We’ve all heard of body-shaming, right? Well, what about hike-shaming? No? I’m not sure it’s even a real thing, but it’s the best way I can sum up the motivation to write this post. I’m not a good hiker and I wish there was a user-friendly guide to some of the best urban Salt Lake City hikes for people like me.
Instead of waiting for someone else to take charge, I figured that I would write my own guide and hope that others would find it useful too.
When I moved to Salt Lake City, I was amazed at how often people appeared to judge me based on how little I’ve hiked, or how I had literally NO motivation to do so.
When I mention that Ensign Peak took some time to summit, I was met with comments along the lines of “that’s not even a real hike,” or even “you know, little babies can do that one.”
When I reveal that I have no desire to even attempt Mount Olympus, I’m met with condescending looks and scoffs.
Really? You did that hike and said that your legs were shot for DAYS after. And you wonder why I don’t dare.
My self-worth is not seeped in my ability (or inability) to scramble up a mountainside, nor is it connected to however-many “selfie-from-the-back-with-a-booty-tooch-and-my-hands-outstretched-with-the-peace-sign-looking-out-at-an-amazing-view” photos fill my social media feeds.
Whoa, I need to take a deep breath real quick.
*inhale, hold, exhale*
My goal for this post isn’t to come across as this bitter person who hates all things hiking. I want to be a better hiker, but within reason.
Let me break it down a little bit more: I grew up in Southern California and can’t remember any hikes that I did growing up.
None.
I wasn’t against nature, but when you’re the oldest of 5 kids, play sports, volunteer, babysit, are the drum major and like to hang out with friends, you don’t have a lot of time to drive to the mountains and go on hikes.
Plus, there were big cats and bears that graced my closest mountains. I just wasn’t interested: I prefer the beach.
When I moved to Salt Lake City, a new friend invited my roommate and I to go on a hike with a group of other people our age: the sunrise over Mount Timpanogos hike…which is a right-of-passage for kids that grow up in the area.
Not one to be left behind, I decided to tag along, equipped with absolutely nothing. I wore a t shirt and jeans. I think I wore running shoes. No water, no trekking poles.
Not only did I only make it about halfway and have to turn around, but I was in extreme pain (I was born without hip sockets).
One of the guys I was hiking with (who likes to run up and down the mountain, by the way) had to take me back down to the cars at the trail-head.
And, to add insult to injury, I ended up having to sleep in the car and wait for everyone to get back after the sunrise.
Not one of my finest moments, but one of the best learning experiences I could have done without asked for.
As the years went by, my opinions softened a bit towards hiking.
Maybe just being in such close proximity to stunning mountains finally broke me down? Boredom? Trust me, I wasn’t waking up on Saturday mornings eager to get sweaty and dirty as I hopped over boulders and avoided bears and moose. Rather, I started to hear about hikes that were more my style and length (read: hikes for kids and families).
I became a Cub Scout leader and ended up having to take my boys on a hike every year. I made friends with people who were extremely supportive and encouraging, which made hiking much more enjoyable.
Through various means and resources, I discovered some shorter hikes: quick out-and-backs that still were a little painful, yes, but also led to beautiful vistas, cool lakes, and provided a sense of accomplishment for me.
I also realized that by doing some of the smaller, more urban hikes, my muscles were strengthening, my tolerance for scrambling over boulders was increasing, and my desire to get up and over the terrible Salt Lake City air was growing.
And after a traumatic hike down and then back up the tallest sea cliffs in the world, I acquired the once-shameful-looking trekking poles, which led to less pain, longer distances, and greater elevations.
Now, especially with the weather warming up and colors painting the mountains, I’m actively searching out hikes that are more my style: more urban Salt Lake City hikes…quick, but still leading to an impressive destination.
For those of you who are very limited hikers like me, or if you’re visiting Salt Lake City and don’t have the means to get deep into the Wasatch or Unitas, can’t handle the altitude or are on a time-crunch, I present to you my favorite urban Salt Lake City hikes!
Salt Lake City Hikes #1: Ensign Peak
I know I touched on it a little before, but here’s the skinny: Ensign Peak is a local favorite urban hike that leads to sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley; from Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake to the west, to the Bingham Copper Mine to the south, and the University of Utah to the east.
The best part? You drive most of the way to the top, leaving 0.5 miles to hike up to the summit and monument.
Address: 1002 Ensign Vista Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(40.79139, -111.88833)
There is no public transportation that will take you to the trail-head. The closest bus (500) will take you to the Capitol and the trail-head is about a mile north, straight uphill through a residential area. If you don’t have a car and don’t want to walk, grab an Uber or Lyft…the beauty of an urban hike!
From downtown Salt Lake City:
- Head North on State Street towards the Capitol Building
- Head East on 300 North, which will start to circle the Capitol Building and become E Capitol Blvd
- Make a left on Ensign Vista Dr, heading west
- The trail-head will be on the north side of the street, marked with a large concrete wall with “Ensign Peak” carved into it
About the hike:
The trail-head is technically located within the Ensign Peak Nature Park, which is a small circular gathering place with a few plaques explaining a bit about the area. Climb the 6-ish steps on the east side and you’ll see the beginning of a well-worn path.
The trail is well-maintained and heavily trafficked at all hours of the day/night. As you climb, you will swing north-east around the Peak, reaching the monument from the north side.
While you are surrounded by vegetation for most of the hike, there are precious few spots where you are shaded with a few benches. Once you summit, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley from above the Capitol Building. This hike is an out-and-back, so once you’ve had your fill of the view, head back down the way you came!
Rachelle’s tips:
- The trail-head is located in a residential area, so respect the people who live there and only park in designated areas.
- Don’t litter. This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how much trash you find on the trails.
- Stay on the established trail. There is an ongoing effort to re-vegetate the area surrounding the trail.
- Although this hike is marked as “easy” by everyone, bring water since you’ll be in direct sunlight for most of the journey.
- Don’t be shocked when you see gobs of people on this hike, no matter if you’re going for a sunrise or midday hike. Say hello and let people pass.
- My favorite time to do this hike is at sunset, but it’s also stunning at any time of the day!
- Bring water!
Salt Lake City Hikes #2: The Living Room
It was years before I actually figured out where this hike was located, and maybe a year after that before I actually went on the hike for the first time. Funny enough, the trail forks just past the trail-head and I chose the wrong way: I went left and ended up scaling the face of the mountain. Not too fun, but a great story to tell for sure!
The “destination” for this hike is a viewing area of the Salt Lake Valley, facing west. When you summit, you’ll be rewarded with entrance to a make-shift living room (where the hike obviously gets it’s name). Hikers over the years have constructed chairs and a TV set-type contraption, complete with a remote control. Don’t believe me? Have a look!
Address: (close to) 383 Colorow Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(40.76065,0-111.818817)
There is no public transportation that will take you to the trail-head. The closest buses (228, 313, 455, 473) will take you to the University, but a few blocks away. Most University students will also be able to direct you to the trail-head. If you don’t have a car and don’t want to walk, grab an Uber or Lyft…the beauty of an urban hike!
From downtown Salt Lake City:
- Set your GPS to The Utah Museum of Natural History
- Right before you reach The UMNH, you will come to a 4-way-stop. Continue straight through it
- Turn right on Colorow Road
- The trail-head will be on the left/east side of the street, down a little ways (chances are there will be some cars parked right by the entrance)
About the hike:
The Living Room is an out-and-back urban hike with an extension (which I didn’t do, and therefore, won’t be including it in this guide), totaling about 2 miles round trip.
Don’t be intimidated by the distance. You’re shaded for a good portion and are rewarded with a stunning hike that is beloved. A favorite for not only University of Utah students (what with the trail-head being located on campus) but families alike, The Living Room is an easy hike if you’re close to the University campus.
The beginning of the hike intersects with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which runs along the base of the mountain. Keep heading east, perpendicular to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and you’ll stay on The Living Room Trail just fine.
Rachelle’s tips:
- Dogs are allowed on the trail and poop bags are provided at the trail-head. The dogs are supposed to be on-leash, but people are people…so just be prepared.
- ALWAYS STAY TO THE RIGHT! The trail splits a few times and if you’re new to the area, remember to Choose the Right.
- You will encounter numerous trail runners and cyclists. Be courteous and allow them to pass. Your karma will thank you later.
- There’s a section of the trail that is loose rock and gravel, so if you have trekking poles, I’d recommend bringing them and wearing sturdy shoes.
- If you choose to hike this during the summer, be warned: RATTLESNAKES LIVE HERE. Don’t tempt fate.
- In my opinion, the best time to do this hike is early in the morning with the sun still in the east. This way, when you’re lounging in the chairs at the summit, the sun will be behind you and you won’t have to squint!
- Bring water!
Salt Lake City Hikes #3: Cecret Lake
Cecret Lake (pronounced se•cret) was a random find of mine a few years ago when I was just starting to hike, and I’ve been dying to go back, believe it or not.
Known for having amazing flowers adorning the trail, Cecret Lake is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon and is a hike that pretty much every local Utahn has done. The whole area surrounding the trail-head is picture-perfect, full of wildflowers, and where I saw my first moose (fortunately I was in the car).
Address: (close to) 8595 S Albion Basin Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
(40.57639, -111.61278)
There is no public transportation that will take you to the trail-head. The closest buses (72, 354) will take you to the Wasatch Park & Ride @ 6200 S. Since this hike is up a canyon, I’d recommend either renting a car or making arrangements with a driver to pick you up. Sometimes cell signals aren’t very reliable and your geo-location could go askew.
From downtown Salt Lake City:
- Set your GPS to Alta Ski Resort
- Go past the ski resort towards the Albion Basin Campground
- Follow the road until you see the signs for Cecret Lake Trail-Head – trust me, the roads are well-marked and easy to find!
About the hike:
If you’re allergic to pollen, I’d recommend taking some medication prior to hiking to Cecret Lake. The trail, as pictured above, runs through vibrant fields of wildflowers and grasses. The trail is a gradual incline, winding around impressive rock formations and trees as tall as skyscrapers, surrounded by equally impressive mountains and the occasional moose.
The hike to Cecret Lake is also a hot-spot for photographers. The first time I hiked here, I came across some family photo-shoots and engagement pictures.
Rachelle’s tips:
- Parking can be an issue: go early in the day and it shouldn’t be a problem. If the small lot is full, you might have to find a spot in another lot down the road. Don’t park where there are No Parking signs – they patrol!
- DON’T GO IN THE LAKE: it is a protected watershed for Salt Lake City.
- This is a heavily-trafficked trail, especially during the summer months. Be courteous to your fellow hikers.
- Don’t litter. This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how much trash you find on the trails.
- Bring water!
Salt Lake City Hikes #4: Donut Falls
Anything with “Donut” in the name has to be a good thing, right? Well, maybe not always, but the hike to Donut Falls definitely belongs in that category! Located up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Donut Falls hike is one that everyone in the family can do…from little kids to grandma and grandpa!
Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT
(40.629722, -111.654722 for the Falls)
Since this hike is up a canyon, I’d recommend either renting a car or making arrangements with a driver to pick you up. Sometimes cell signals aren’t very reliable and your geo-location could go askew.
From downtown Salt Lake City:
- Set your GPS to Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Take I-215 East/South to 6200 S and follow signs to Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Once you enter the canyon, continue ~9 miles to the Mill D Trailhead and turn right
- Head towards the Jordan Pines picnic area, passing private summer homes
- Follow the signs to Donut Falls – it’s well marked!
About the hike:
Getting to the actual Donut Falls is an easy out-and-back 3.5ish mile round trip. The best time to do this hike is during the summer, in the late afternoon/evening during the week. The whole point of this hike is to get to the Falls and get inside the Falls…which is hard to do on the weekends when it’s really crowded. You’ll be following a stream for most of the hike, which provides some pretty awesome views and a much-needed break from the heat.
Follow the trail along the wide path, and when it forks, stay to the left.
Rachelle’s tips:
- If you want to get into the actual Donut Falls, you’ll have to scramble up and over the rock formation at the end of the hike, so bring or wear a pair of waterproof shoes and bring a waterproof camera
- There’s a pit toilet at the trail-head…so you might want to go before you head out
- Avoid hiking this trail during the middle of the day and weekends
- Don’t litter. This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how much trash you find on the trails.
- Bring water!
So there you have it: my guide to the best urban hikes around Salt Lake City. Of course, this list is purely my opinion and based solely on my preferences and abilities. Which urban Salt Lake City hike would you want to do first?
If you find yourself in Salt Lake City for a short amount of time, or if you have a few hours to kill and want to get outside and experience a more local-feeling adventure, head up to one of the urban hikes! Fair warning: you just might find yourself falling in love with Utah…
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