Travel style

Desert Landscapes

Heat management, slickrock, and canyon rims with real drop-offs.

By the Compass & Trails editor · Last updated 20 September 2026

This is a curated slice of existing Compass & Trails pages, not a separate destination invented for the filter.

Hiking

Hard

Angels Landing

Zion National Park, Utah

About 5.4 miles round trip4–6 hours for many hikersAbout 1,500 feet

Best: Spring and fall

A steep sandstone climb to a narrow fin above Zion Canyon. The last section is exposed and requires a permit; many hikers turn around at Scout Lookout.

View trail

Moderate

Bright Angel Trail

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Choose a turnaround: 3 to 9+ miles round trip for most day hikes2–8 hours depending on turnaroundAbout 1,100 feet to 1.5 Mile Rest House; much more if you continue

Best: Spring and fall

The South Rim’s main corridor trail. Day hikers should pick a rest house and treat the river as a multi-day objective, not a casual turnaround.

View trail

Moderate

Delicate Arch Trail

Arches National Park, Utah

About 3.2 miles round trip2–3 hoursAbout 480–540 feet

Best: Spring and fall

The park’s signature arch, reached by a sun-exposed slickrock walk from Wolfe Ranch. Carry water and treat the last ledge as a no-passing zone when it is crowded.

View trail

Moderate

Vernal Fall via Mist Trail

Yosemite National Park, California

About 2.4 miles round trip to the footbridge; about 3 miles to the top of Vernal Fall2–5 hoursAbout 1,000 feet to the top of Vernal Fall

Best: Late spring for peak flow; summer into fall for drier rock

The signature valley waterfall walk. The spray section is slick. Rails exist for a reason; the river above the fall is not a swimming hole.

View trail

Easy

Canyon Overlook Trail

Zion National Park, Utah

About 1 mile round trip30–60 minutesAbout 150–200 feet

Best: Year-round, with ice possible in winter

A short east-side walk to a view of lower Zion Canyon. Uneven rock and drop-offs still deserve attention, especially at sunset.

View trail

Moderate

South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

About 3 miles round trip to Cedar Ridge2–4 hoursAbout 1,140 feet

Best: Spring and fall

A ridgeline descent from the South Rim with big views almost immediately. There is no water on the trail. Ooh Aah Point is a shorter turnaround.

View trail

Road trips

National Park Road Trips

Utah National Parks Road Trip

Utah

5–8 daysAbout 700–1,000 miles depending on order and side trips

Redrock canyons, high plateaus, desert valleysModerate to high. Long desert connecting drives and early park mornings.

A classic loop of Utah’s canyon parks. Distances look moderate on a map and feel longer in real desert hours. Build slack for shuttle lines, timed entry, and heat.

Stops: Zion · Bryce Canyon · Capitol Reef · Arches

View road trip