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The Salt Lake Valley wraps right up against the Wasatch, so a real mountain trail is never more than a few minutes away. Here are the best hikes near Salt Lake City, from 20-minute leg-stretchers above downtown to canyon waterfalls and alpine lakes, loosely ranked by how much locals love them.
A short, steep foothill climb that ends at flat sandstone slabs stacked into chairs and a couch, so you can actually sit and take in the whole valley. Locals rate it as the go-to after-work hike because you get a big-time view for not much time. The vibe is social and easy, with people spread across the rocks at golden hour.
A short trail of about a mile round trip that puts you high above the city in roughly 20 minutes, with a wide view of the valley and the Great Salt Lake. Locals love it because almost anyone can make the top, and it carries real pioneer history from the early days of the city. It is the first hike people bring out-of-town visitors on.
A family-friendly walk that leads to a waterfall pouring through a hole in the rock shaped like a donut. The payoff comes fast for how short the hike is, which is why it stays packed with families all summer. The forested canyon setting makes it feel like a real getaway just minutes from the valley.
A gentle family hike to a clear alpine lake ringed by peaks, famous for the wildflowers that blanket the basin in mid to late summer. Locals plan a whole trip around peak bloom because the meadows light up with color. The drive up the canyon is half the reward.
You pass a calm reservoir early, then the trail turns rocky and steep on the way up to a waterfall tucked into the canyon between Big and Little Cottonwood. It feels like serious mountains even though the trailhead sits right at the edge of the valley. Locals use the lower reservoir loop as an easy option and the falls as the real workout.
A long, mostly mellow trail that traces the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville across the foothills, with valley views the whole way. You pick your own distance, from a short loop to a multi-hour stretch, which makes it the flexible everyday pick. Runners, dog walkers, and families all share it because the grade stays gentle.
A huge network of trails through scrub oak hills, with the popular Ghost Falls route and miles of paths for hiking, running, and biking. It is the go-to spot for the south end of the valley because there is something for every level. Well-signed and well-kept, so it is easy to find your way.
One of the tougher foothill climbs, with steady switchbacks that top out around 8,300 feet and sweeping views of the Wasatch and the whole valley. Locals use it as a training hike because the effort is honest and the summit pays off big. The Church Fork start adds shade and a creek early on.
A steep foothill peak just east of downtown topped by an old airway beacon, with views in every direction from the summit. Locals like it as a quick, hard hit of elevation when they do not want to drive up a canyon. Spring brings wildflowers, and the climb is a real lung-burner for how close it sits to the city.
A serious quad-burner that gains nearly 4,800 feet to a rocky summit you can spot from all over the valley. Reaching the top is a local badge of honor, and the final stretch uses your hands. The views from the summit blocks make every brutal step worth it.
A long, steep climb of close to seven miles round trip to a stunning alpine lake sitting below the dramatic Sundial Peak. Locals call it one of the best big-day hikes in the valley because the scenery at the top is hard to top anywhere in the Wasatch. The trail climbs almost the whole way, so it earns its reputation.
A great Salt Lake Valley hike comes down to matching the trail to your day. The foothill trails right above the city, like the Living Room, Ensign Peak, and the Bonneville Shoreline, dry out first in spring and stay open latest in fall, so they are your safe bet on the shoulder seasons. The canyon hikes up Big and Little Cottonwood sit higher and hold snow well into early summer, so save the alpine lakes and waterfalls for once things melt out.
Think about effort and water too. Peaks like Mount Olympus, Grandeur, and Mount Wire gain serious elevation with little shade, so start early, beat the afternoon heat and storms, and pack more water than you think you need. The canyons east of the valley are protected watershed, which means no dogs and no swimming on many trails, so check the trailhead sign before you go. Parking lots at the popular spots fill before 9am on weekends, so an early start saves you a headache.
Keep exploring Salt Lake Valley: The Best Waterfall Hikes Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Scenic Drives Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Hot Springs Near the Salt Lake Valley. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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