 h 45 min

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Kid-friendly, adventurous folks friendly

  • Features: Scenic views of the Great Salt Lake, beach, and wildlife.

  • Popular: Birding, camping, horse riding, biking, hiking, and wildlife photography

  • Access Fees: $15 per vehicle (Antelope Island State Park entry)

  • Notes: Trails can be muddy after snow melts. Ideal for winter wildlife viewing, including bison.

    • Seasonal Road Closure: Roads or gates leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/current-conditions/

    • You can begin this route at the White Rock trailhead. If you are camping and the Bridger Bay campground, you can also access this route from the campground.

  • AllTrails Link: Antelope Island Lakeside Trail

Frary Peak Trail
Syracuse, UT | Antelope Island State Park

  • Packing + To Do List: Here

  • Distance: 7.1 miles, Out & Back

  • Elevation Gain: 2,329 feet

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Average Time: 4 h 30 min

  • Dog-Friendly: No

  • Adventurer-Friendly: Best for adult hikers

  • Features: Wildlife sightings and panoramic lake views.

  • Popular: Hiking, photography, birding, running.

  • Access Fees: $15 per vehicle (Antelope Island State Park entry)

  • Notes: Start early to maximize daylight. A challenging hike with breathtaking views from the summit. Snow and ice can be present on the trail, especially near the summit, during the winter.

  • AllTrails Link: Frary Peak Trail

Resources & Reminders

Trail Conditions

AllTrails
Provides up-to-date trail conditions, recent reviews, and difficulty ratings.

Utah.com
Offers seasonal trail recommendations and conditions.

Local Park Websites

Snow & Avalanche Conditions

Utah Avalanche Center
Offers daily avalanche forecasts, snowpack updates, and safety tips for backcountry travelers. Essential for high-elevation hikes.

National Weather Service (NWS)
Provides detailed weather forecasts, including snow accumulation and storm warnings.

Avalanche.org
A nationwide resource for avalanche forecasts and education, with links to regional centers like Utah’s.

UDOT
Offers updates and alerts, customized to your route.

Other Tools

OpenSnow
Offers detailed snow forecasts and conditions for ski resorts and backcountry areas.

Gaia GPS
GPS-based apps with real-time trail and snow conditions from users in the field.

Reminders

  1. Leave early for your hikes, leaving plenty of time to make it back before dark.

  2. Come prepared: water, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking poles, microspikes, wool socks, hiking boots with good tread, wag bags and TP, headlamp, warm and windproof/waterproof layers, phone, portable charger, and emergency supplies.

  3. Remember to check sites for weather, trail, road, and avalanche conditions; plan your hiking route, offline maps, and share your ETA with someone; leave no trace and be aware of possible wildlife.

  4. All packing lists provided are jumping off points: feel free to make them your own and add/subtract what you like.

  5. Be safe and have fun!

Did we leave any of your favorites out? Let us know! Happy hiking. :)

Questions? xia@alpineforestryutah.com

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