Reveal 57+ Striking Salt Lake City Hikes The Living Room You Won't Be Disappointed

Located on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Red Butte Garden is known for its beautiful botanical gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With over 100 acres of gardens and natural areas, this hike offers a peaceful escape from city life.

The main trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you through various themed gardens, including a rose garden, a fragrance garden, and a children's garden. Along the way, you'll also encounter several scenic overlooks where you can stop and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the nearby mountains.

The best time to visit Red Butte Garden is during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. However, the garden also offers a unique hiking experience in the fall, with the changing leaves providing a colorful backdrop to your hike.

Mount Olympus Trail is a popular hike for experienced hikers looking for a challenging climb. The 7.3-mile round trip hike takes you to the summit of Mount Olympus, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley.

The trail starts off relatively easy, but as you ascend, it becomes steeper and more difficult. The last stretch of the hike involves scrambling over rocks and boulders, so proper hiking shoes and caution are a must.

Once you reach the summit, you can take a break and soak in the incredible views of the city and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you may even be able to see all the way to the Great Salt Lake. Just be sure to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

For a short but rewarding hike, head to Ensign Peak Trail. The trail is only 0.8 miles round trip, but it offers stunning views of the city and the Great Salt Lake. It's also a significant historical site, as it is where Brigham Young and other early pioneers climbed to survey the Salt Lake Valley before settling in the area.

The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. At the top, you'll find a plaque commemorating the pioneers and a telescope for better viewing of the surrounding landscape. The sunset views from here are particularly breathtaking, so consider timing your hike accordingly.

If you're looking for a scenic drive and a variety of hiking options, consider heading to Millcreek Canyon. The canyon offers several hiking trails ranging from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging hikes for experienced hikers.

One popular hike is the Burch Hollow Trail, which takes you through a beautiful forest and up to a picturesque waterfall. For a more challenging hike, try the Grandeur Peak Trail, which offers spectacular views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains.

There is a small entrance fee to access the canyon, but it's well worth it for the variety of hiking options and the breathtaking scenery.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a 100-mile trail that follows the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville. It offers a unique hiking experience, as it takes you through various habitats and landscapes, from mountains to meadows to city views.

The trail is divided into several sections, so you can choose to hike a shorter or longer portion depending on your preferences. The trail is also popular for trail running and mountain biking, so keep an eye out for other outdoor enthusiasts along the way.

One recommended section of the trail is the City Creek to Dry Creek section, which offers stunning views of the city and the mountains and passes through a beautiful canyon.

For a peaceful and scenic hike close to the city, look no further than City Creek Canyon. The trail is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon and ends at a small waterfall.

The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual incline and well-maintained paths. Along the way, you'll encounter several benches where you can stop and take in the serene surroundings. You may even spot some wildlife, such as deer or birds, along the way.

Keep in mind that this hike is only open during certain times of the year, so be sure to check the current open dates before planning your trip.

The Grandeur Peak Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the summit of Grandeur Peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.

The hike is 6.2 miles round trip with a steep elevation gain, so it's best suited for experienced hikers. The trail can also be quite rocky and slippery, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

Once you reach the summit, you'll be able to see all the way to the Great Salt Lake and even spot some of the other hikes on this list, such as Mount Olympus and Ensign Peak. Just be sure to start early and give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike before it gets too hot or dark.

If you're looking for a unique and family-friendly hike, check out the Donut Falls Trail. The trail is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to a waterfall that flows through a hole in the rock, creating a donut-like shape.

The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual incline and well-maintained paths. However, the last stretch of the hike involves navigating a rocky stream, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Once you reach the falls, you can climb up to the top and even walk behind the waterfall for a truly unique experience. Just be prepared for some crowds, as this is a popular spot for families and tourists.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a scenic drive that offers access to various hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon is known for its towering granite cliffs, beautiful forests, and stunning views.

One popular hike in the canyon is the Lake Blanche Trail, a 6-mile round trip hike that takes you to a picturesque alpine lake. The trail is relatively strenuous, with a steep incline, but the views along the way make it worth the effort.

The canyon also offers several other activities, such as rock climbing, camping, and fishing, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Little Cottonwood Canyon is another popular canyon for outdoor activities, including hiking. The canyon is known for its granite cliffs, lush forests, and stunning views, making it a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

One recommended hike is the Albion Meadows Trail, a 4-mile round trip hike that takes you through beautiful meadows and up to a picturesque lake. The trail is relatively easy, making it suitable for hikers of all levels.

The canyon also offers other activities, such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, making it a year-round destination for outdoor fun.