Surrounded by the rugged Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City offers immediate access to a wealth of hiking opportunities. The nearby canyons, forests, lakes, and peaks provide an abundance of trail options suitable for all ability levels. From family-friendly strolls to challenging summit treks, the variety of scenic terrain allows you to choose the adventure according to your interest and fitness. Here are some of the best hiking trails and areas around Salt Lake City.
Donut Falls Trail
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the hike to Donut Falls is great for families and beginners. This moderately easy 2.2 mile roundtrip climbs 500 feet through shaded forest next to a picturesque stream with small waterfalls. Towards the top, the trail passes behind the cascading waters of Donut Falls, named for the unique circular shape and “donut hole” in the center of the rock.
Well-defined trail, mild grades, handrails and great scenery make this a popular introductory hike. It’s also one of the most accessible hikes when traveling by public transit using the UTA ski bus.
Cecret Lake Trail
For another scenic family-friendly hike in the Wasatch, head to Cecret Lake Trailhead up Little Cottonwood Canyon. This 1.4 mile loop follows a level, ADA accessible gravel path through evergreens to the peaceful, pristine mountain lake. Gaze at the surroundings sandstone cliffs reflected in the calm waters. Stop at the small beach for picturesque views down canyon. An optional trail branch takes you past old mine ruins to others vistas overlooking the lake.
Living Room Trail
Conveniently starting right from downtown Salt Lake City, Living Room Trail offers a quick woodland escape with solitude and scenery. The 5.5 mile loop climbs 1,200 feet into the foothills, crossing wooded slopes and rocky outcrops layering the Capital Butte area. There are many offshoot trails, like Ghost Falls, to further explore.
Keep your eyes peeled for elk and mule deer that frequent these lower foothills above the city. The trail can be dry and exposed in summer, so plan accordingly. Easily reached from neighborhoods below by trailhead access on East Capitol Boulevard.
Lake Blanche Trail
Tucked up Mill B South Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Lake Blanche Trail showcases stunning alpine scenery culminating in an idyllic glacial lake. The moderate 6-mile round trip climbs over 2,000 feet through wilderness forest into an open granite basin at the base of Sundial Peak. Vivid turquoise waters reflect the rocky cliffs that encircle Lake Blanche. For an additional stunning view, follow the shore trail 10 minutes to smaller Lillian Lake tucked below.
This popular trailhead fills on peak weekends. Consider starting early and avoid during potential thunderstorms in summer. The challenging uphills and high elevation around 7,000 feet warrant bringing plenty of water and snacks to fuel the trek.
Mount Olympus Trail
The challenging and spectacularly scenic ascent up Mount Olympus makes for one of the most rewarding day hikes for fit, experienced outdoors lovers near Salt Lake City. Start from the stream-crossed Wasatch Mountain State Park, gaining over 4,700 feet in elevation across 5+ miles to reach the summit at 9,026 feet.
Prepare for Class II and III scrambling up the exposed granite slabs lining the upper trail and summit ridge. Early starts are key to avoid dangerous afternoon storms typical in summer. The 360 degree views across the peaks of the Wasatch and Salt Lake Valley are unparalleled. Allow plenty of time and physical capability for this demanding but breathtaking hike.
Red Butte Garden Trails
For a peaceful nature retreat right in Salt Lake City, explore the bountiful trails weaving through Red Butte Garden’s arboretum and botanic collections. Over 5 miles of paved and dirt trails traverse the 150 acres of canyon hillsides, rock outcrops, and streamside habitats containing over 2,300 plant species from around the world. Spring and summer showcases brilliant wildflowers while fall brings stunning foliage.
Easy trail options include the 0.7 mile Creekside Trail along the gorge and the 1-mile Fragrance Trail loop past aromatic herbs and flowers. Connect multiple routes to fit your schedule. Trails are open dawn to dusk without garden admission.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Drives & Hikes
Home to towering granite walls, streams, wildflowers, and alpine lakes, Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway provides endless hiking access just a half hour from Salt Lake City. Drive or bike 15 miles up the canyon along with gushing Big Cottonwood Creek to trailheads for hike favorites like Lake Solitude, Desolation Trail and Broads Fork.
Stop to admire the historic Storm Mountain Quartzite quarry and 1940s era ski resort ruins at Alta Towne. End at the Brighton Ski Resort, full of family-friendly hiking and summer activities. The scenic drive alone immerses you in the forested canyon landscapes.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive
Little Cottonwood Canyon parallels Big Cottonwood just to its south, accessed off Highway 210. This equally stunning 15 mile canyon drive leads to renowned Utah ski resorts like Alta and Snowbird. Stop at trailheads along the way for hikes to lakes, streams and wildflower meadows with gorgeous mountain backdrops. Easy walk options include Cecret Lake, White Pine, Moss Lake and Lake Mary Rocks Trail.
Make sure to stop at the Alta California Lodge to see wildflowers and the scenic mountain panoramas captured by famed painter Albrect von Till. The drives up Big and Little Cottonwood transport you into the craggy Wasatch peaks with access to endless recreation.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
For an easily accessible and extensive hiking option across the Salt Lake Valley foothills, check out the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Once complete, this network of trails will span over 280 miles at the base of the Wasatch Front from Idaho to Nephi. Already over 100 miles of connected trails allow you to hike sections from nearby canyon trailheads.
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail contours along hillsides and canyons below the peaks, providing panoramic views from Ogden to Provo. Easily accessible entry points near Salt Lake City include Parleys Canyon, City Creek Canyon, Little Mountain Summit and Mueller Park.
Jordan River Parkway Trail
Starting right in downtown Salt Lake City, the expansive Jordan River Trail follows the waterway through the heart of the valley, creating a 42-mile conduit to nature framed by the distant mountains. Paved, flat and scenic, the trail is popular with walkers, joggers, bikers and skaters. Convenient trailheads allow you to walk or bike a short segment near neighborhoods or downtown.
Notable segments include the 10 mile Salt Lake City stretch perfect for commuting and the visually stunning Utah Lake portion traversing wetlands full of birds. Benches and interpretive plaques add enriching details along the way.
The Wasatch Mountain’s towering peaks, canyons, forests and streams offer endless hiking adventure within minutes of downtown Salt Lake City. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, there are trails ranging from easy to challenging that deliver stunning alpine scenery and wilderness immersion. Take advantage of the unique accessibility this urban adjacency to the Wasatch Range provides.
