Thanksgiving Hiking Trips in Utah 2025 — Best Trails, Weather, and Planning Guide

If your idea of Thanksgiving isn’t a crowded dinner table but an open trail surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes, Utah is the place to be in 2025. With its red-rock canyons, sandstone arches, and crisp desert air, Utah transforms into an outdoor paradise for late fall travelers.

Thanksgiving week offers mild temperatures, lighter crowds, and cheaper accommodations — making it one of the best times to explore the state’s national parks and desert trails. Whether you’re a family looking for scenic hikes or a solo traveler seeking peace and quiet, Utah has the perfect adventure waiting.

1. Zion National Park — Angels Landing and Emerald Pools

Location: Springdale, Southern Utah
Best for: Adventure seekers and families

Zion National Park is the crown jewel of Utah hiking destinations, and it’s open throughout Thanksgiving weekend. The temperatures hover around 50–65°F, perfect for exploring without the summer heat.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Angels Landing (Permit Required): Iconic, thrilling, and unforgettable — plan ahead, as Thanksgiving crowds do grow slightly.

Emerald Pools Trail: Ideal for families; beautiful waterfall views with easy access.

Riverside Walk & The Narrows (if water levels allow): A must-see slot canyon hike.

Tips:

Stay in Springdale for walkable lodging and restaurants (some open Thanksgiving Day).

Bring layers; mornings and evenings are chilly.

Shuttle services may run on a limited holiday schedule.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park — Hoodoo Wonderland

Location: Bryce, Utah
Best for: Scenic views, photography, and moderate hikes

Bryce Canyon is magical during Thanksgiving. The crisp autumn air adds a golden hue to its famous hoodoos, and the park is open 24/7 year-round.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail: The park’s best moderate loop — offers stunning amphitheater views.

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point: Easy, accessible, and breathtaking in the cool light of November.

Peekaboo Loop Trail: For experienced hikers seeking solitude.

Tips:

Expect daytime highs around 45°F and nighttime lows below freezing.

Some nearby lodges offer Thanksgiving buffets with canyon views.

Bring traction cleats in case of early frost on trails.

3. Arches National Park — Desert Beauty Without the Crowds

Location: Moab, Eastern Utah
Best for: Families, photographers, and casual hikers

Arches National Park is stunning in late November. With fewer tourists, you can actually find parking at Delicate Arch and enjoy the views in peace.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Delicate Arch Trail: Utah’s most famous landmark — especially beautiful at sunset.

Windows Loop Trail: Perfect for families, only 1.2 miles round trip.

Devils Garden: Longer hike featuring multiple arches in one trip.

Tips:

Bring water even in cooler weather; the desert is dry.

Moab’s restaurants may have limited hours on Thanksgiving Day, so plan meals ahead.

Entry is 24 hours; sunset hikes are unforgettable.

4. Canyonlands National Park — Solitude and Epic Views

Location: Near Moab, Utah
Best for: Serious hikers and those seeking quiet landscapes

Canyonlands’ rugged beauty feels otherworldly during Thanksgiving. The vastness of Island in the Sky or the stillness of The Needles makes for a deeply reflective holiday experience.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Mesa Arch Trail: A short hike with one of the best sunrise views in the world.

White Rim Overlook: Sweeping canyon views ideal for photography.

Chesler Park Loop: Remote and peaceful — great for experienced hikers.

Tips:

Temperatures can range from 35°F at dawn to 60°F midday.

No restaurants or lodges inside the park; stay in Moab.

Bring extra layers and plenty of snacks.

5. Capitol Reef National Park — A Hidden Thanksgiving Gem

Location: Torrey, Central Utah
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers

Less crowded than other parks, Capitol Reef offers a Thanksgiving weekend filled with quiet canyons, natural bridges, and fruit orchards framed by red cliffs.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Hickman Bridge Trail: Moderate and scenic — perfect for families.

Capitol Gorge Trail: Petroglyphs and slot canyons make it a standout.

Cassidy Arch Trail: Named after Butch Cassidy; a thrilling hike with big views.

Tips:

Entry roads are open, but expect limited services.

Torrey has a few cozy Thanksgiving dining options.

Bring extra fuel if driving long distances between parks.

6. Snow Canyon State Park — Red Rocks and Relaxation

Location: St. George, Utah
Best for: Warm-weather Thanksgiving getaways

Snow Canyon is the hidden gem of Southern Utah — smaller, quieter, and warmer than the major national parks. With sandstone cliffs and lava flows, it’s perfect for a laid-back Thanksgiving adventure.

Top Thanksgiving Trails:

Petrified Dunes Trail: Rolling sandstone and easy hiking.

Johnson Canyon Trail: Short, family-friendly hike open through late fall.

Jenny’s Canyon: Great for kids and photo ops.

Tips:

Only 15 minutes from St. George — plenty of restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner.

Expect temps between 60–75°F during the day.

Entry fee: $15 per vehicle.

Travel Tips for Thanksgiving Hikers in Utah 2025

1. Book early: Park lodges and Moab hotels sell out fast.
2. Layer up: Utah’s desert climate means big temperature swings between morning and night.
3. Bring food and water: Many local restaurants close for Thanksgiving Day.
4. Start early: Shorter daylight hours mean early starts are essential.
5. Respect nature: Stay on trails, and pack out everything you bring.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving hiking trips in Utah 2025 offer something you can’t find at a crowded dinner table: peace, reflection, and the raw beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re climbing sandstone arches, walking among hoodoos, or gazing over desert canyons, every step is a reminder to be thankful for open skies and open trails.

If you’re ready to trade the turkey for trail mix, Utah in November is calling.