Salt Lake City, UT — Where else can you go from downtown coffee shop to mountaintop vista in less than 30 minutes? In Salt Lake City, some of Utah’s most spectacular hiking trails begin where the city skyline ends, making it a premier destination for visitors eager to explore the outdoors without leaving urban comforts behind.

With the Wasatch Mountains as its backyard and trailheads just minutes from major hotels, Salt Lake offers hiking experiences for every kind of adventurer—from first-timers and families to high-altitude thrill seekers.

🥾 Trailhead Highlights: Salt Lake’s Top Urban Hikes

• Grandeur Peak: A double-feature summit with two approaches—West for the steep, fast climb and sunset views; East for a shaded, forested route through Millcreek Canyon. Both end with breathtaking views at 8,299 feet.
  
• Mount Olympus: Not for the faint of heart. This steep, scrambly 6.9-mile round-trip hike is a badge of honor for experienced hikers looking to conquer one of the valley’s most iconic peaks.
  
• Red Butte Garden Trails: Botanical beauty meets wild Wasatch foothills. Enjoy 1.9-mile loops and connect to longer trails like The Living Room and Red Butte Ridge—all just minutes from the University of Utah.
  
• Ensign Peak Trail: A quick, 1-mile round trip packed with history and views. Brigham Young once planned Salt Lake’s layout here. Today, it’s a favorite for sunset and skyline photos.
  
• Bonneville Shoreline Trail: Trace ancient lake shores with easy access from across the city. Great for morning walks, scenic overlooks, and family outings—especially near Hogle Zoo.
  
• City Creek Canyon Trail: A paved, shaded canyon trail just blocks from Temple Square. Ideal for beginners and lunch-break hikers. Note: weekday access is currently limited due to construction (through Jan 2027).
  

🏞️ Just Beyond the City: Epic Mountain Escapes

Salt Lake’s hiking charm expands even more with short drives to unforgettable alpine trails:

• Lake Blanche: This Big Cottonwood Canyon classic offers a 6.8-mile trek to a glacial lake with unbeatable views of Sundial Peak.
  
• Red Pine Lake: A rugged favorite in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The high-elevation trail rewards hikers with pristine lakeside views and a waterfall detour.
  
• Albion Basin to Cecret Lake: Visit during July and August for the Wasatch Wildflower Festival. The 4.5-mile trail climbs gently through vibrant meadows to a stunning alpine lake.
  
• Bell’s Canyon to Lower Falls: A moderately challenging 4-mile round trip offering dramatic waterfalls, granite cliffs, and peaceful forest shade.
  
• Lake Mary, Martha & Catherine: Three alpine lakes in one scenic trail. Ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a high-reward, low-effort hike.
  
• Twin Lakes Pass Trail: Starting from Alta, this challenging trail delivers top-of-the-world views and classic Wasatch scenery in a half-day hike.
  

🧭 Hiking Tips for Visitors

• Best Seasons: Spring through fall offer the most trail access and best weather.
  
• What to Pack: Water, sunscreen, layers, snacks, and sturdy footwear.
  
• Accessibility: Many trailheads are reachable via TRAX, rideshare, or GreenBike from downtown hotels.
  

Whether you’re in town for a conference, a weekend getaway, or a long-overdue adventure, Salt Lake City makes it easy to hit the trail before your second cup of coffee. From wildflower meadows to challenging peaks, it’s all just steps—or a short ride—away.

Plan your Salt Lake City Hiking experience. For more tips on what to do before or after head to www.visitsaltlake.com.