1. Kings Peak
At an elevation of 13,528 feet / 4,123 metres, Kings Peak in the High Uintas Wilderness of northern Utah is the highest point to the state. The easiest route to the summit is 51.5 km and typically takes three days. This is the holy grail of hiking the state with a panoramic view worth traveling for.
2. Observation Point, Zion National Park
Observation Point in Zion is a Utah classic. The 13-km roundtrip hike takes about five hours and has an impressive elevation gain — but it leads you to one of the best views in the entire state. The trail takes you through beautiful red sandstone and the Echo Canyon gorge, and the 6,5080-foot / 1,984-metre peak gives you a great view of Angels Landing and the Three Patriarchs.
3. The Pfeifferhorn
The Pfeifferhorn, also known as Little Matterhorn, is a 14.5-km out-and-back hike that can be accessed south of Salt Lake City in Sandy, Utah. The trail goes by two gorgeous alpine lakes, and the summit payoff is incredible, with views of other monumental peaks, as well as the valleys and cities below. Don't congratulate yourself too soon though — there's a false summit along the trail.
4. Mount Nebo
Mt. Nebo is the highest point in Utah County, boasting an elevation of 11,928 feet / 3,636 metres, and is located in the Uinta National Forest. The trail takes you through forests and alpine meadows before the summit. The whole thing is 13 km long and only takes about six hours roundtrip! It's also very near Kings Peak.
5. Mount Timpanogos
Although Timp is 60 metres lower in elevation than Mt. Nebo, the hike is much more popular. It can be accessed from two points: in Aspen Grove or through American Fork Canyon. The trail is strenuous, with a 4,899-foot / 1,493-metre elevation gain, but the spectacular summit is worth it, especially during wildflower season. It can be done in one full day, or as an overnight backpacking trip. Bonus: Timp is near Sundance, home of the famous Sundance film festival.
6. Mount Olympus
Located conveniently by Salt Lake City, Mt. Olympus towers over the valley at 9,026 feet / 2,751 metres. The hike is 12 km out-and-back and challengingly steep — but the summit gives you incomparable views of both Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake!
7. Mount Peale
Mt. Peale is the highest point in the La Sal Mountains (the second highest range in the state, after the Uintas) in southeastern Utah. The hike itself is quite short and easy — only 4 km! The mountain's peaks are rocky and awe-inspiring, and they're an amazing view from Arches and Canyonlands in the winter when they're snowcapped!
8. Squaw Peak
Squaw Peak is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Utah County, with a trailhead right in the city of Provo. The trail is 11 km out-and-back, and is an excellent place to bird-watch and observe the sunset over the valley. Plus, dogs are allowed on the trail, (so dog-watching is also acceptable).
9. American Fork Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks are the highest points on the Little Cottonwood Canyon ridge, and American Fork Twins Peaks is the higher of the two mountains, at 11,489 feet / 3,502 metres. The trail distance is 13 km, but if you're not up for a strenuous day hike, you can take a shortcut via the Snowbird tram!
10. Brian Head Peak
In spite of all of the desert landscapes, southern Utah also boasts some fantastic high-elevation hiking. Brian Head Peak, located in the Dixie National Forest, stands at 11,307 feet / 3,446 metres. A road leads to the top if you prefer to drive, and some people choose to cross-country ski the path in the winter. Numerous nearby trails bring you to other noteworthy lookouts, geological formations, and waterfalls.