People travel from around the world to explore the hiking trails around renowned rock features in Utah’s national parks. But there’s much more for hikers to discover than what’s within those boundaries. Just a short drive from each national park are more magical vistas and marvelous trails without the hassles that come from the over 11 million people who visit these five parks annually.

These hikes are a great way to escape the hordes but still enjoy miles of Utah’s most beautiful landscapes. Bonus: they’re either near the national parks themselves or between two parks, so you can string multiple hikes together in one epic road trip. Here are a few stellar hiking trails near Utah’s national parks that are just as spectacular as anything you’ll find within the Mighty Five.

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Located outside the town of Escalante about halfway between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks is 6.1-mile Calf Creek Falls Trail. This riparian adventure runs alongside Calf Creek toward 126-foot tall Lower Calf Creek Falls, where you’ll hike between high rock walls and among an abundance of wildflowers and cacti.

Most of the trail is fairly level but composed of soft sand, so expect to exert yourself more than you would on packed dirt; bring more snacks and water than you think you’ll need.

When you reach the falls, enjoy a cool dip or soak your feet in the pool at the base. A $5 day-use fee per vehicle or an America the Beautiful pass is required.

Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop

If you’re driving from Capitol Reef National Park to Arches, take a detour to this trail tucked several miles off the beaten path near Goblin Valley State Park. On this loop, you’ll access two slot canyons that feel vastly different from what you see in nearby parks.

Although there are intermittent stretches of sunny, wide paths along gravel washes, much of the trail is in the shadows of narrow canyons. A warning for claustrophobes: You’ll have to squeeze through tight spaces or scramble up steep inclines on this trail. Colorful, swirling rock layers make for a chromatic hiking experience you’ll never forget.

There is a stretch of trail between the canyons on open ATV roads, but if you prefer to stick to a canyon-centric out-and-back, a 2.5-mile trek into just Little Wild Horse Canyon (5 miles round-trip) is plenty rewarding. Parking and hiking is free.

Red Reef Trail

About an hour from the main entrance of Zion National Park is a stunner park full of dinosaur tracks, campsites that are more often available than at Zion, trails and more. But the highlight might be 11.4 out-and-back Red Reef Trail, which leads hikers along a sandy path next to Quail Creek, past impressive rock features, and into narrow canyons. 

It’s a fairly level and easy hike to start, but once you reach the canyon about a half-mile in, the trail transitions to more of a scramble along slickrock cliff slopes next to potholes and waterfalls, so wear shoes with good traction and take your time.

If precarious rock scrambles aren’t to your taste, you can still hike up to a shady natural amphitheater, duck into twisted, hollow tree trunks, and picnic by Quail Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee if you don’t have an America the Beautiful park pass.

Corona Arch Trail

When in Moab, don’t miss the chance to explore the striking landscape outside Arches. One local favorite trail is Corona Arch, which starts across Potash road from the Colorado River.

On this hike, you’ll walk high above canyon valleys, enjoy big views of desert landscapes, and ascend steep slickrock on your way to Corona and Bowtie arches. The trail isn’t long, and the elevation change is moderate at best, but there’s no shade, so be prepared for extreme heat in the summer. Hike early in the day, and bring lots of water. 

Extend your hike by 1.2 miles total by taking the offshoot trail to Pinto Arch or just bask in the massive rock cutouts along the main route that rival anything you’ll find in the nearby national parks. Parking and hiking are free.

House on Fire

Located in Bears Ears National Monument just outside the Canyonlands National Park Needles District, this easy hike leads you up a wash in Mule Canyon to a marvelously preserved ancient dwelling carved into a mesa. The site gets its name from the flame-like patterns and streaks in the rock above the historic granaries.

If you want to go farther, you can continue upstream for up to 7 miles. But whether you take a long or short hike, you’ll need permits. Get them on recreation.gov or at the BLM Monticello Field Office. Remember: The historic area is sacred to members of Hopi, Navajo, Ute, Zuni, and other Native American tribes, so be respectful as you explore.