Hikes in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Hikes
Salt Lake City hikes are an incredible outdoor adventure that provide access to some of the most picturesque terrain Utah has to offer. Right on the doorstep of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is the ideal jumping-off point for some truly fantastic hikes. This fascinating, beautiful corner of Utah is known for its impressive craggy peaks, and particularly for the brilliant skiing opportunities in the winter months. However, come to Salt Lake City in summer, when the skies are blue and the mountains call to all avid hikers. If you are after an unforgettable outdoor experience, Salt Lake City hikes have all that you could ask for!
As the locals will tell you, Salt Lake City’s proximity to some beautiful natural spots is what makes it a wonderful place to live and visit. With trails that begin right where the city ends, and stunning wilderness areas just a short drive away, this is a fantastic place to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. With dramatic canyons, picturesque streams and lakes, and imposing mountain peaks, there’s no shortage of wonderful Salt Lake City hikes just waiting to be discovered.
The Wasatch Mountains are particularly known for their canyons, and many of the trails listed here will take you close to Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, or Mill Creek Canyon. The Salt Lake City hikes that pass through this terrain are a thrilling experience, with plenty of diversity to keep you entertained on the trail, and some really epic views.
Salt Lake City offers year-round adventures, with fantastic hiking and backpacking in the summer months, and superior skiing in the winter. To give you a little inspiration for your next trip, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite Salt Lake City hikes, together with some top tips on how to enjoy your trip. Sit back, relax, and start dreaming of your next adventure!
Types Of Hiking In Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City offers a whole host of wonderful hiking opportunities, with trails to suit all levels of ability and experience. The Wasatch Mountains offer some satisfying challenges for serious hikers, with trails that rise steeply up to towering summits. You’ll need plenty of energy to tackle some of these longer hikes, but there are rewards in abundance once you reach the top. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little easier, or travelling with family, you’ll find plenty of lower elevation trails with lots of interesting sights to keep younger hikers happy. With cascading waterfalls and pristine mountain lakes, there are lots of places to cool off on hot days, and plenty of beautiful picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the view!
Easy Hikes In Salt Lake City
Cecret Lake Hike: This easy hike makes the most of the Alta ski lift access road to get you high into the alpine without having to expend much energy. Right from the start of the trail you’ll enjoy wonderful views, passing through alpine meadows until you come to a beautiful, serene lake. This is a wonderful place for a picnic and a tranquil moment amidst the magnificent scenery.
Family Hikes In Salt Lake City
Donut Falls Hike: The route to Donut Falls, deep in the heart of Big Cottonwood Canyon, is a classic family hike in Salt Lake City. It’s a short climb with spectacular views, and kids will love the sights and sounds of the huge cascading waterfall. Don’t forget to bring a change of socks as you may get wet feet on this fun, family hike!
Day Hikes In Salt Lake City
Red Pine Lake and Pfeifferhorn Ridge Hike: The route up to Red Pine Lake and further on to the Pfeifferhorn Ridge is one of the best day hikes in Salt Lake City, offering a magnificent panorama over the surrounding peaks. You’ll need to use your hands and there is some scrambling required at different points along the trail, but this is a really fun route for experienced, confident hikers.
Challenging Hikes In Salt Lake City
Box Elder Peak Hike: Hikers beware! This route up to Box Elder Peak is not for the faint of heart, with a steep, long climb all the way to the summit. However, if you’ve got the energy, the views from the top are simply sensational. You’ll see the Pfeifferhorn Ridge, Mount Timpanogos, and all the surrounding peaks, with views down as far as Salt Lake. This is an unmissable adventure if you’re a keen hiker.
Best Hikes In Salt Lake City
Clayton Peak Hike: The short, steep hike up to Clayton Peak is a surprisingly manageable route that offers some incredible views. As the ascent is relatively short, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the panorama from the summit, taking in the Wasatch Mountains, the Uintas, Mount Timpanogos and Box Elder. This is one of the best hikes in Salt Lake City if you want a short hiker that’s big on views.
Silver Lake Hike: Relatively few hikers make the journey to Silver Lake, but this quiet trail offers many delights. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow and the easy switchbacks mean that you’ll barely notice the elevation gain. This lake itself is beautiful, surrounded by imposing gray cliffs that create an incredible ambience. Cool off in the crisp waters of the lake, or take a picnic and simply admire the view.
Sunset Peak Hike: The route up to Sunset Peak passes by four stunning alpine lakes: Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine. The views along the way are lovely, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the water and the scenery. However, once you ascend Sunset Peak things move up a level, with a magnificent outlook into both the Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, and a wonderful mountain panorama.
Mount Raymond Hike: The route up to the summit of Mount Raymond requires some relatively significant elevation gain over a short period, meaning that many hikers don’t include it on their Salt Lake City itinerary. We think this is a huge mistake as the Mount Raymond hike is an incredible trek with unique views into the heart of the Wasatch. Enjoy the solitary summit and the majesty of these grand peaks.
Lake Blanche Hike: Lake Blanche is the destination for an extremely popular hike in Salt Lake City, and it’s not hard to see why. The climb to the lake is steep, and will definitely get your legs working, but the views as you near the top are magnificent. This exceptionally pretty alpine lake is the perfect place for a picnic, where you can get your breath back after the stiff climb.
Mount Aire Hike: This fun trail offers plenty of variation and wonderful scenery, passing through forests and wildflower meadows before finally emerging at the summit. With few switchbacks, this trail is steep and fairly arduous, but if you’re looking for a good workout, it’s a great choice. The views from the top extend into the rolling foothills of the Wasatch, and all the way to Mount Raymond and Gobbler’s Knob.
When Is The Best Time To Hike In Salt Lake City?
The hiking season in Salt Lake City runs from May to October, although snow can linger on high ground well into May, and you may see early flurries in October. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures rising to an average high of 32 degrees Celsius. The spring months are cooler, but you will find the trails very muddy at this time of year, due to the high rainfall and large volume of snowmelt. As a result, we think the best time to hike in Salt Lake City is September, when you can expect cool, comfortable temperatures for hiking, and there are far fewer hikers out on the trails. What’s more, at this time of year the turning leaves create some fabulous photo opportunities! In winter, snows render many trails inaccessible, but you’ll still have the chance to go snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding.
Other Outdoor Activities In Salt Lake City
Although hiking is undoubtedly popular with visitors and locals alike, there are plenty of other wonderful outdoor activities in Salt Lake City! With endless miles of beautiful hiking trails, this is a great place for a backpacking trip, getting out into the wild for some backcountry camping. What’s more, you can also enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and road biking, all in beautiful countryside just a stone’s throw from the city. Salt Lake City also has a stellar reputation as a winter sports destination, and when the snows hit expect to enjoy both downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
How To Plan A Trip To Salt Lake City
If you’re thinking of making Salt Lake City your next hiking destination, we’ve got all the information you’ll need to make your trip a success. Check out our comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Salt Lake City, complete with recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and insider tips to maximize your time in this part of Utah. If you need even more inspiration, or want to go even further afield, take a look at our list of all the top hikes in Utah. Whichever trail you choose, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
Best Hikes in Salt Lake City
The Mormon Pioneer Trail
The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a well-maintained route in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National forest between Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah. This trail is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail in the summer with gorgeous wildflowers throughout. Dogs, unfortunately, are not permitted on the Mormon Pioneer Trail, as this route lies within a watershed.
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Desolation Lake and Dog Lake Loop
The Desolation Lake and Dog Lake Loop is a gorgeous hike in the Mill Creek Wilderness Area just east of Salt Lake City. This is a long trail but there are no treacherous sections and the path is not overly steep. This trail travels through a beautifully forested area and is appropriate for hikers with moderate experience levels.
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Jupiter Peak and Shadow Lake Loop
The Jupiter Peak and Shadow Lake Loop is a gorgeous route through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This trail takes you up to the top of Jupiter Peak before descending down to Shadow Lake in the valley below. The views along the trail to Jupiter Peak and Shadow Lake are truly out of this world!
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Black Mountain Trail
The Black Mountain Trail is a fantastic route for experienced hikers. This trail is not for the faint of heart, as the steep path ends with an exposed scramble up to the summit; however, the views from the top are richly rewarding. From the peak of Black Mountain, you will earn incredible views of Salt Lake City, the surrounding townships, and the forested canyon below.
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Lower Hell Canyon
Neither Hell, nor a canyon, the Lower Hell Canyon Trail is a beautiful hike up to a viewpoint overlooking Salt Lake City. This moderately challenging hike is a consistent climb up to a stunning overlook. Dogs are allowed to join you on this trail but must be kept on leash for the duration of their hike.
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Big Beacon (Mount Wire) Trail
The Mount Wire Trail is a fantastic, moderately challenging hike just east of the University of Utah Campus in Salt Lake City. This out-an-back trail leads hikers to the top of Red Butte and the top of Mount Wire, a prominent peak affectionately known as “Big Beacon” by the locals. The Mount Wire trail also swings by the “Living Room” if you are looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy the sunset after your summit hike.
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Olympus Hills Park
The Olympus Hills Park Walk is a great little outing for the whole family. This trail is well-maintained, relatively flat, and totally doable for hikers of all skill levels. This hike is great for children of all ages, and you can even bring your pup along too! Please note that all dogs must be on leash for the duration of your time in Olympus Hills Park.
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Burch Hollow Trail
The Burch Hollow Trail is a beautiful hike through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This trail is challenging with a steep climb up to the destination viewpoint, but the hard work is definitely worth it. From the top you will earn incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding forest and of Salt Lake City way in the distance.
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Mount Raymond via Alexander Basin Trail
Mount Raymond via the Alexander Basin Trail is a challenging route for experienced hikers. This trail ascends over 1,341 m to the top of Mount Raymond via a steep and rugged trail. The views from the top are totally worth it though, as you will earn an incredible panoramic view of the Utah Landscape stretching out before you from the summit.
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Emigration Canyon Miners Trail
The Emigration Canyon Miners Trail is a lovely trail in the Red-Butte Wilderness area. This route is a reasonable hike up through the forest that ends with a wickedly steep climb up to the final viewpoint. Dogs are allowed on this trail, though the last section may not be appropriate for all pups.
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Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir via Larry’s Trail
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir via Larry’s Trail is a gorgeous hike just outside of Sandy, Utah. This trail is short but moderately steep, as it brings you up a series of switchbacks to a beautiful reservoir. Though swimming is not permitted in this reservoir, the cool breeze coming off the water awakens the senses and refreshes the mind after the hot hike up.
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Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir via Boulders Trailhead
The hike to Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir via the Boulders Trail is a great route for the whole family. This beautiful trail is well-maintained and appropriate for most hikers, including children of all ages. The Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir itself is a gorgeous watering hole that is home to an abundance of forest wildlife including deer, ducks, and songbirds. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on this trail as it travels to a protected watershed.
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Bonneville Shoreline Trail: Layton Ridge to Fernwood Recreation Area
The hike from Layton Ridge to the Fernwood Recreation Area follows a beautiful section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This hike is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so it’s a great way to get out for a morning or afternoon with the whole family. This section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is especially beautiful in the summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom!
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Bells Canyon Trail to Ridgeline
The Bells Canyon Trail to Ridgeline is a gorgeous, rugged route just outside of Sandy, Utah. This trail is not often maintained and can be quite the adventure. If you love creative route-finding and want to earn some incredible views, this is the hike for you!
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Parley’s Historic Nature Park Trail
The Parley’s Historic Nature Park Trail is a popular hiking, running, and dog-walking route in Salt Lake City, Utah. This trail is considered “historic”, as it passes by the remains of pioneer architecture. Along the trail you can see what’s left of a sandstone aqueduct, as well as the wine cellar from a popular 1800s hotel that burnt down in 1952.
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The Aqueduct Trail
The Aqueduct Trail is a beautiful, family-friendly hike on the eastern edge of Draper, Utah. This hike is very well-maintained and relatively flat, so it’s a great choice for families with kids of all ages. Your favorite four-legged friend is also welcome on this route; however, dogs must be kept on-leash for the duration of their hike.
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Parley’s Trail
Parley’s Trail is an east-west, multi-use path that connects the Bonneville Shoreline Trail with the Jordan River Parkway. Along Parley’s Trail, hikers can stop at neighborhood coffee shops, historic sites, and local shops. Dogs may accompany you on your hike along Parley’s Trail, but they must be kept on leash.
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Honeycomb Canyon and Lake Solitude Loop
The Honeycomb Canyon and Lake Solitude Loop is a gorgeous hike near Brighton, Utah. This trail is moderately challenging with some steep climbs, but the views along the route are totally worth the effort! While hiking, keep an eye out for forest critters such as deer and moose who frequent the area.
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Parley’s Canyon Overlook and Jack’s Mailbox Loop
Parley’s Canyon Overlook and Jack’s Mountain Loop is a gorgeous but challenging hike in Salt Lake City. This route is seriously steep, as it ascends almost 732 m along a rocky trail. Be sure to stop and visit the memorial atop Jack’s Mountain and read through the notes left by all those who have visited this gorgeous summit.
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Willow Creek Trail
The Willow Creek Trail is a lovely route that is fun for the whole family. You can even bring your favorite four-legged family member along too, though dogs must be kept on leash at all times. This trail loops around Willow Creek Park and the surrounding area near Park City, Utah.