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2025 Utah
Mountain G.O.A.T Challenge
Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
I'm a big fan of living life with intention and I love to start my year with a good list. This page features some of the hikes I'm planning for 2025 and I'd love for you to join me!​
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And because I'm a total dork... I created a simple game.
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If you're a Utah-type and interested in a motivating excuse to get outdoors, join my 2025 Utah Mountain G.O.A.T. challenge!
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PARTICIPATION RULES:
1. Earn a "season" merit badge (vinyl sticker) for each hiking season where you complete at least 2 of the listed hikes. If you need someone to go with, hit me up!
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I tried to include some intermediate hikes in with the advanced, especially in the beginning winter season.
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2. Earn the Extreme Mountain G.O.A.T. merit badge if you complete 2 hikes for each of the four seasons.
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3. Earn the Backpacking Badass badge if you knock out one of the backpacking trips.
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4. ​Follow me on Instagram @authorjenniferjenkns and post a pic when you hit your summit or turnaround point. Be sure to tag me and tell me how you liked the trail.​
5. Once you complete a challenge, DM me so I can send you your sticker!
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*If you need a hiking buddy or advice about the trail before you go, DM me!
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**I realize most of these hikes are for central and northern Utah. If my list is missing a great trail in Utah near you, let me know! I might add it to the challenge.
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***The months that I have listed next to the hikes are just suggestions. Your only requirement is that you hit the hike in its season.
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I hope this is fun and gets you outside!
Happy hiking!
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-Jen
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WINTER HIKES
January-March
Pine Forest (January)
4.0 miles, 450 ft elevation gain
Payson Canyon, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
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Y Mountain (January)
2 miles, 1000 ft elevation gain
Provo, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
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Donut Falls
3 miles, 300 ft of elevation gain
Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
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Fifth Water (February)
6.7 miles, 1000 ft elevation gain
(This is more mileage than usual because the road is closed)
Spanish Fork Canyon, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
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Big Rock Via Elephant Rock Trail
6.8 miles and 1100 ft elevation gain
Mueller Park Canyon, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
Kyhv Peak Trail (February)
7.3 miles , 2775 elevation gain
Provo Canyon, UT
Recommended Gear: Crampons (spikes) and Hiking Poles
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Notes on Winter Hiking:
Winter hiking is personally my favorite as long as you have a good pair of spikes, some hiking poles (preferable with snow tips), and waterproof hiking boots. There's nothing like walking through snow-laden trees in the crisp air. Just breathtaking!
But...
Please keep in mind that Utah is avalanche country. Pay attention to the weather before you head out. Avalanches happen when snow falls after a series of warm days. As a general rule, avoid open slopes with a 30+ degree grade. Use apps like AllTrails and Trail Forks to check conditions. When in doubt, consult the Utah Avalanche Website!
SPRING HIKES
April-May
Corona and Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail
2.3 miles and 462 ft elevation gain
Moab, UT
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Moonhouse Ruins
4.4 miles and 636 ft elevation gain
Cedar Mesa-Bears Ears National Monument
Note: While you're in the South East Utah area, you'll want to also try Wilson Arch, Firehouse Ruin, and Riverhouse Ruin
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Frary Peak Trail (April)
7 miles, 2329 ft elevation gain
Antelope Island State Park, UT​​
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Mt. Humphrey (Late April/May- Overnight in AZ)
9 miles, 3900 ft elevation gain
Sedona, AZ
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The Wave (May- Overnight stay in Kanab)
5 miles, 500 ft elevation gain
Near Kanab, UT
PERMIT REQUIRED! Try to get yours at Recreation.Gov​​
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​Stewart Falls (May)
3.2 miles, 830 ft elevation gain
​Provo Canyon, UT​
SUMMER HIKES/BACKPACKING
June-August
​​​Bell Canyon (June)
4 miles 1500 ft elevation gain
Little Cottonwood Canyon
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Silver Lake (Late June/July)
4.5 miles , 1450 ft in elevation gain
American Fork Canyon​​​
Sunset Peak via Cathrine Pass (July/August)
5 miles, 2000 ft
Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
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Adam's Canyon Trail (July/August)
5.4 miles, 2700 ft elevation gain
Layton, UT
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Amethyst Lake via Stillwater (July/August Backpacking)
13 miles round trip, 2326 feet elevation gain
Oakley, UT (Uintah Mountains)
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Mt Timpanogos (August)
14 miles, 5000 ft elevation gain
American Fork Canyon, UT
FALL HIKES/BACKPACKING
September-November
The Narrows (September- overnight in St George)
8 miles
Zion National Park, UT
Recommended Gear: Water shoes and hiking poles​​
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Broads Fork Basin (September)
4.5 miles, 2100 ft elevation gain
Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
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Lake Blanche (Early October)
7 miles, 2738 ft elevation gain
Big Cottonwood Canyon
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Coyote Gulch/Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon (October Backpacking)
8 miles, 500 ft elevation gain
Escalante, UT​​
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Rim to Rim (Early November, I'm planning on a hotel stay before and after the hike and doing the full 23 miles in one day)
23 miles, 6000 ft elevation gain
Grand Canyon, AZ
