Top 9 Must-Try Hikes in Salt Lake City for Every Skill Level

Salt Lake City is a hiker’s dream, with its stunning natural landscapes and trails for every skill level. From the breathtaking peaks of the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges to serene lakes and meadows, there’s a perfect trail for everyone. If you live at IZZY in Sugar House, you’re just minutes away from some of the best hiking spots in the area. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic walk or an experienced hiker ready to conquer a challenging summit, these trails offer a perfect escape into nature while staying close to home. 

1. Ensign Peak Trail

• Distance: 0.9 out and back 

• Difficulty: Moderate 

• How Far from IZZY: 19 Minutes 

• Highlights: Panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake 

• Description: This short, family-friendly trail is great for a quick hike with rewarding views. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the city lights up below. This historical hike marks where early Mormon pioneers surveyed the valley, making it a meaningful spot with interpretive signs along the trail. 

2. Donut Falls Trail

• Distance: 1.5 out and back 

• Difficulty: Easy 

• How Far from IZZY: 29 Minutes 

• Highlights: Unique waterfall cascading through a rock formation 

• Description: Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Donut Falls is a popular hike for families and beginners. The trail winds through a forested area and ends at a picturesque waterfall. The falls get their name from the rock at the top, where water flows through a “donut” hole, creating a truly unique sight! 

3. Grandeur Peak Trail

• Distance: 4.4 miles out and back 

• Difficulty: Hard 

• How Far from IZZY: 8 Minutes 

• Highlights: Sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding mountains 

• Description: For a more challenging hike, head to Grandeur Peak via the Church Fork trailhead in Millcreek Canyon. The ascent is steep but worth it for the views of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Range. This trail provides a great workout, especially if you’re aiming for a peak hike with stunning photo opportunities. 

4. Cecret Lake Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles out and back 

• Difficulty: Moderate 

• How Far from IZZY: 44 Minutes 

• Highlights: Stunning alpine lake and wildflowers in summer 

• Description: Cecret Lake, in the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon, is a popular destination in the summer for its vibrant wildflowers and the beautiful reflection of the lake against the mountains. Accessible via a short, well-maintained trail, this hike is great for all ages. It’s also a great spot for a picnic by the water. 

5. Lake Blanche Trail

• Distance: 7 miles out and back 

• Difficulty: Hard 

• How Far from IZZY: 22 Minutes 

• Highlights: Scenic mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks 

• Description: This challenging trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon leads to the breathtaking Lake Blanche, with views of Sundial Peak and surrounding mountain scenery. The trail is steep but rewarding, especially for experienced hikers who want a full-day adventure. In the fall, the foliage along this trail creates a vibrant scene that attracts photographers from all over. 

6. Bonneville Shoreline Trail

• Distance: 10 miles point to point 

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

• How Far from IZZY: Varies based on your starting point  

• Highlights: Expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and historical significance 

• Description: The Bonneville Shoreline Trail stretches for miles along what was once the shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville. Sections of the trail can be accessed from various points around Salt Lake City, making it easy to customize your hike length. This is an excellent choice for trail runners, mountain bikers, and hikers looking for scenic vistas over the valley. 

7. Mount Olympus Trail

• Distance: 6.9 miles out and back 

• Difficulty: Hard 

• How Far from IZZY: 10 Minutes to Point 29 

• Highlights: Panoramic summit views of Salt Lake Valley 

• Description: This rigorous hike is a local favorite for experienced hikers seeking a challenge. Mount Olympus is known for its steep, rocky trail that requires some scrambling near the summit. The hike’s difficulty is rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree view from the top. If you’re up for it, this is one of the best hikes in the area to test your endurance. 

8. Neff’s Canyon

• Distance: 7 miles out and back 

• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard 

• How Far from IZZY: 29 Minutes 

• Highlights: Diverse landscape and potential wildlife sightings 

• Description: Neff’s Canyon offers a diverse landscape with forested trails, open meadows, and rocky sections as you gain elevation. It’s a quieter trail that’s less crowded than others, making it a peaceful retreat into nature. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way! 

9. The Living Room Trail

• Distance: 2.3 miles round trip 

• Difficulty: Moderate 

• How Far from IZZY: 16 Minutes 

• Highlights: Rock “furniture” and views of the Salt Lake Valley 

• Description: Named for the rock formations at the summit that resemble chairs and couches, The Living Room Trail is a fun, moderately steep hike near the University of Utah. The trail is popular at sunset, offering a lovely place to relax and enjoy the view of Salt Lake City spread out below. 

Tips for Hiking in Salt Lake City 

• Stay Hydrated: Many trails in Salt Lake City can be dry, especially in the summer. Bring plenty of water. 

• Check Trail Conditions: Snow and mud are common in spring and late fall. Check conditions, especially for higher elevation trails. 

• Leave No Trace: Help preserve these beautiful spots by packing out everything you bring in and staying on designated trails. 

• Wildlife Awareness: Be cautious and respectful of wildlife, especially on trails in more remote areas. 

Salt Lake City’s trails offer a unique combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and diverse experiences for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re soaking in the views from Ensign Peak or challenging yourself with the steep ascent to Mount Olympus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Living at IZZY puts you in an ideal location to explore these incredible hikes, with many just a short drive away. So lace up your boots, pack some water, and head out to discover the natural beauty waiting right outside your door!