The Living Room Lookout Trail

Route Description for The Living Room Lookout Trail

The Living Room Lookout Trail is a super popular hiking route just south of the Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City. This route is a steep and consistent climb up to an excellent viewpoint. Hikers should be prepared with proper, supportive footwear and hiking poles if they need the extra support. This trail is part of a larger trail network so keep an eye out for signage along the path to point you in the right direction. Dogs are allowed to join you on this hike but they must be kept on leash for the whole time.

The Living Room Trail is named for the “couches” and “recliners” that hikers have built out of rocks at the top. These stone seats are surprisingly comfortable and a welcome sight after the steep climb up. On weekends, you can often find locals and their pups relaxing in the “living room” enjoying a bevie and the panoramic views as the sun sets over Salt Lake City.

From the trailhead, follow the signs that guide you southeast along the Living Room Trail. After approximately 0.6 km, you will emerge from the tangle of trails and find yourself climbing steadily up to the living room. Approximately one mile from the trailhead, the path will split, take a left to hike the last few hundred feet to the living room.

Kick back and relax and enjoy the views from a comfy chair or couch before heading back down the way you came.

If you’d like to explore more in the area, you can take a right at the last fork and continue up the trail to a higher viewpoint at the top of Red Butte or even higher to the top of Mount Wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the living room hike?

The Living Room Lookout Trail is 3.9 km out-and-back.

How hard is the living room hike?

The Living Room Lookout Trail is a moderately challenging route that is appropriate for families with older children.

Insider Hints for The Living Room Lookout Trail

• The trail gets mucky in the spring, and icy in the winter; traction devices such as microspikes are recommended for hiking in these seasons
• This hike is especially spectacular at sunset
• The Living Room Lookout Trail can be a great way to cap off the day after spending time exploring the Utah Natural History Museum just north of the trailhead