- Mount Olympus
- Lake Blanche
- Mount Timpanogos
- Grandeur Peak
- Bell’s Canyon
- Ensign Peak
Salt Lake City, Utah is a paradise for summer outdoor recreation in the Wasatch mountains. Enjoy Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, Millcreek Canyon and access to the best hiking trails in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Hiking around Salt Lake City, Utah offers beautiful views of Lone Peak, downtown SLC and trails tucked into the surrounding national forest. Whether you are looking to summit the highest peaks in the Wasatch, enjoy easy hiking trails in Salt Lake City or find the best views, the options are endless. Check out these 6 epic hikes in Salt Lake City to explore this summer!
Mount Olympus
One of the most popular and challenging hikes in the Wasatch, Mount Olympus rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of Salt Lake City. The trail is approximately 7.3 miles round trip and features a steep ascent, rocky terrain, and some scrambling near the summit. It’s a strenuous hike, but the views from the top make it well worth the effort. Located near Cottonwood Heights, this trail is popular so it’s smart to leave early to have less crowds. Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash in some areas and make sure to bring plenty of water on this strenuous Salt Lake City hike.
Lake Blanche
Another one of 6 epic hikes in Salt Lake City is Lake Blanche located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Known as one of the best hiking trails in Salt Lake City for camping and backpacking, this moderately challenging hike is the perfect place to recharge in nature for the weekend. The 6.9-mile round trip trail takes you through a scenic canyon, past waterfalls, and ends at the picturesque Lake Blanche, nestled beneath rugged peaks. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the lake’s surface is simply stunning. Make sure to leave your pups at home because dogs are not allowed on this Big Cottonwood Canyon trail.
Mount Timpanogos
Located about an hour south of Salt Lake City in Aspen Grove, Mount Timpanogos is a classic and challenging hike that offers breathtaking alpine scenery. The trail to the summit is approximately 14 miles round trip and gains significant elevation. This is a hard, lengthy hike near Salt Lake City, so make sure you are well prepared with food, water and necessary gear for the Utah backcountry. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning wildflower meadows, encounter waterfalls, and be rewarded with sweeping views from the summit. Keep in mind that this hike reaches high elevations and snow can cover the trail into the summer. Expect this dog-friendly hike in Salt Lake City to be challenging and rocky, but well worth it with the mind blowing views.
Grandeur Peak
Another one of the best hikes in Salt Lake City is Grandeur Peak in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Offering panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley, Grandeur Peak is a popular and moderately challenging hike. The 6-mile round trip trail starts in Millcreek Canyon and features a steady ascent to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views of downtown SLC, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding Oquirrh and Wasatch mountains. Since this hike is in Millcreek canyon, dogs are allowed off leash on odd days and must be on leash on even days.
Bell’s Canyon
Located in the Wasatch Mountains, Bell’s Canyon is a scenic hike that leads to a beautiful reservoir and a stunning waterfall. The trail is approximately 4.8 miles round trip and is considered moderately difficult. The trailhead starts near Sandy, Utah and although the top is steep and strenuous, it’s a shorter Salt Lake City hike that offers epic views. Along the way, you’ll pass through a narrow canyon, cross a bridge, and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. The waterfall at the end of the trail is a perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty. Make sure to leave your dogs at home for this hike since they are not allowed on this Salt Lake City trail.
Ensign Peak
For a shorter but still rewarding hike in Salt Lake City, Ensign Peak is an excellent choice. The trail is only 0.9 miles round trip and offers a relatively easy climb to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the nearby mountains. It’s a great hike for a quick escape and a perfect spot to catch the sunset over downtown Salt Lake City. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but must stay on leash. This is a popular and touristy hike in Salt Lake City, so expect there to be several other people on the trail.
Remember to come prepared with appropriate gear, water, and snacks for your hikes, and check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. Check out this day hike checklist, so you can be prepared for all scenarios on a hike near SLC. Call your family and friends or set up a solo hike and enjoy these 6 epic hikes in Salt Lake City this summer!
If you want more time for yourself to enjoy outdoor recreation in Salt Lake City this summer, schedule a service with White Cloud Concierge. Get started today, save valuable time and check off tasks on your to-do list while you are on the trail!