The Living Room Trail is one of SLC’s most popular hike. At only 2 miles round-trip, this overlook provides one of the best views looking down to the city. There are several routes to reach The Living Room, which is home to several rock “lazy boys” and “couches”. If you hike up here on a Friday night or during the day on the weekends, The Living Room can get really crowded. I’ve been up there when 40-50 people are all trying to see the sun set, or just relax and drink a beer. The Living Room sits behind the Natural History Museum along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). This is a popular hike to bring along dogs, kids, and the whole family and it can be done in under 2 hours.
Directions
In SLC, head East on I-80 towards Park City. Take exit 129 for Foothill Drive. Drive 3.3 miles, then turn Right on Wakara Way. Drive straight, until you pass the Natural History Museum/Red Butte Garden sign, then turn right into the museum parking lot. Park at the southern-most end, by the stairs. Here is a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 2.6 miles RT (loop)
Elevation gain: 960 ft
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Dog friendly? Yes
Kid friendly? Yes
Here is the entrance for the Natural History Museum & the Red Butte Gardens. Drive past this, then turn right into the parking area. You can only park here after 5pm. Park at the southern-most end, by the stairs. You can also park along this road to the right (anytime).
Walk up the stairs, then turn right onto the BST.
Continue following the BST until you reach the “174” pipeline sign and turn left.
Hike up the small hill.
Then come to a 4-way intersection at this wood stick.
Go straight past the stick. You will now be hiking up in a small gulley called George’s Hollow.
In early Spring the trail is a mix of mud and ice.
Continue up the gulley and it will start to turn West and when you reach a small hill, you will have your first look down to the city.
The trail now turns left.
Almost there! You can see the trail just ahead to across the hill, and it’s just below the trees on the ridge.
You’ll come to a small, unsigned trail split – stay left for the Living Room. Right will take you to Mt.Wire.
At The Living Room!
Now you see why it is aptly named The Living Room. People have arranged the large rocks to form “chairs” and “couches”, creating a resting spot to take in the view.
Enjoying the view with Charlie on the “couch”. From here, you have several options to get down – the same way you came up, or to for something different, see my routes mapped below.
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When you bring donuts on the hike, but everyone wants a piece!
August 2018
Great group of hikers and dogs.
The Living Room Trail offers the best sunset views!
January 2019
A fun winter hike too!
Trail Map
There are several routes to reach The Living Room. Red is the most popular, however the yellow is most challenging, and purple has the most switchbacks but sees the least amount of people. All good options for how you feel that day! I almost always hike the Living Room in a loop – up yellow, down red.
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