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As it starts to warm up, most people start transitioning from skis and snowboards to hiking boots in Utah. If you are looking to go hiking near Salt Lake City, here are my top trails to get you started.

Top trails near Salt Lake City

If you are visiting from out of town or are local but new to hiking, these are my recommendations for hiking near Salt Lake City, Utah. For those new to hiking, before setting out check out these beginner hiking tips so you are prepared to hit the trails. If you are headed out and looking for tips for how to practice social distancing while hiking, check out this post here.

Ensign Peak

Length: 0.8 miles

Elevation gain: 374 ft

Ensign Peak is short, easy, and very accessible to downtown Salt Lake City. It also has the classic city views with the Capitol Building front and center. If you are pressed for time or transportation, this is likely your best choice for hiking near Salt Lake City.

Willow Lake Trail

Length: 2,4 miles

Elevation Gain: 629 ft

If you’re near Salt Lake City and seeking a hiking adventure for the entire family then consider Willow Lake.

As you follow the trail through the cool shade of an aspen forest, it opens up to reveal the picturesque lake just over a half a mile into the hike.

Now, for a leisurely stroll, you can continue around the lake. The area is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves take on a vibrant yellow hue.

Also, Keep an eye out for the trailhead, as there is no signage or large parking area. In fact, the trailhead is just past the end of a residential and business area, where the road bends to the left.

After that try to look for a 35-mph speed limit sign that marks the entrance to the trail.

You’ll also see a small stone monument that establishes the Willow Heights conservation area and that is the starting point for your hike.

Rattlesnake Gulch

Length: 3.3 miles

Elevation gain: 816 ft

As one of the first turnoffs in Millcreek Canyon, accessing the Pipeline Trail via Rattlesnake Gulch is a good option for a canyon hike. The Pipeline trail is long and continues up the canyon. Instead, I recommend when you join the Pipeline trail, head west back towards the city for a nice overlook. Millcreek Canyon is one of my favorite choices since it allows dogs (unlike the Cottonwood Canyons). Please note: Millcreek Canyon has a cost of $5 per car payable on exit. Want a more intense Millcreek Canyon hike? Check out Murdock Peak.

Donut Falls Trail

Length: 1,24 miles

Elevation Gain: 291 ft

Donut Falls is an awesome, easy hike near Salt Lake City. However, it isn’t just your average hike since it’s an all-American gem

Ideal for families and laid-back explorers, this trail boasts more than stunning scenery and that is what makes it a spot for some of the best hiking near Salt Lake City.

It’s not just any waterfall. Donut Falls pours into a cool cave and has carved out a donut-shaped hole in the rocks. So, it’s a sight you won’t see anywhere else.

To make the most of your adventure, try to kick off early to beat the crowds and snag an epic parking spot.

Once you’ve seen this unique waterfall, consider bringing a picnic lunch so that you can enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Pro Tip: Try to visit in the morning when this hike in Salt Lake City is at its best.

City Creek Canyon

Length: 5.9 miles (you can turn around at any time)

Elevation gain: 656 ft

If you are looking for more of an urban hiking experience, City Creek Canyon should be your choice. It is probably the easiest on this list. You won’t be headed to an overlook, instead you will follow a river up City Creek Canyon. If you want more of a challenge, consider riding your bike up this canyon.

If you are starting from downtown, you can reach City Creek trail through Memory Grove Park and the Freedom Trail. Otherwise you can park at the trailhead.

Cecret Lake Trail

Length: 1,24 miles

Elevation Gain: 465 ft

Favored by Salt Lake City locals, the Cecret Lake Trail at Alta Ski Area is a go-to option for a quick escape in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Now, this trail is famed for its vibrant wildflowers and occasional moose as you enjoy a wonderful journey to Cecret Lake.

For an added thrill, make your way to the summit of Sugarloaf Peak, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking and unbelievable sunset panoramas.

However, if you prefer a more extended hike, consider starting at the Albion Meadows Trail from the lower parking lot.

Living Room Trail

Length: 2.3 miles

Elevation gain: 980 ft

The Living Room trail is unique in that it features rocks that are arranged at the finale like living room furniture that you can relax in when you reach the top. My personal gauge for “hard hikes” is somewhere around 1000 ft of elevation per 1 mile traveled. While this is of course not quite that steep, it’s relatively close. Keep that in mind if you choose this trail.

Looking for the best hikes in Utah? Check out 26 Utah hiking trails here.

Lake Catherine via Brighton Lakes Trail

Length: 4.4 miles

Elevation gain: 1,243 ft

If you aren’t in the mood for a city overlook, maybe instead check out this mountain lake trail. This is accessed from the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. Since it starts at a higher elevation than the rest, there is a potential for snow even long after summer temperatures have hit the valley. Check trail conditions before heading out via the AllTrails website/app (free or paid versions available). The trail is 4.4 miles round trip but if you are feeling less ambitious, you can stop after Lake Mary for a 2.6 mile hike.

If you find out that the trail still has snow, I would only venture out with spikes. These are game-changing for hiking in the snow and I promise they will save you so many headaches. There are multiple brands out there, but these by Kahtoola are by far the best. Other brands have a metal bar on the front that can cause significant pressure on your toes on the downward portion of the trail.

Best Hiking Near Salt Lake City FAQs

1. Is Salt Lake City Good for Hiking?

Yes, of course! Salt Lake City is a hiker’s dream. So, hit up Mount Olympus or Bell’s Canyon, Both are just a 10-minute drive from downtown and take about 4 to 6 hours to complete.

2. What Mountains are Near Salt Lake City? What Famous Mountains are in Salt Lake City?

The mountains near Salt Lake City are part of the Wasatch Range that encircles Salt Lake City.

Home to killer peaks like Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Grandeur Peak, they are perfect for outdoor adventures.

3. Where Can I Hike at Great Salt Lake?

If you want to go hiking at the Great Salt Lake then some hikes you might want to try include:

• Great Salt Lake Loop
• Mount Ogden via Beus Canyon Trail
• Ben Lomond via North Skyline Trail
• Ogden Hot Spring via Indian Trail
• Great Salt Lake Loop
• Jordan River Parkway
• Ben Lomond via North Skyline Trail
• UTABA Reservoir via Cutler Ridge Trail

4. Is Utah known for hiking?

Utah is a hiker’s paradise and is full of Iconic national parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands. All are amazing and attract visitors from around the globe.

5. What are the Big Five Hikes in Utah?

Utah is home to 5 top-tier national parks that include Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon, a.k.a. the Mighty Five.

These parks are home to breathtaking red rock landscapes, tranquil deserts, and an extensive network of over 1,000 miles of hiking trails that cater to adventure lovers.

Hiking near Salt Lake City

As a reminder, even though these trails are relatively short, Salt Lake City is approximately 4500ft elevation. Just walking short, flat distances can cause you to get out of breath more easily if you aren’t used to the elevation. Venture out carefully. Always be equipped with water, snacks, and sunscreen. For the 26 best hikes in Utah, check out this post here. If you are looking for other things to do in Utah, check out this list of 21 places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks.

Also for more recommendations near the city, check out the book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Salt Lake City.

Do you have a favorite trail near Salt Lake City? Which one is it? Leave it in the comments below.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Salt Lake City Winter Hikes
• Best Hikes in Utah
• 13 Things to do in Salt Lake City in the Winter
• Best Place to Ski in Utah
• Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Northern Utah
• 21 Places to Visit in Utah that aren’t National Parks
• Utah Ski Resorts: A review from a local skier
• Snow Tubing in Park City

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