Best 50 Trails of Salt Lake City for Hiking 2023

Salt Lake City,Utah’s largest city is stacked with hiking trails—and you don’t have to go far to find spectacular vistas. Step off the highway in the foothills of Salt Lake City, and you enter a different world. Pristine alpine lakes, massive mountain peaks, and fertile valleys perch above a jumble of suburbs, downtown, and industry. Salt Lake City is a hiking paradise. Its mountain trails offer sweeping views, and many of them are easily accessible from the city center. Here are 50 of our favorites.

All of the hiking Trails of Salt Lake City on this list are moderate in difficulty, but even these trails will be sure to challenge your cardio endurance!

Hiking is not only a great form of exercise, it is also great for relaxation and just the perfect way to appreciate nature. If you have never hiked before we suggest checking out our Salt Lake City hiking guide first.

There are various types of trails to choose from in Salt Lake City. These range from very easy trail rides to multi-day backpacking treks. To help you make the best decision for your family and your hiking adventure we are taking a look at the best hiking trails for beginners in Salt Lake City.

1. Coney Island Trail,Moab Utah

This hike is very quick. Located only 10 minutes outside Salt Lake City’s International airport is the Coney Island Trail. This hike is ideal for walkers, joggers and people who prefer the exercise without the pain.

2. Pioneer and Wasatch Mountains State Park

This trail offers amazing views and a little bit of a workout but is also very easy to do. The trail begins at 8500 feet. The total length of the hike is only four miles. To make the hike even easier, the route is well maintained and takes you through a very small town.

best hiking trails in Wasatch Mountain State Park

3. Great Basin Regional Park

This trail provides all of the fun you could ever want. It has five different routes. Some of these routes are short and some go up to 30 miles. You have the opportunity to tackle these hikes together or with your family and friends.

4. Alta/Discovery Trail

This hike has a total length of 16.5 miles and has many variations. This trail begins by going up the side of the Wasatch Mountains and ends at the canyon of Alta. This hike can easily be done with you or with your children.

5. Uinta Trail

If you prefer to take your hike off the beaten path then this is the trail for you. It offers a great variety of views and experiences. This trail also starts at 8500 feet, making this hike perfect for cooler temperatures. It also has three different hiking routes, making it great for families to tackle together.

6. Mount Timpanogos

This trail is best known for its views and wildlife. If you are looking for an adventure that is exciting and will leave you breathless then look no further. If you don’t mind the crowds then this is the hike for you. This hike is located in Utah County, Utah.

7. Mount Timpanogos to Mount Timpanogos

There are two different trails that make up this hike. This is a multi-day hike. The first trail is a four-mile loop that allows you to go through the Timpanogos Lake and view the surrounding country side. The second trail is a seven-mile loop. This trail provides beautiful views and makes you feel like you are in another world.

8. Mount Nebo

This is a popular hiking trail for people to enjoy the spectacular views of this area. This trail is a 10.4-mile hike that begins at 12,600 feet. This hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. If you plan to do this hike then bring food and water.

9. Payson Lake Trail

This trail is very easy to do. It begins at an elevation of 8000 feet. It can be completed in about three hours but most hikers do it in about two hours. This trail has a total length of 8.5 miles. This trail is mainly a lake hike but if you are looking for an extreme experience then you will be satisfied.

10. Uinta Mountains National Monument

This hike is a multi-day experience. This is not a beginner’s trail and it takes two to three days to complete. Most hikers use this trail as a way to gain wilderness experience. Most hikers stay in the campground.

11. Mount Timpanogos to Dolly Varden Trailhead

This is a seven-mile hike which is mostly uphill and will provide an incredible view of the Timpanogos Valley.

12. Mill Creek Canyon

This trail takes you from the base to an elevation of 10,200 feet. This is one of the easiest hikes you can find. You only have to hike three miles but the total length of the trail is seven miles. Most people prefer to stay one night at the Grandpa Lake campsite to get a true feel of the natural surroundings. This is a five-hour round trip hike.

13. Lake Granite State Park

This is one of the most popular trail hikes in the area. The total length of this trail is five miles. You can do it with kids of all ages. This is a trail that starts at the North End and ends at the South End. This trail is best known for its variety of views, wildlife and bird watching.

14. Granite Mountain

This is one of the largest treks in the world and is more than double the length of other hikes on this list. The total length of this hike is 32 miles and includes 17 mountain passes. This is the longest hike in Utah but if you plan to do it then you must bring food, water and equipment.

15. Wasatch Mountains

This is one of the easiest trails you can find. It has a total length of 15.1 miles and it only requires two to three hours. It starts at 6500 feet and makes you feel like you are back in the wilderness. This hike offers views of the surrounding area and will leave you breathless.

16. Payson Lake Trail

This trail is also very easy to do. It begins at an elevation of 8000 feet and takes two to three hours. This hike offers great views of Payson Lake, the nearby mountains and the Grand Canyon.

17. Lake Delton Trail

This hike is a seven-mile loop that has many variations. This trail is on Mount Timpanogos. It has a elevation of 13,000 feet. This hike is perfect for any age, especially kids. There is a lot to see on this hike. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the Timpanogos Lake area.

18. Mount Timpanogos to Mount Timpanogos

This hike is an 8.4-mile trail that starts at an elevation of 13,000 feet. It is a moderate hike but if you are not an experienced hiker then you should try to pace yourself. This hike takes two to three hours to complete. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

19. Mount Timpanogos to Alta

This is a 10-mile trail that starts at an elevation of 13,600 feet. This hike is not for beginners. This is a multi-day adventure. The first day is a three-mile loop. The second day is a six-mile loop. The third day is a nine-mile loop. This is not a hike that will leave you wanting to walk back home.

20. Mount Timpanogos to Mount Timpanogos

This is a 12-mile trail that begins at an elevation of 14,200 feet. This hike is an all-day trek. There are over 16 mountain passes on this trail. If you are not an experienced hiker then do not attempt this hike.

21. The Dixie National Forest

This is a 7.7-mile hike that starts at an elevation of 10,000 feet. You will have a lot to look forward to on this trail. You will enjoy the views of the surrounding area. This is one of the better hikes for beginners because the views are amazing. There is a lot of wildlife to see as well. You can visit the Dixie Lake.

22. Indian Creek Trail

This hike is only a five-mile hike but it offers great views. You can choose to complete this hike alone or with your family or friends. If you plan to hike with children then make sure you make a pit stop on the way back. This is also a hike you can do in less than two hours.

23. Tansfield Meadows

This is a five-mile trail that offers views of Tansfield Meadows and the surrounding area. It has a total length of four miles and is perfect for families. The views on this trail are amazing. The weather can be pretty unpredictable in Utah but you can expect to be in the sun and maybe a little bit chilly.

24. Bear River National Forest

This is a seven-mile trail that is part of the Bear River Trail System. This hike begins at an elevation of 7,800 feet. This hike can be done alone or with your children. You can enjoy great views of the nearby mountains as well.

25. Canyon Junction

This hike is a five-mile trek that offers amazing views. The trail is located in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail offers views of the canyon and views of the beautiful Colorado River. The elevation is at 5,000 feet. This is the perfect hike for beginners to enjoy.

26. Grandview Trail

This is a hike that is on a loop. It is five-miles long and begins at an elevation of 12,000 feet. There is a variety of wildlife on this trail. You can expect to see squirrels, birds and even antelope. This is one of the best hikes for wildlife watching. The hike can be done in three to five hours.

27. Red Canyon Trail

This hike is also located in Capitol Reef National Park and it is also a part of the Bear River Trail. This trail is five miles long. You will enjoy views of the Grand Wash. This hike offers views of the Red Canyon. This is a great hike to do alone or with your kids. It is an easy hike and you can expect to be in the sun most of the time.

28. Arches National Park

This is a five-mile hike that starts at a base elevation of 10,000 feet. This hike will take two to three hours to complete. This hike will take you to many different areas in the park. There are some amazing views that you will enjoy. The weather in Utah can be unpredictable but you can expect to be warm in the sun.

29. North Rim

This hike is a 5.5-mile trek that begins at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This is a hike for the experienced hiker because it is quite tough. It is recommended that you bring a lot of water and food. If you plan to do this hike then you should be prepared.

30. Desert Viewing Trail

This is a four-mile hike that starts at an elevation of 12,000 feet. This hike is a difficult hike and can be done in about four hours. Most of the hike is a very rocky. You will enjoy views of the surrounding area and some beautiful views of the distant mountains. This is a great hike if you are an experienced hiker.

31. Cedar Mesa

This is a 12-mile trail that offers some amazing views. This hike offers amazing views of the mesa and the surrounding area. You will enjoy the views of Cottonwood Canyon. This trail offers views of Cedar Mesa, Cedar Breaks National Monument and some of the nearby areas. The elevation of this hike is at 8,000 feet.

32. Pintail Flat Campground

This is a five-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers. It offers amazing views of the surrounding area and the surrounding trees. The weather in Utah is unpredictable so it is best to be prepared.

33. The Escalante River Canyon

This is a hike that starts at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This hike offers amazing views of the Escalante River and the surrounding areas. You can hike on this trail for a total of about five days and you can also stay for a couple of nights in one of the campgrounds on this trail.

34. Escalante River

This is a hike that begins at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It is only six-miles long and this is perfect for beginners. You can enjoy the scenery along the way. This is a trail for beginners to enjoy. This is a great hike if you are planning to do it with children. You can hike on this trail for a total of five days and you can also stay for a couple of nights in one of the campgrounds on this trail.

35. Drip Lake Trail

This is a 12-mile trek that offers amazing views. This hike starts at a base elevation of 6,000 feet. You will enjoy many of the best views of the surrounding area. The views are great but the trail is quite hard to hike. If you are planning to hike this trail then you should be prepared for hot temperatures and possible storms.

36. North Valley Loop

This is a 12-mile loop that begins at an elevation of 7,200 feet. This hike offers views of the nearby hills and mountains. If you plan to hike this trail then you should be prepared. The trail is quite hard to hike and can be done in about two to three days.

37. Hike the Lake Fluctuates Trail

This is a seven-mile hike that starts at a base elevation of 12,000 feet. This hike offers great views. You will be able to see parts of the lake and the surrounding area. This hike is perfect for beginners and families because the trail is very easy to hike. It can be done in two to three hours.

38. Snow Canyon Loop

This is a hike that is seven-miles long and begins at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and the nearby peaks. This is one of the best hikes for viewing wildlife and you will have a lot of options to choose from.

39. Moab Scenic Trail

This is a 20-mile trail that starts at an elevation of 8,700 feet. This hike is very hard to hike. You will have a difficult time hiking up the very steep hills. You will enjoy views of the Colorado River, the nearby mountains and the surrounding area. You can expect the weather to be unpredictable so you should be prepared.

40. Utah River Hike

This is a 9.5-mile hike that offers views of the beautiful Colorado River and surrounding area. You will hike through rugged canyons and can enjoy awesome views of the river and the surrounding area. This is one of the best hikes to do in Utah.

41. Utah Lake Trail

This is a 20-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This is a hike that will take about three to four days to complete. You will be hiking through the canyons and you will enjoy views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This hike is great for kids because you will be able to see many of the wildlife species along the way.

42. Indian Creek Trail

This is a six-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 7,800 feet. This hike offers amazing views. This is a hike that can be done in three to four hours. You will enjoy views of the Dixie Lake and of the surrounding area. This hike can be done alone or with your family.

43. Trolley Trail

This is a two-mile trail that begins at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This is a hike that will take you about two to three hours to complete. This is a great trail for beginners to enjoy. You can do this hike alone or with your family. You will enjoy views of the nearby mountains and the surrounding area.

44. Lake Trail

This is a six-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 8,800 feet. This is a hike that can be done by hikers of all levels. The weather in Utah can be unpredictable so you should be prepared. The trail is quite steep in some areas. This hike can be done with your family or alone.

45. Utah River Trail

This is a trail that is a 9.6-mile hike that begins at a base elevation of 8,000 feet. You will be hiking through rugged canyons and will enjoy awesome views of the river and the surrounding area. This is one of the best hikes to do in Utah.

46. Indian Creek

This is a 14-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 7,700 feet. This is a very challenging hike. This is a hike that can be done by beginners or by those who are experienced. The trail is quite steep and rocky. You will be hiking through the canyons and you will enjoy views of the nearby peaks. This hike can be done alone or with your family.

47. Snow Canyon Loop

This is a 12-mile trail that begins at a base elevation of 7,000 feet. This hike offers views of the Colorado River. You will enjoy views of the Pup Summit and of the neighboring peaks. The trail offers views of the river and of the canyon as you hike along the trail.

48. Capitol Reef National Park

This is a 5-mile hike that begins at an elevation of 10,000 feet. This is a perfect hike for those who want to enjoy the views and also for those who want to take part in the history of the area. You will enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area and the Grand Wash.

49. Trail of the Ancients

This is a hike that is six miles long and begins at an elevation of 11,000 feet. This is a difficult hike because it is a rocky trail. You will be hiking through the canyons and will enjoy views of the surrounding area. You will be hiking through areas of the park that are known to be haunted.

50. Escalante River

This is a hike that is seven-miles long and begins at an elevation of 7,000 feet. You will enjoy views of the Escalante River and the nearby peaks. This is a very easy hike. The trail offers amazing views of the river and of the neighboring peaks. This is a great hike for beginners to enjoy.

Salt Lake City Questions and Answers:

What are some of the most popular hiking trails in Salt Lake City?

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Salt Lake City include:
1. Mount Olympus Trail
2. Lake Blanche Trail
3. Grandeur Peak Trail
4. Bell Canyon Trail
5. Cecret Lake Trail
6. Donut Falls Trail
7. Pipeline Trail
8. Ensign Peak Trail
9. Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
10. Millcreek Canyon Trail.

Are there any trails in Salt Lake City that are suitable for beginners or families with young children?

Yes, there are several trails in Salt Lake City that are suitable for beginners or families with young children, such as the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, City Creek Canyon Trail, and Donut Falls Trail. These trails offer easy to moderate hikes with scenic views and are well-maintained for accessibility.

What are some of the best mountain biking trails in the Salt Lake City area?

Some of the best mountain biking trails in the Salt Lake City area include:
1. Wasatch Crest Trail
2. Mill D Trail
3. Corner Canyon Trails
4. Bonneville Shoreline Trail
5. Deer Valley Resort Trails
6. Park City Mountain Resort Trails
7. Flying Dog Trail
8. Pipeline Trail
9. Bobsled Trail
10. Rush Trail.

Are there any trails in Salt Lake City that offer scenic views of the city or surrounding mountains?

Yes, there are several trails in Salt Lake City that offer scenic views of the city or surrounding mountains. Some popular options include Ensign Peak Trail, Living Room Trail, Mount Olympus Trail, and Grandeur Peak Trail.

What are some of the safety considerations that hikers and bikers should keep in mind when using the trails in Salt Lake City?

Some safety considerations that hikers and bikers should keep in mind when using the trails in Salt Lake City include:
1. Stay on designated trails and do not venture off the path.
2. Carry enough water and snacks to last the duration of the hike or ride.
3. Wear proper footwear and clothing, including sunscreen and a hat.
4. Be aware of weather conditions and plan accordingly.
5. Carry a map and compass or use a GPS device to avoid getting lost. 6. Be cautious of wildlife and give them plenty of space.
7. Share the trail with others and yield to oncoming traffic.
8. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
9. Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

what is the best time of year to hike in Salt Lake City

The best time of year to hike in Salt Lake City is typically from late spring to early fall (May to October). This is when the weather is warm and there is less chance of snow or ice on the trails. However, it is important to check weather conditions and trail conditions before heading out on a hike, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

what are the best hiking trails in Salt Lake City?

1. Mount Timpanogos Trail: A challenging ascent that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.
2. Lake Blanche Trail: A moderate hike through pine forests and wildflower meadows, leading to a picturesque alpine lake.
3. Donut Falls Trail: An easy, family-friendly hike that leads to a unique waterfall that pours through a hole in a cave-like rock formation.
4. Grandeur Peak Trail: A strenuous hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding peaks.
5. Millcreek Canyon Trails: A network of trails suitable for all skill levels, offering a variety of scenic routes through the forested canyon.

What is the difficulty level of the Living Room Trail?

The Living Room Trail in Salt Lake City is considered a moderate level hike. It is about 2.5 miles long with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet. However, hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Are there any guided hiking tours available in Salt Lake City?

Yes, there are several companies that offer guided hiking tours in Salt Lake City. Some popular options include Bonneville Tours, White Pine Touring, and Big City Mountaineers. These tours are led by experienced guides who will take you on hikes suited to your skill level and preferences.

Are there any entrance fees or permits required for hiking in Salt Lake City?

Most hiking trails in Salt Lake City are free to access. However, some parks and trails may require a nominal entrance fee. Additionally, permits may be required for some hikes, especially those in national parks or protected wilderness areas. It’s always best to check ahead and prepare accordingly.

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To conclude, Salt Lake City is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and its proximity to stunning natural beauty is a testament to the importance of preserving wild spaces near urban areas. The 50 hiking trails listed here offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or just starting out. So grab your hiking boots, a water bottle, and a sense of adventure, and explore the wonders of Salt Lake City’s mountain trails. You won’t be disappointed.