Established in 1847, Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital and the most populated town in the region. With its endowments that include historical landmarks, parks, museums, shopping centers, and places of worship, you have numerous establishments to explore and activities to do. Some popular sights in the area include Red Butte Garden, Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake Temple, and Hogle Zoo. In addition, the city is also a destination for outdoor activities. Hiking and trekking are among the many outdoor activities that tourists indulge in to create wonderful memories and explore the township. Read on below to find out more about the top 10 hiking and trekking spots in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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1. The Living Room Trailhead
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This trailhead is 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) long and considered moderate in difficulty. As you go up and down the trail, you’re treated to great landscape views. Besides that, if you’re looking to enjoy views of Salt Lake Valley from an elevated point, make this trailhead a priority. What’s more? As the track is a beautiful place to watch the sunset, carry your camera and take a few pictures or videos for remembrance. Also, well-behaved dogs on leash are allowed here. Some paths can be steep so wear the right shoes as well.
The Living Room Trailhead
Address: 383 Colorow Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Ensign Peak Trailhead
For an easy and fun hike on a well-maintained track, choose this 1.3-kilometer (0.8 miles) trail with an out and back route. It’s accessible all year round and good for all skill levels. As there are plenty of places to stop and rest on the track, you don’t have to burden your body. Apart from that, the path is well marked and easy to access, adding to the facility’s charm. You also enjoy sweeping views of Salt Lake City that make the hike worth the challenge.
Ensign Peak Trailhead
Address: Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA
Website: Ensign Peak Trailhead
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
3. Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Many outdoor enthusiasts love this trailhead as it has well-maintained trails and gorgeous undeveloped areas. You enjoy an easy-to-hard trek in an environment with a variety of birds like hummingbirds. The point-to-point route is 14.6 kilometers (9 miles) long. This site also takes pride in treating you to fantastic views of the city. To add to the trailhead’s glamour, there are dog bags and trash cans for keeping the facility clean.
Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
Address: 919 Hilltop Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
Website: Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
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4. Top of Bobsled
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This hiking spot is preferred by many hikers as it’s not crowded, compared to others in the region. So if you’re looking for an easy and short hike that’s moderately trafficked, this trail is for you. It’s 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and takes pride in having a point-to-point route. As you maneuver the track, you can’t help but notice the amazing improvements that have been done to smoothen it for a worthwhile hike.
Top of Bobsled
Address: Bobsled Trail, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
5. Neffs Canyon
If you are looking for a natural therapy like no other in Salt Lake City, then choose this hiking spot. It prides itself on having plenty of forest cover so you enjoy the shade and a cool breeze along the way. In addition, the trail is clear and has nicely maintained pathways. What’s more, the track is kid friendly and pets are allowed. Views of the canyon never cease to amaze and inspire you as well. At the very top, you will find a stream that has a seating area where you can chill to enjoy the cool environment and take in the views.
Neffs Canyon
Address: 4326 White Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
6. Dry Gulch Trail Head
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Dry Gulch Trail Head enjoys its fair share of hikers throughout the year. Why is it so? Hikers of different ages and skill levels frequent this site not only to hike and exercise their bodies but also enjoy phenomenal mountain views. The 4.8-kilometer (3 miles) is also home to native plants such as bitter-berry, antelope bitterbrush, and Salix exigua that you can marvel at. Moreover, the trailhead has a good place to sit, catch a breath, and enjoy incredible landscape views.
Dry Gulch Trail Head
Address: Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Jordan River Parkway Trail
Situated near Saratoga Springs, this trail is accessible all year round. It’s 72.9 kilometers (45.3 miles) long and has a point-to-point route. The trail’s beautiful scenery coupled with stunning lake and mountain views makes this site even more attractive. From strategic locations on the track, you’re treated to beautiful views of the extensive Salt Lake City. Apart from hiking and trekking, the path is a perfect spot for birdwatching as there are numerous birds in the area.
8. Avenues Twin Peaks
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re in search of a trail with plenty of different routes to make the hiking last as long as you like, choose Avenues Twin Peaks. It’s a nice scenic trail with beautiful views of the city. With the track’s up and down steep inclines, you get to enjoy a great workout that you can treasure for a long period of time. Early morning or late afternoon hike is ideal for you as the 5.8-kilometer (3.6 miles) trail is nestled in an area with few trees, thus little or no shade.
Avenues Twin Peaks
Address: Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
9. Mill Creek Pipeline Trail
Those who are in search of a scenic hike frequent Mill Creek Pipeline Trail. Here, they get to learn a thing or two about the landscape and at the same time create wonderful memories. The 21.4-kilometer (13.3 miles) out and back trail is fairly flat in most parts, adding to its charm. Aside from offering a scenic hike, you will be on a track that’s well-maintained and with proper signage and numerous trees. While hiking, you’re treated to beautiful mountain views as well as plenty of shade. Furthermore, along the paths, you can see succulent plants, fossils, and birds such as mountain bluebirds and hummingbirds.
Mill Creek Pipeline Trail
Address: FR 269, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, United States
Website: Mill Creek Pipeline Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Dry Creek Trail
Do you enjoy an educational and fun hike? If yes, then go hiking in Dry Creek Trail. It’s 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and with great vegetation cover during spring. The abundance of wildflowers, such as curlycup gumweed and showy milkweed, makes the trail stand out among the rest. Although most parts of the track are not shaded, there are plenty of routes to take if you desire to get away from direct sunlight.
Dry Creek Trail
Address: Horsetail Falls Trail, Alpine, UT 84004, United States
Unrivaled hiking and trekking spots
You’re not guaranteed a superb hiking or trekking spot in a travel destination of choice. Fortunately, in Salt Lake City, you have more than one location to engage in hiking or trekking. So, visit the above spots and create fun memories you will cherish for a long period of time.
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