5 Beautiful Backpack Camping Spots in Utah

When people think of backpacking in Utah, Coyote Gulch likely comes to mind. For many, it is the quintessential Southern Utah backpacking trip. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it is a backpacking trip of average length (three days, two nights—the hike spans 10 to 25 miles, depending on how long you want to hike). There are plenty of camping spots along the trail, so depending on how much you want to hike in one day, the campsites you choose will likely vary. The hike is known for its arches, a natural bridge, a series of waterfalls, Fremont Indian pictographs, and smooth sandstone canyon walls. If you choose to complete this trip, make sure you also explore the trail’s side canyons and ledges. The hike itself is only moderate in difficulty, so depending on your fitness level, you may even have some energy for extra exploration. 

Utahans thank their lucky stars for the beautiful mountains just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. So, while many think of backpacking as something that takes loads of planning and requires a hefty drive to the desired backpacking location, that doesn’t always have to be the case in Utah. Backpacking to White Pine Lake is a great example of a quick backpacking trip that is close to Utah’s major cities. Showcasing a very different landscape than that of Coyote Gulch (think alpine forests, wildflowers, and Rocky Mountain goodness) the 10-mile roundtrip trail starts out wide and easy, but increases in incline as the trail continues. White Pine Lake itself is the trail’s final destination and a beautiful place to camp in preparation for your descent the next day.  

Also located near Escalante, Neon Canyon and Golden Cathedral are technically a part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Here, you’ll witness the clearest night sky and experience the area’s compelling magnetism. Even if you lived in Escalante your entire life, it’s likely you wouldn’t have the chance to explore all of the area’s natural wonders. Neon Canyon and Golden Cathedral are two different locations separated by less than a mile. Getting to Neon Canyon and Golden Cathedral is a bit trickier than you’d expect, so it’s important that you come with someone who is experienced and that you have at least some technical know-how (as well as the necessary gear). Depending on the time of year, you could need ropes for rappelling or dry suits. The trail itself is about 9.2 miles-long, and there are various spots suitable for camping along the way. Why are they named Neon Canyon and Golden Cathedral? A few pictures and you’ll probably be able to figure it out on your own. 

Jardine Juniper Trail is famous not only because it’s gorgeous, but because it leads to an ancient, living juniper tree which is estimated to be about 3,000 years-old. The tree itself looks like it is indeed 3,000 years-old, though it still manages to produce greenery each year. The Jardine Juniper Trail is accessible through Logan Canyon, and is also known for its exquisite fall foliage, lovely meadows, and inspiring vistas. You could hike this trail in one day (it’s 8.8 miles out and back), but the trail is popular with light backpackers because the hike is strenuous (you may not want to complete the entire trail in one day) and deserves to be savored. 

For some, West Rim Trail’s 18 miles can be completed in a single day. For most, however, the hike is better spent as a two-day backpacking trip. Almost undoubtedly, any experienced Utah backpacker (and likely backpackers from other states) will have hiked this trail once, if not multiple times. It is remarkably well-known, and its location inside Zion National Park only adds to its prestige. The hike is strenuous but gorgeous, and can be completed in late spring, summer, or early fall. The trail includes nine campsites as well as three water sources, and will take you on a journey through otherworldly landscapes that typically feature most of the colors of the rainbow.