1. What is the Utah Trail?

The Utah Trail is a planned long-distance hiking trail that will traverse some of Utah’s most breathtaking landscapes. The trail is currently in development, and the Utah Trail Association, a nonprofit organization, is leading efforts to establish, maintain, and protect it.

2. Is the Utah Trail open to the public?

The trail is still in the planning and development stages. Once officially designated, the Utah Trail will have marked routes, designated camping areas, and permitting requirements. Check back for updates as we work with land agencies and stakeholders.

3. Do I need a permit to hike the Utah Trail?

Yes. To ensure responsible land use and conservation, hikers will be required to obtain a permit before starting their journey. The daily permit limit is 25 hikers per day, departing from either the Northern or Southern Terminus. Permits will be available online once the trail is officially designated.

4. How can I get involved with the Utah Trail Association?

We welcome volunteers, members, and supporters! You can get involved by:

• Becoming a member to support trail development and maintenance

• Volunteering for trail work, advocacy, or outreach programs

• Donating to help fund trail construction, signage, and infrastructure

• Spreading awareness by sharing our mission and updates

5. What types of terrain does the Utah Trail cover?

The trail will traverse a diverse range of landscapes, including:

• Desert canyons & red rock formations (Grand Staircase-Escalante, Paria Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park)

• Mountain forests & alpine peaks (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, Manti-La Sal National Forests)

• Wilderness areas & remote backcountry (Mount Nebo Wilderness, Naomi Wilderness)

• Rolling valleys & river crossings

6. Will there be water sources along the trail?

Water availability is a key challenge in parts of Utah. While some natural water sources exist, the Utah Trail Association plans to install water cache boxes in desert areas and bear-proof food storage in designated zones to improve hiker safety. However, hikers must still plan for limited water availability and practice Leave No Trace principles.

7. Can I bring my dog or other pack animals?

Trail use regulations will be determined in coordination with land management agencies. Some sections may allow dogs and pack animals, while others (such as designated wilderness areas or national parks) may have restrictions. Please check for updates before planning your hike.

8. How is the Utah Trail Association funded?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Utah Trail Association is funded through:

• Membership dues

• Donations from individuals and sponsors

• Grant funding for conservation and recreation projects

• Permit fees for those hiking the Utah Trail

• Fundraising efforts & merchandise sales

9. When will the Utah Trail be open for hiking?

The Utah Trail is currently in the early stages of development, with no official opening date yet. The Utah Trail Association is working diligently with land management agencies, local governments, and stakeholders to secure approvals, designate the route, and establish the necessary infrastructure. Our ultimate goal is to achieve State Scenic Trail status, followed by National Scenic Trail designation, ensuring long-term protection and recognition for the trail.

If everything moves forward smoothly in collaboration with our partners, we anticipate that the first hikers could set foot on the trail as early as April 1, 2028. However, depending on permitting processes, environmental studies, and trail construction, a more conservative estimate would be April 1, 2030.

Right now, we are still awaiting our federal approval and nonprofit status, but once those are finalized, we will immediately begin formal outreach, funding efforts, and trail development. This project isn’t just about creating a hiking path—it’s about building a legacy. We are committed to making this dream a reality, not only for ourselves but for all hikers and future generations who will experience the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s landscapes on this world-class long-distance trail.

10. Who is allowed to utilize the trail?

The Utah Trail will be open to all hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who obtain the required permit. The trail is designated for non-motorized use only, meaning no motorized vehicles, ATVs, or e-bikes will be permitted. Horses and other pack animals may be allowed in certain sections, depending on land management regulations. Users must follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment.

11. Can I hike parts of the proposed trail now?

The Utah Trail is still in the planning stages. While the final route has yet to be determined, these are some of the areas we aim to incorporate and will be working with land agencies to gain approval for. These trails are already established, and we hope to integrate as many as possible into the Utah Trail’s final design.

Hikers should follow local permitting requirements, Leave No Trace principles, and any regulations set by the managing land agencies. Since these trails are managed by different entities, some may require permits or have specific seasonal restrictions.

Below are some of the existing trails that align with the Utah Trail’s vision:

Existing Trails Along the Proposed Routes

Bryce Canyon National Park

• Under the Rim Trail

Canyonlands National Park

• Horseshoe Canyon Trail

Capitol Reef National Park

• Cathedral Road

Cinnamon Creek Wildlife Management Area

• Mineral Trail

Dixie National Forest

• Halls Creek Trail

Fishlake National Forest

• Hilgard Mountain Trail

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

• Flint Trail

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

• Henderson Canyon Trail

High Uintas Wilderness

• Chain Lakes-Atwood Trail

• Uinta Highline Trail

Mount Naomi Wilderness

• Beirdneau Trail

Mount Nebo Wilderness

• Nebo Peak Trail

Mount Olympus Wilderness

• Desolation Trail

Mount Timpanogos Wilderness

• Everest Ridge

• Mount Timpanogos Trail

Paria-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness

• Wire Pass Trail

Uinta-Cache-Wasatch National Forest

• Loafer Mountain Trail

• Dry Canyon Trail

• Catherine Pass Trail

• Great Western Trail

• Wheeler Creek Trail

• Shorty’s Cutoff Trail

• Bear River Smiths Fork Trail

• East Fork Blacks Fork Trail

By exploring these trails, hikers can experience a preview of what the Utah Trail aims to offer once fully developed