By Sage Thee
There’s nothing I love more in the dog days of summer than a nice hike to get up and out of the worst of the heat. As a mobility aid user, finding a nice hike that satisfies my love of nature while not covering my cane in mud or tripping on rocks can be challenging. Here are my top ten favorite accessible hikes around Utah for those who are looking for a mellower but no less rewarding hike:
Cecret Lake
Atop Little Cottonwood Canyon awaits Cecret Lake, a 1.8-mile hike that leads you to a beautiful mountain lake filled with salamanders, surrounded by a thicket of trees and thousands of wildflowers.
Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path
Located in Bryce Canyon National Park, this 10.4-mile trail offers wheelchair users, cyclists, and walkers an accessible and comfortable way to explore all that Bryce Canyon has to offer.
Jordan River Parkway Trail
A personal favorite of mine, the Jordan River Parkway Trail, weaves in and out of urban areas, parks, and marshy lands for nearly 50 miles following the Jordan River. If you live in the valley, chances are, it’s pretty close to you.
Albion Meadows
This trail is just as magical as its name sounds—3.6 miles of wildflowers and sloping hills to transport you to the faerie realm for a couple of hours. Make sure not to step into any mushroom rings!
Silver Lake
Near Alpine, the Silver Lake Trail is a 4.7-mile hike that leads you to a cocoon of breathtaking views: cliffs on one side and a panoramic view of the entire valley on the other.
Double Arch Trail
Arches National Park is famous for a reason—the views are unparalleled, and there are hikes and walks of all difficulties. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Hobbit Caves
A short hike through Logan Canyon will lead you to the aptly named “Hobbit Caves,” natural rock formations straight out of a J. R. R. Tolkien Tolkien novel.
McLeod Creek Trail
This 6-mile trail in Park City offers unbeatable mountain views and is also a popular trail for birding and even cross-country skiing. Talk about a triple threat!
Birdsong Trail
This beautiful trail in Ogden more than lives up to its name. During this hike, you’ll wander past six springs, a pond, and a deep forest filled with an abundance of birds to serenade you.
Lupine Trail
A new walking trail in Draper, Lupine Trail is a peaceful 1.8-mile hike that leads you to a wildflower-filled meadow right out of a storybook, as well as a spectacular view of the city.