The Best 8 Trails in Salt Lake City for Visitors are right out the backdoor, within a 30 minute drive, and range in difficulty for all levels of hikers. Whether you are visiting for a day, or a week, each of these hikes will provide amazing views of the Salt Lake Valley. I've ranked 8 hikes from easy to hard, with a mix of kid- and dog- friendly. Do you have visitors coming into town, but not sure what to recommend? Link them to this list for an easy, one page post, on some of the best local hikes. Click on the link for each hike to learn more!
Mt. Olympus (9,030 ft) is the prominent peak above Murray/Millcreek, Utah and is recognizable from anywhere in the SLC valley due to its two long, rocky spines on the West face.
Explore Cascade Springs – A Family-Friendly Walk in American Fork Canyon
Cascade Springs is a beautiful artesian spring located in American Fork Canyon, offering naturally terraced cascades, crystal-clear pools, and lush vegetation. Over 7 million gallons of water flow through the springs each day, creating a serene and scenic environment perfect for a leisurely outing. While not a traditional hike, Cascade Springs is more of a casual walk, ideal for families, kids, and those looking for an easy nature escape.
Heugh's Canyon to Olympus Cove (a.k.a. "Z Trail") follows one of the newest sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). It's a 5 mile point-to-point trail great for dogs and trail runs. There are a few sections with sheer drop offs, and for that reason, I don't recommend little kids.
Grove Creek Canyon is located to the east of Pleasant Grove, Utah. It leads you through a somewhat narrow canyon, that eventually connects with the Great Western Trail. Along the way you'll have an amazing view of South Mt. Timpanogos, and pass two waterfalls - the first which is inaccessible, and the 2nd you could probably find a way down to yet wouldn't be easy.
The Tibble Fork Loop Trail (trail #041 & #040) is located in American Fork Canyon, and starts at the Tibble Fork Reservoir, hence the appropriate name. This hike can be done year round, but I find it to be the prettiest during Winter when the trees are laden with snow, the reservoir is frozen over, and the trail offers a certain quietness. The trail steadily gains elevation for the first 2 miles, cuts through an amazing aspen grove and open meadow, then connects back to the Tibble Fork stream and main parking lot.
Hiking Emigration Canyon Ridge to Dale and Perkins Peaks – A Hidden Gem Near Salt Lake City
The Emigration Canyon Ridge Trail is a hidden gem nestled between Parley’s Canyon and Emigration Canyon, just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. Starting from the well-known Little Mountain Summit, a popular destination for road cyclists and runners, this scenic ridge hike remains relatively unknown—yet anyone who has driven through Parley’s Canyon has unknowingly passed right below it.
The Horse Flat Trail in American Fork Canyon starts from the Summit Trailhead, and passes through several meadows, large Aspen groves, and shaded areas before finally reaching the Primrose Overlook.