All across the country, hikers and cyclists enjoy exploring rail trails. These are trails that have been converted from railroad tracks to paved or groomed trails, and follow an abandoned railway through the countryside. Utah has a rail trail, and you’re going to want to explore it. Trust us when we say it’s one of the best hikes in Utah!

The Union Pacific Rail Trail stretches for 28 miles from Park City to Echo Reservoir.
Mark B/Tripadvisor
Union Pacific's Echo-Park City Railway was completed in 1880, along with a narrow-gauge line that stretched from Coalville to Park City. More than 100 years later, the railroad abandoned the line, and the state began working with the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to convert the track into a trail that could be enjoyed by hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
Steve Huthman/Alltrails
Established in 1992, the trail is now a Utah State Park, and it's a perfect place for a hike or bike ride.
Delores W./Tripadvisor
Part of the trail is paved; the rest is crushed stone and gravel. The trail is mostly flat, making it easy for hikers and cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Robot Brainz/flickr
Since the trail is 28 miles long, to explore the entire thing in one day you'd want to do so on your bike. Since the trail is not open to motorized vehicles, it's a safe spot for riders of all ages. Hikers can hop on the trail at any point and just walk along as far as they'd like before turning back.
Rails to Trails Conservancy/flickr

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Bridges cross the highway along the old railroad trestles...
Steve Huthman/Alltrails
...and you'll traverse some of Utah's prettiest rural countryside during your trip.
karanaptown/Tripadvisor
Small bike stations with basic tools are set up along the trail, making it easy to fill up a tire or fix a flat.
Lance B/Tripadvisor
The scenic route typically enjoys milder temperatures than the Salt Lake Valley during the summer, so if you're trying to escape the heat, this trail is a good choice.
Utah State Parks and Recreation/Facebook
If you're hiking or running along the trail, remember to stay to the right to allow cyclists or horseback riders to pass. No matter how you traverse this pretty trail, you're certain to enjoy it!
Jana J/Tripadvisor

Check out a map of the trail here, and learn more about it on the Utah State Parks website. Have you hiked or biked the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail? Do you agree that it’s one of the best hikes in Utah? We’d love to hear about your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Utah is chock-full of unique trails! Here’s a short, easy slot canyon that you might like to explore.

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Best Hikes In Utah

Beth C. | March 19, 2022

What are some of the best easy trails in Utah?

Hiking in Utah is always an adventure. Spanning gorgeous mountain peaks, slot canyons, and deserts, the Beehive State has trails that are known the world over. But if you're looking for a more approachable trail, we've got you covered. You'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that Utah has plenty of easy trails that all ages can enjoy. One of our favorite easy trails in Utah is Riverside Walk in Zion National Park. This gentle, paved trail measures just two miles in length and is easily accessible from the parking lot at Zion. The hike follows the scenic Virgin River and takes visitors to the opening of the canyon. If you're feeling adventurous, you can access the Zion Narrows Trail from there. Next up on our list of easy trail recommendations in Utah is another one located in Zion called the Lower Emerald Pools Trail. Shaded by cottonwood trees, this easy-breezy trail measures just 1.2 miles and only changes 70 feet in elevation. Looking for an easy waterfall hike in Utah? Grotto Falls in Payson Canyon is just the ticket! A shady hike, this meandering trail concludes with a refreshing waterfall where visitors can splash around on a hot summer day. Some more easy trails in Utah worth checking out include Silver Lake Interpretive Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Mossy Cave Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, Tony Grove Lake in Logon, and Dry Fork Rock Art Trail. Looking for more beautiful places in Utah? Check out our Nature Lover's Definitive Guide To Utah’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes, And More!

 

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Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, Coalville, UT, USA