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National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance. Utah's trails touch on past routes of exploration, migration and military action. Explore three of these trails with free NPS audio tour. Additional backcountry routes follow routes lost to time, such as the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway. When traveling in the backcountry, always travel prepared and stay on designated routes.
National Historic Trails in Utah
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
1,300 miles
Experience the final stretch of the route 70,000 Mormons traveled from 1846 to 1869 to escape religious persecution. It's about 75 miles from the Wyoming border to Salt Lake City, but there are dozens of historical sites along the last leg of the famous route. Get a taste of the journey on a 4.5-mile hike in Little Emigration Canyon near East Canyon State Park (Read: A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon) from Mormon Flat to Big Mountain then learn more at This Is the Place Heritage Park and The Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City. Learn more
California National Historic Trail
5,600 miles
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s — the greatest mass migration in American history. Learn more
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
2,700 miles
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Explore areas where the routes passed near Moab and its neighboring national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), through the central part of Utah, the oasis of the Fishlake Cutoff and southwest Utah near Cedar City, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, St. George and Zion National Park. Visitor centers throughout the region may have NPS passport stamps for trail enthusiasts. Learn more
Pony Express National Historic Trail
2,000 miles
Young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. The toughest and most dangerous stretch passed through Utah's West Desert. Today, it makes an unforgettable road trip. See: West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express itinerary
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A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon
Written by Kristen Bonkoski
4 minute read
East Canyon has always been a path for travelers, from the Donner Party to Brigham Young to the Pony Express. In this modern-day tale of travel, a family of three takes on East Canyon by bicycle for a weekend camping trip. They discover historical markers, swimming spots, and lots of ice cream.
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A View From the Past
Written by Andrew Dash Gillman
8 minute read
Follow a historian on a tour of the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway as he reconstructs forgotten history.
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Elevate Your Hiking with Mindfulness
Written by Annie Hartvigsen
Incorporating simple mindfulness techniques into your next hike can take the edge off anxiety and enhance your overall well being.
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Hike + Dine: Davis County
Written by Arianna Rees
4 minute read
Here are a few of Utah's Davis County’s best hiking trails and eateries to check out during your next visit.
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Hike + Dine: Ogden
Written by Mitchell Reber
4 minute read
Here are a few of Ogden, Utah's best hiking trails and eateries to check out during your next visit.
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Hike + Dine: Provo
Written by Arianna Rees
4 minute read
Here are a few of Provo, Utah's best hiking trails and eateries to check out during your next visit.
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Hike + Dine: Salt Lake City
Written by Mitchell Reber
4 minute read
Here are a few of Utah's Salt Lake City best hiking trails and eateries to check out during your next visit.
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Hiking
There are thousands of miles of great hiking trails throughout Utah. Some trails are most well-suited to rugged, multi-day backpacking, but there are innumerable "out and back" and "loop" hikes ranging from quick trots to stunning formations, and moderate paths than can be done in a few hours to full-day explorations.
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Hiking the Desert in Capitol Reef National Park
Written by Visit Utah
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3 Days
West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express
This itinerary is a three-day adventure along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Utah's West Desert. Visit Simpson Springs, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Gold Hill and more.
Adventure, Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Solitude
Highlights
- Camp Floyd State Park Museum
- Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Historic Wendover Airfield