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One of my favorite activities year-round in Utah is hiking. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options not far from Salt Lake City. If you are looking for where to begin, this post will cover the 11 Salt Lake City hiking trails you can’t miss. I will order these by difficulty (in my opinion). Therefore if you are new to hiking, definitely check out these hiking tips for beginners and start at the top and work your way down. Always be prepared with water, snacks, and electrolytes and assess your abilities before embarking on a hike that could be too strenuous. If you were too ambitious, there is no shame in turning around before getting to the end.

For a list of easy hiking trails near Salt Lake City, check out this post here. And if you decide you want to explore but not hike, check out this list of day trips from Salt Lake City.

Additionally, each of these hikes is heavily-trafficked meaning that you will very likely see [a lot of] other people on the trail. You can use these tips for how to practice social distancing while hiking to make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.

Last but not least, it’s incredibly important to practice Leave No Trace (LNT) principles when hiking in Salt Lake City and elsewhere. Not sure exactly what that means? Check out this post by REI. Without the full details, here are the 7 LNT Principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
• Respect wildlife.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Now without further ado, let’s dive into the Salt Lake City hiking trails that absolutely should be on your bucket list.

Salt Lake City Hiking

Cecret Lake

Number of Miles: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 459 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Yes, $8 parking fee
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Summer, Fall

This easy Salt Lake City hiking trail has an impressive effort to views ratio. It’s a particularly popular hike during the July wildflower season as the trail takes you directly by a massive wildflower meadow. The first 2/3 of the hike is relatively flat and paved and the last 1/3 is steeper and on rocks that can be slippery. Make sure to wear good shoes with grip, like these.

The lake at the end is stunning and moose frequent both the trail head and the lake. As a side note, if you visit during wildflower season, be careful not to stand in or walk on the wildflowers. Instead use camera angles to get shots that look like you’re in the meadow.

Lake Mary, Martha, and Catherine via Brighton Lakes Loop

Number of Miles: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1243 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

To see an impressive number of lakes in a relatively short distance, check out this mountain lake trail – a favorite Salt Lake City hiking trail. The trail to Lake Catherine is accessed from the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. Not surprisingly due to its elevation at the trail head, there is a potential for snow even long after summer temperatures have hit the valley. 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. Stopping at Lake Mary is often a great option if you are visiting from out of town, are new to hiking, or you have kids.

Silver Lake

Number of Miles: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1433 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Silver Lake in American Fork Canyon is technically not in Salt Lake City but it is close enough to count and another stunning hike. One perk of American Fork Canyon is that it does allow dogs. This is only one of two hikes on this list where you can bring your pup. You walk through the river two/three times so they can get a drink.

Note: If you are looking for other good hikes that allow dogs, check out the hike to Murdock Peak located in Millcreek Canyon.

Seasonally, there are beautiful wild flowers throughout the hike. As a side note, if you visit during wildflower season, be careful not to stand in or walk on the wildflowers. Instead use camera angles to get shots that look like you’re in the meadow. The last stretch of road before the trail head, it suggests a 4WD vehicle, but you can likely access the trail head without one depending on current road conditions.

Bell’s Canyon Trail to Lower Falls

Number of Miles: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1453 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Bell’s Canyon Trail to Lower Falls is of interchangeable difficulty with Silver Lake. However, you could take a shorter option with a quick hike to the Bell’s Canyon Reservoir and turn around.

The first portion of this hike to the reservoir is exposed. Once you are past the reservoir the trail gets more interesting although it is not very difficult until the last 0.5-1 mile before the falls where it gets rather steep. My favorite time of year to do this trail is during the winter as I actually find the steepness less harsh. However if you opt for this trail in the winter, spikes are a MUST.

Lake Blanche

Number of Miles: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2706 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3-4
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Lake Blanche is a classic Salt Lake City hiking trail. Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, you will enjoy the drive to get to the trail head as well. This trail can be demanding but its location and proximity to the Salt Lake Valley can’t be beat. Because of its accessibility, its a popular choice on weekends and holidays. Start early and go on a weekday in order to avoid the crowds.

Once you get started, you will quickly see why this is a favorite. The canyon views are beautiful, there is a potential to see wildlife, you hike through beautiful Aspen groves, and the lake is very impressive. Be prepared with lots of water, snacks, insect repellent, and flashlights if you get a late start.

Mount Timpanogos

Number of Miles: 12.8 miles – 15.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 4425 ft – 5377 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 5
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Yes, $6 (covered by America the Beautiful Annual Pass)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Summer, Fall

Mount Timpanogos is one of Utah’s most recognizable mountains, and another popular mountain hiking destination. At 11,749 feet, it is the second-highest summit of the Wasatch Mountains. This hike technically isn’t in Salt Lake as it begins in American Fork Canyon, however it’s not far.

There are two routes that take you to the Timp peak. You can summit either via the Aspen Grove Trail, or via the Timpooneke Trail. The Aspen Grove route is considered to be the more difficult route but I definitely prefer it. Along the way to the peak you pass Emerald Lake if you are summiting via Aspen Grove. This would also be a good spot to turn around if you felt like the trail was more strenuous than you anticipated.

While most people do this in a single day hike, you can camp and summit in the morning for sunrise (or anytime during the day). Take a significant amount of water on this hike – I brought 3 L and started early (before 6AM) and ran out. Due to wind and the elevation at the peak, it can be quite chilly at the top, even in the middle of the summer. Be prepared with extra clothing layers. If you decide to do this trail with snow which can linger into the late summer, spikes are definitely recommended.

Pfeifferhorn via Red Pine Lake

Number of Miles: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 3713 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 5
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Summer, Fall

One of my personal favorite Salt Lake City hiking trails is Pfeifferhorn via Red Pine Lake trail. This trail is NOT easy and also not for those afraid of heights. Do not attempt to summit Pfeifferhorn if you are unsteady, if there is bad weather, or poor trail conditions. Just going to Red Pine Lake itself is rated as difficult. However, the lake is beautiful and worth the trip. If you turned around at this point this would be a less difficult option that deciding to summit Mount Timpanogos.

The majority of the hike is on a well-maintained and easy to follow trail. Note: it said easy to follow, not “easy to do”. The portion of trail between Lower Red Pine Lake and the Alpine Ridge becomes more difficult to follow, but the direction of travel is obvious and should keep you near the correct path. Above Upper Red Pine lake follow the faint steep ridge that leads to the Alpine Ridge. There is a trail, but it is faint and hard to follow. I remember being right in front of the trail and being shocked that I was actually going to be going straight up.

The trail involves scree, scrambling, bouldering and is not for the faint of heart. However if you are up for a challenge it is one I would certainly recommend.

Neff’s Canyon

Number of Miles: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3563 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 4
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter

This popular, dog-friendly hike takes you on an incredible journey through Neff’s Canyon to Wildcat Ridge and back. You’ll start at a high-end neighborhood since the trail begins near a service road with lots of low-lying brush.

You’ll then gradually climb into the hills as the trail narrows to a dirt path. Along the way, you’ll cross a stream and arrive at a meadow where you can enjoy the alpine beauty of this special place. Feel free to turn around whenever you like, but it’s worth hiking to the meadow all the way at the end of the trail.

This trail is also great for snowshoeing in the winter and in the fall when vibrant foliage takes over the area.

Mount Olympus

Number of Miles: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 4087 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 4
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, Spring

Among the more challenging hikes near Salt Lake City, the summit of Mount Olympus stands 4,000 feet above the city. The trail is steep and mostly unshaded, making it a tough climb during the summer. So, if you have to visit in the summer, opt for a sunrise hike instead.

Yes, this hike features a lot of elevation gain in a short amount of time. But, it’s worth it for breathtaking views of the city and Wasatch Valley.

If you’re short on time or aren’t up for this type of challenge, you can always the lower section of the trail. This trail is also dog-friendly, except for the rocky scramble near the top. It requires Class 3 scrambling to reach the top.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

Number of Miles: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 528 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: Summer

Lake Bonneville once occupied the Salt Lake valley and a significant portion of the surrounding area. The ancient shoreline, which still marks a perfect indentation in the valley’s foothills, now serves as the baseline for a hundred-mile trail that winds through the hills.

The trail starts in the north and then works its way south, with numerous trailheads giving you access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. However, most people like to access the trail near Hogle Zoo. That’s because many hikers like to head north to the junction with Dry Creek Canyon. So, enjoy this easy hike in Salt Lake City and hike as much as you like. I love that how much you hike is entirely up to you.

Grandeur Peak (Trail Info Below is for the East Trail)

Number of Miles: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2352 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest):4
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year Round

There are two routes that will take you to the top of Grandeur Peak, a gorgeous mountain that sits between Parley’s Canyon and Millcreek Canyon. It stands 3,000 feet above the valley and is accessible via either the East Grandeur Peak Trail (longer but easier) or the West Grandeur Peak Trail (shorter but more challenging).

The challenging West Grandeur Peak hike starts at the northern end of Wasatch Boulevard. From here, you’ll hike half a mile up to the Bonneville Shoreline trail and continue climbing until you reach the summit several hours later.

However, if you want to take an easier route then try the East Grandeur Peak Trail. It begins at Church Fork in Millcreek Canyon and features a longer, but gentler, climb to the top. Regardless of the hike you choose, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and killer sunsets.

Salt Lake City Hiking Tips

• Start early. Although this was mentioned several times throughout the post, starting early will help with both crowds and heat.
• Pack snacks, water, and electrolytes. When hiking, I like to use a hiking pack with a water bladder like this one. Regardless of a water bladder or bottles, consider factors like the shade available on trails, how cloudy/sunny the weather is, and how hot it is outside. A trail with no shade on a sunny day would require about double the water than if it was a cloudy, cool day.
• Wear solid, sturdy hiking shoes. I use some similar to these, but find something that works for you.
• Sunscreen is also really important when hiking is there is often not much shade. Utah does have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the country.
• Bring bug spray. Depending on the location and time of year this is likely more important sometimes over others.
• Layers of clothing help ensure that you stay both warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm – consider hiking in wool clothing. This is especially important when bagging peaks as it will be significantly cooler up top. I typically bring a packable jacket like this one on all of my hikes.

Salt Lake City Hiking

Have you hiked near Salt Lake City? What was your favorite trail? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Hikes in Utah
• Easy Hikes near Salt Lake City
• Murdock Peak in Millcreek Canyon
• Hiking and Social Distancing
• 21 Places to Visit in Utah that aren’t National Parks
• Best Salt Lake City Winter Hikes

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