Salt Lake City, commonly called “The crossroads of the West” is a trendy tourist location for outdoor recreation events and skiing. The city is known for its accommodating and open-minded citizens with a politically diverse and progressive culture.
Here are some of the beautiful hikes near Salt Lake City, Utah.
1. The Donut Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation: 164m
Type of trail: out and back
Have you been on a waterfall hike before? The donut falls trail takes its name after the waterfalls, which can be seen through a donut hole.
The donut falls trail is a 3.5 miles out-and-back trail found in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake Ranger District, a short drive from Salt Lake City.
On a difficulty scale, the donut falls trail is an easy hike. It takes an average of 1 hr and 31 mins for an entire stroll. It is popular among family and friends vacations, and you can be assured that it would not be a quiet and lonely walk.
One of the best features of the donut falls trail is the waterfall that can be sighted after crossing steep boulder fields. The climb is steep and slippery, so you need to be cautious if you are with kids.
The recommended time to visit the trail is from April through October. Pets are not allowed on the course.
2. Cecret Lake Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 142m
Type of trail: out and back
The name is pronounced as “secret.” The Cecret Lake Trail is well known for camping, snowshoeing, and hiking. It is one of the favorite trails in Wasatch National Forest. It is an easy stroll, and getting there early secures you a nice spot.
The best time to visit the cecret lake trail is June through September. This course usually has high social activity, as tourists and locals regularly hike this trail. The total distance is about 1.8 miles out and back, and it takes an average of 1hr to complete.
You can follow the Cecret Lake Trail to Sugarloaf Peak, a charming site to take pictures with the mountains as the backdrop. You should add the Cecret Lake Trail to your hiking itinerary for your family vacation or friend’s trip.
It is advised to get appropriate hiking footwear during winter, as the course is snowy and slippery. Pets or bikes are not allowed.
3. Grandeur Peak East Trail through Church Fork
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 5.9 miles
Elevation: 721m
Type of trail: out and back
Are you up for a stimulating hike? Why don’t you try the Grandeur Peak East Trail? Grandeur Peak can be found between Paley’s Canyon and Millcreek Canyon.
It is a famous course for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing, taking an entire length of 9.5 km and approximately 4 hrs 12 mins to complete. Grandeur Peak East Trail is more challenging than the two trails listed above. Before embarking on this trail, you should have some experience with challenging hikes or go with someone more experienced.
Dogs are permitted on the trail, although they must be leashed on even-numbered days and can be unleashed on odd-numbered days. The path is open all year round, and it is recommended to begin the course early, right at sunrise. At the mountain’s peak, there is a breathtaking and satisfying sight, with a superb spot to watch the sunrise.
There are two access courses to Grandeur Peak; the adventurous types take the steeper trail by the northern end of Wasatch Boulevard and hike towards the Bonneville Shoreline trail until you reach Grandeur Peak. It could take a couple of hours due to the trail’s steepness.
Or you could opt for the easier route, where you start at Church Fork in Millcreek Canyon, and although it is longer than the other route, it is a less steep course.
Mountain biking is allowed on even days, but make sure you don’t go when the snow is melting. Also, be wary of rattlesnakes.
4. Neffs Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7 miles
Elevation: 1,085m
Type of trail: out and back
The Neffs Canyon Trail is one of the dog-friendly trails in the Wasatch National Forest, although the dogs must be leashed. It is a typical trail for cross-country skiing, backpacking, and hiking. It has a total length of 7.3 miles out and back and is located near Mounthaven, Utah.
As you ascend the mountain, the weather gets cooler and more refreshing. Near the summit is an alluring wallflower meadow you would be grateful you saw.
It’s considered between moderate and strenuous on a difficulty scale and takes about 6 hrs to make a round trip. Rather than hiking alone, it is better to go with a friend to share the scenery with.
The trail and elevation are also perfect for mountain biking.
5. Bell Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length:4.6 miles
Elevation: 443m
Type of trail: out and back
The Bell Canyon Trail is near Sandy, Utah. It is a total length of 4.6 miles and takes about 3 hrs to complete. Dogs are not allowed on this course; however, the Bell Canyon is quite a popular trail for running, hiking, and snowshoeing.
You would love to go on the bell canyon trail, as there are many beautiful cityscapes for your viewing pleasure. It is a very steep and rocky trail; so it’s only good for older kids who have experience hiking.
The area closer to the waterfalls is muddy, so make sure you wear shoes with good traction. Taking some water with you on your course is advised. There is also a nice picnic spot near the water.
There is a gravel double track for mountain biking up to the Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir. The best times to visit Bell Canyon Trail are June through October.
6. Mount Olympus
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.8 miles
Elevation: 1,267m
Type of trail: out and back
Mt. Olympus is a strenuous but breathtaking trail, so not one you can take kids on. It is a very steep course and is difficult to hike in the midday and afternoons because of the lack of shade on the mountain.
If you are not fit physically, it’s best to stay in the lower parts of the mountain. There are still sites to explore there. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, but they must be leashed.
For mountain bikers, the ride is rocky and steep in spots near the North end; but with a good bike it’s a rewarding ride.
7. Ensign Peak trail and overlook
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 0.85 miles
Elevation: 114m
Type of trail: out and back
Ensign Peak Trail and overlook are located near Salt Lake City, Utah. Ensign Peak Trail and Overlook is a common mountain biking, running, and hiking trail. It is one of the dog-friendly trails in Memory Groove Park; however, the dogs must be on a leash.
On the Ensign Peak Trail, you can enjoy beautiful views of Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake. This trail is quite popular among locals during their lunch breaks. It is also kid-friendly, although the path is uphill.
You don’t need a lot of experience to embark on this trail; you can take your family to enjoy the fantastic views at sunset.
8. Lake Blanche Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.8 miles
Elevation: 856m
Type of trail: out and back
If you are interested in daring a higher-height trail, you should take advantage of the Lake Blanche trail. It is a very steep and uphill trail and takes about 4 hours to complete. However, the view of the mountaintop lake makes it rewarding and worth every step.
The hike is not good for young children, but okay for families with teenagers who are used to hiking regularly.
Lake Blanche is listed as one of the breathtaking sites in the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area. There are three mountaintop lakes, among which Lake Blanche is one. The two other lakes are Lake Lillian and Lake Florence.
The view overlooking the canyons and Salt Lake City near the summit is equally beautiful. The most favorable time to visit the lake is from June to October.
Swimming in the lake is banned, and dogs are also not allowed on this trail. Leaving the mountain before dark is recommended because maneuvering the wilderness at night can be very difficult.
9. Red Pine Lake Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 643m
Type of trail: out and back
Red Pine Lake Trail is a 7.5 miles out-and-back trail near Mounthaven, Utah, in the lone peak wilderness. This trail is another challenging and adventurous one. It’s advised for people who are physically fit.
It is a good course for backpacking, camping, and hiking. The best times to visit are from April to November. There are excellent camping spots and picnic settings at the mountaintop by the lakeside with a fantastic view.
It takes about 3 hours to complete the hike. Also, note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. The best times to visit are from April to November.
10. Grizzly Peak via White Rock Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 14 miles
Elevation: 1,287m
Type of trail: out and back
The route to Grizzly Peak is through the White Rock trail. The mountain is located in the Wellsville Mountain Wilderness area near Brigham City, Utah.
Grizzly Peak is a challenging course, so best not to do with young ones. It takes about 8 hours and 30 mins to complete the 14 miles out-and-back trail.
If you are up for an adventurous trail, you should try out the Grizzly Peak; it is an excellent trail for backpacking and hiking. On the course, there are blooming wildflowers in season.
The nearby White Rock Trail via Perry Canyon is perfect for mountain biking.
11. Silver Lake, Twin Lake, Lake Mary, and Dog Lake Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.9 miles
Elevation: 325m
Type of trail: Loop
The trail’s name can sound very confusing and discouraging. However, I can assure you that this is a hike you should never miss when you are in Salt Lake City.
The trail is not like the usual out-and-back trails; it is a loop trail meaning you get to see four different lakes in succession as you return to your starting point. It is highly recommended to take the course in a clockwise direction. You might also see a deer or a mousse on this trail.
The course is about 4 miles long with a slight elevation, so not good for young children. There is also a charming picnic setting at the rock islands alongside Lake Mary, where you can top by for a lunch break. It is said that Lake Mary is the prettiest, but I will leave that choice to you.
This course is popularly known for its stunning fall colors. The hiking trail is a hotspot for camping, fishing, and hiking, especially from April to September. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
12. Lake Catherine via Brighton Lake Pass
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.4 miles
Elevation: 379m
Type of trail: out and back
What a beautiful name! Lake Catherine is an astounding sight to behold in Watash National Park. It is an approved site for mountain biking, fishing, and hiking.
It is a family-friendly hike with a total length of 4.4 miles out and back and takes about 2 hours and 30 mins to complete. Aside from the Brighton Lake Pass, Lake Catherine can also be accessed through the Catherine Pass Trail.
Dogs and swimming are banned in the area. Best times to visit is in the months of May to October.
13. Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation: 28m
Type of trail: loop
Would you like to enjoy wildlife with a tall glass of astounding landscape view? The Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail is perfect for you. It is an easy 1.2 miles loop hike that takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
Cascade Springs is perfect for strolling, walking, and clearing your mind, where you can enjoy the cool breeze. Along the way, you might also see deer, beavers, and birds.
It would be amazing to visit with family, especially with the kids. The trail is a little inconvenient for strollers and wheelchairs because of the steepness of the course.
Recommended time to visit is from June to October. Dogs are allowed on the trail; however, they must be leashed.
14. Heber Valley Overlook
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.3 miles
Elevation: 82m
Type of trail: loop
Are you interested in morning hikes? Haber Valley is another one of the easy hikes in Wasatch Mountain National Park.
As the name suggests, Heber Valley Overlook, this trail overlooks the Provo River, Heber and Midway Valley and offers a fantastic view of Timpanogos. It takes about an hour to complete the 2.3 miles loop trail.
You can take students on an excursion to Haber Valley Overlook, as there is an educational panel just 5 meters from the start of the loop trail. The trail is open to horseback riding, birding, and hiking. Dogs are also allowed, but they must be on a leash.
The best time to visit is from April to October. The trail is very kid-friendly and has impressive views of wallflowers and wildlife.
15. Wow Pine Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation: 63m
Type of trail: out and back
Are you looking for quiet places where you enjoy solitude? Wow Pine Canyon Trail is perfect for walking, mountain biking, and birding. It provides a fantastic view of wildflowers and wildlife.
It takes about 1 hour to complete the 1.7 miles hike. There is little shade cover, so you should have water on your course.
The best times to visit are April through September.