Trails in Salt Lake City, UT

Trails in Salt Lake City, Utah, offer an unparalleled blend of urban accessibility and breathtaking natural beauty. At the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the city is a gateway to trails that cater to every skill level, from gentle walks to challenging mountain bike ascents.
Iconic hikes like Ensign Peak provide a quick escape with sweeping views of the city skyline and the Great Salt Lake, while other trails like the Living Room Trail, City Creek Canyon, and Mount Olympus, deliver immersive nature experiences and incredible valley views.
Hiking Trails in Salt Lake City, UT
Ensign Peak Trail
0.8 Miles Round Trip | Easy
This short yet historically significant trail leads to Ensign Peak, where early Mormon pioneers surveyed the valley. The summit offers panoramic views of Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset hikes. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all ages, with interpretive signs along the way detailing the area's history.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Distance Varies | Easy-Moderate
Following the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, this extensive trail system offers scenic views of the valley and is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking. In the Salt Lake City area, sections of the trail provide relatively gentle terrain, making it accessible for various skill levels. The trail intersects with multiple parks and natural areas, allowing for customized route lengths and experiences.
The Living Room Trail
2.3 Miles Round Trip | Moderate
This popular trail ascends to a viewpoint where rocks are arranged like furniture, resembling a "living room," providing a comfortable spot to enjoy expansive views of the city and the Salt Lake Valley. The hike involves a steady incline with some rocky sections, offering a good workout and rewarding vistas. It's especially popular during the evening hours when hikers can enjoy the sunset over the city.
City Creek Canyon Trail
Up To 6.5 Miles One Way | Easy-Moderate
A serene trail that follows City Creek, offering a lush, wooded environment suitable for walking, running, and cycling. The lower portion is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, while the upper sections transition to gravel paths.
The canyon is a popular spot for picnicking and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see deer, birds, and other local fauna. Just minutes from downtown.
Red Butte Canyon Trail
Distance Varies | Easy-Moderate
Adjacent to the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, this area offers trails through diverse plant life and scenic landscapes, ideal for nature enthusiasts. The trails wind through foothill terrain, providing views of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and vibrant foliage in the fall. While some trails are well-maintained, others can be more rugged, offering a mix of experiences for hikers.
Twin Peaks via Terrace Hills Trail
4.8 Miles Round Trip | Difficult
This challenging hike leads to the Twin Peaks, offering expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail is steep and can be strenuous, with loose rocks in certain sections, making it suitable for experienced hikers seeking a rigorous workout.
Mount Olympus Trail
7 Miles Round Trip | Difficult
A steep and challenging trail, the summit of Mount Olympus stands at 9,026 feet. The hike involves significant elevation gain and includes rocky, exposed sections, requiring good physical fitness and preparation. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Wasatch Range and the Salt Lake Valley, making the effort worthwhile for seasoned hikers.
Mountain Biking in Salt Lake City, UT
Jordan River Parkway Trail
8.5 Miles Within City Limits | Easy
This paved, multi-use trail is part of a 40+ mile continuous path extending from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. It provides a scenic route for cyclists, passing through parks and natural areas, and is ideal for leisurely rides.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Distance Varies | Moderate
Following the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, this trail offers both singletrack and doubletrack sections, making it popular among mountain bikers. The trail extends over 100 miles, with segments running through Salt Lake City.
City Creek Canyon Road
Up To 6.5 Miles One Way | Easy-Moderate
A serene trail that follows City Creek, offering a lush, wooded environment suitable for walking, running, and biking. The lower portion is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, while the upper sections transition to gravel paths.
9 Line Trail
2 Miles One Way | Easy
This urban trail connects several neighborhoods and parks, providing a convenient route for commuters and recreational cyclists. It's part of the city's efforts to enhance bike-friendly infrastructure.
Parley’s Trail
8 Miles One Way | Easy-Moderate
This multi-use trail links various parks and neighborhoods, offering a continuous route for cyclists. Some sections are still under development, but it provides a valuable east-west connection across the city.
Bobsled Trail
1.5 Miles One Way | Moderate-Difficult
The Bobsled Trail is renowned for its fast, downhill flow, featuring banked turns, jumps, and technical sections. Its natural half-pipe terrain gives riders an exhilarating "bobsled" experience, making it a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers.
Dry Creek Trail
3 Miles One Way | Moderate
Accessed from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail near the Avenues neighborhood, Dry Creek Trail features a mix of technical rocky sections and smooth singletrack, with moderate climbs and descents. It's a great option for those looking to connect to other trails in the foothills for a longer ride.
19th Avenue Trail
2 Miles One Way | Moderate
A mix of singletrack and doubletrack, this trail offers steady climbs and descents with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley. It's a popular choice for local riders looking for a quick ride.
Horse Riding Trails in Salt Lake City, UT
This Is The Place Heritage Park
Offering guided horseback trail rides through its expansive 450-acre property at the base of Emigration Canyon. These rides provide iconic views of the Salt Lake Valley and a unique opportunity to explore the same terrain as early pioneers, explorers, and Native Americans.