Ready for an adventure that’ll leave you speechless? Salt Lake City is calling, and it’s packed with some of the most stunning hiking trails you’ll ever lay eyes on. Whether you’re all about the jaw-dropping views or just craving a peaceful escape into nature, there’s a trail here for everyone. Picture this: you’re hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, scaling mountain peaks, or relaxing by crystal-clear alpine lakes. It sounds dreamy, right? In this guide, we will talk about the seven most popular trails near Salt Lake City, giving you the lowdown on each one so you can pick your next epic outdoor adventure. So, grab your pack, let’s hit the trails, and get ready for some serious nature therapy.
So, Where is Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is a dream destination for hikers, offering a mix of rugged mountain trails, serene lakes, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re chasing adventure or a peaceful escape, this Utah gem has it all.
Quick Notes
- Location: Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake.
- Vibe: Outdoor lover’s paradise with year-round hiking opportunities.
- Highlight: Trails range from beginner-friendly strolls to expert-level climbs.
- Bonus: Stunning views, wildlife spotting, and perfect photo ops.
Ensign Peak Trail
One of the best trails that grabs the attention of visitors when it comes to Salt Lake City is the Ensign Peak Trial. Its scenic views are sure to make you feel like you are in nature’s lap. With its easy-to-embark-upon path, it is revered as a picturesque hiking trail near Salt Lake City.
- Challenging Level: Simple
- Distance: 0.8 miles total
- Elevation Gain: 364 feet
What Makes This Trail Unique?
Hikers of all ages and ability levels will love the Ensign Peak Trail. The trailhead is easily accessible for both locals and visitors due to its handy location close to Salt Lake City downtown. Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the urban skyline as you ascend the clearly designated path.
A historic monument honoring the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley can be seen at the peak. This short but worthwhile trip is perfect for a leisurely stroll at dusk or a quick outdoor adventure. Apart from being easily accessible, the route provides an insight into the area’s rich history.
Donut Falls Trail
Do you want to experience something unusual and interesting while hiking in Salt Lake City, Utah? Well, then, you might need to visit the Donut Falls trail. It is one of the most visited spots in Salt Lake City due to the waterfall cascading down right from a rock hole. So, let’s look at the detailed information regarding this trail.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.5 miles total
- Gain in elevation: 531 feet
What Makes This Trail Unique?
The Donut Falls Trail is well-known for its unusual geological feature, which is a waterfall that naturally cascades through a rock formation like a gigantic donut. The trail meanders through a gorgeous canyon that is dotted with high cliffs and an abundance of greenery. The reward at the end of the trip is well worth the moderate scrambling over rocks and pebbles that it requires. To get to the base of the falls, you might have to wade through shallow streams, so make sure you pack waterproof boots.
Situated only a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City, the route offers a refreshing getaway into nature in addition to its natural beauty. Given these interesting insights, who wouldn’t want to spend days hiking in one of the best hiking spots near Salt Lake City?
Mount Olympus Trail
Folks, are you ready to encounter some strenuous hikes? Mount Olympus is one such trail that makes an ideal hiking region in the Salt Lake City area due to its rugged path and challenging terrain. Let’s have a look at this trail in detail.
- Difficulty: Quite difficult
- Distance traveled: 7.3 kilometers total
- Gain in Elevation: 4,100 feet
What Makes This Trail Unique?
Skilled hikers looking for a strenuous climb and stunning vistas choose the Mount Olympus Trail. Starting in the Wasatch Mountains foothills, the trail climbs rapidly through rocky slopes and harsh terrain. You will be rewarded with expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding mountains as you ascend. Although the last push to the top requires a treacherous scramble over unstable rocks, the satisfaction of reaching the top is unmatched. Even though challenging, this trail provides unmatched vistas of the Wasatch Mountains and surrounding areas. So, I think it’s obvious that the Great Salt Lake is hiding precious gems in its lap to inspire visitors.
Bell’s Canyon Trail
While I was browsing through the hiking trails in Salt Lake City that one can visit and enjoy, bell’s Canyon caught my gaze, featuring an iconic waterfall. Isn’t it great that you get to experience a picturesque view after a moderate trail?
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Distance traveled: 4.8 miles total
- Elevation Gain: 1,487 feet.
What Makes This Trail Special?
Just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the Bell’s Canyon Trail is a hidden gem that offers a beautiful alpine experience. It is tucked in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Trekking through a magnificent canyon with towering cliffs, verdant meadows, and bubbling streams, the stunning climb can be challenging at times, especially as you near the upper reservoir. But the peaceful beauty of the surroundings makes the effort worthwhile. A peaceful retreat into the wilderness, Bell’s Canyon Trail is ideal for anyone looking for peace and quiet amid the untamed splendor of the Wasatch Mountains.
Lake Blanche Trail
Next comes the grandeur peaks, standing with all their might, inviting you to experience the nature to its fullest.
- Difficulty: Hard to Moderate
- Distance traveled: 6.8 miles total
- Elevation gain: 2,736 feet.
What Makes This Trail so Special?
The Lake Blanche Trail is well-known for its towering granite peaks, pure alpine landscapes, and glistening mountain lakes. Starting from the scenic Mill B South Fork of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the walk progressively ascends through thick woodlands and meadows dotted with wildflowers. In addition, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Sundial Peak and the neighboring peaks as you climb higher into the highlands.
The last push to Lake Blanche is a strenuous trek over rugged terrain, but the tranquil lake, set against towering cliffs, is well worth the effort. The water is an emerald green color. The Lake Blanche Trail is a genuine mountain treasure that provides a typical hiking experience in southern Utah.
Grandeur Peak Trail
Grandeur Trail, with its ideal location for hiking in Salt Lake City, provides not only scenic views but also trek options. One can choose a moderate path or a rugged one. Another fascinating fact about the Grandeur Peak trail is that it is accessible to a variety of flora. In Utah, it is known as one of the most visited hiking trails in Salt Lake City.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Length: A total of six miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,490 feet
What Makes This Trail Different?
The Grandeur Peak Trail leads through picturesque foothills and rugged terrain, providing a strenuous yet rewarding hike that pinnacles in expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and the neighboring mountains. The walk starts in the charming Millcreek area and climbs gradually through rocky switchbacks and lush trees. Apart from the breathtaking vistas, the last push to the summit is a rough, steep slog.
But there’s no feeling like you’ve accomplished anything more when you reach the top. A local favorite and family-friendly trek, the Grandeur Peak Trail offers breathtaking vistas and tough terrain, making it the ideal choice for hikers looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Look at the views; I mean, who wouldn’t want to explore more? If you are among those too, have a look at this detailed guide on the Grandeur Peak trail.
Neff’s Canyon Trail
Last but not least, Neff’s trail is known well for the abundance of fauna present there.
- Moderate to Strenuous Difficulty
- Distance traveled: 6.6 miles total
- Elevation Gain: 2,438 feet.
What Makes This Trail Unique?
With its pristine alpine landscape and an abundance of animals, Neff’s Canyon Trail provides a private haven in the midst of the Wasatch Mountains. The walk starts in the peaceful Olympus Cove residential area and climbs gradually through rocky and deep woodlands. In addition to its serene surroundings, the Salt Lake Valley and neighboring peaks come into full view as you climb higher into the mountains. The tranquil grandeur of the alpine scenery makes the strenuous trek over loose rocks that lead to the peak well worth it. A hidden gem, Neff’s Canyon Trail is ideal for people looking for peace and quiet in the breathtaking nature of Utah.
Final Words
At the end, Salt Lake City offers a wide variety of hiking trails, from leisurely strolls to strenuous climbs, each with its own special benefits and breathtaking scenery. This outdoor paradise has plenty to offer everyone, whether they are looking for serene alpine lakes, breathtaking panoramic views, or challenging mountain terrain. So, grab your water bottle, lace on your hiking boots, and set off on an incredible journey discovering the splendors of the unspoiled wilderness of Salt Lake City.