12 Finest Hikes Close to Salt Lake Metropolis – Bearfoot Principle
From alpine lakes to beautiful waterfalls to epic peaks, there are limitless climbing trails to discover close to Salt Lake Metropolis. Situated within the coronary heart of the Wasatch Mountains, you’ll be handled to fields of alpine wildflowers within the coronary heart of summer time and brilliant yellow aspen bushes within the fall.
Whereas Utah is residence to 5 Nationwide Parks and recognized for its pink desert canyons, there’s a lot extra to discover within the state. I’ve referred to as Salt Lake Metropolis residence for over 5 years and on this information, I define my favourite trails within the Salt Lake Metropolis space.
Seeking to hit the path? We’ve rounded up the perfect hikes in Salt Lake Metropolis so you possibly can simply plan your subsequent journey.
Because it goes in all the locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and keep in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish, being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established guidelines.
Finest Lake Hikes Close to Salt Lake Metropolis
When Salt Lake Metropolis summer time temperatures hit 90 levels, why not head to the mountains and funky down on the shores of those stunning alpine lakes? These hikes will be achieved as day hikes or in a single day backpacking journeys. Please observe that swimming will not be allowed at any of those lakes as a result of they feed the Salt Lake Metropolis watershed.
Pink Pine Lake
- Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 2000 ft
- Time: 4 hours
- Problem: Laborious
- Trailhead begin: Pink/White Pine Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
The hike to Pink Pine Lake begins on the White Pine Lake trailhead and begins by transferring gently up by means of a grove of aspen bushes. As soon as you might be at Pink Pine Lake, you possibly can determine to proceed upwards to Higher Pink Pine Lake. To search out Higher Pink Pine Lake you’ll must hike the stream that flows into Decrease Pink Pine Lake. There’s not a maintained path between the 2 however you’ll see a hiker-made path that connects the 2. For the complete path description and suggestions for in a single day backpacking at Pink Pine Lake, see my detailed Pink Pine Lake Path information.
Concerned with trying out much more? From the decrease lake, it’s a couple of 1.5-mile climb to the highest of the Pfeifferhorn, a preferred 11,326-foot summit, and Salt Lake Metropolis’s third highest peak. You’ll be able to learn our information to climbing to the Pfeifferhorn right here.
White Pine Lake
- Distance: 10.7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 2700 ft
- Time: 5 hours
- Problem: Laborious
- Trailhead begin: Pink/White Pine Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
The hike to White Pine Lake begins out on the identical path as Pink Pine Lake. After crossing the primary footbridge over Little Cottonwood Creek the path forks. Go left right here and climb up in direction of White Pine Canyon. After a mile while you come to the subsequent junction, you’ll come to a stream. Don’t cross that stream. As an alternative, head as much as the left and proceed on the previous 4WD jeep highway (which is now not open to automobiles). It will climb up and may be very simple to observe. Keep on this till you attain White Pine Lake, and benefit from the superior views alongside the way in which!
Lake Blanche
- Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 2800 ft
- Time: 3 hours
- Problem: Reasonable/Laborious
- Trailhead begin: Lake Blanche Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
Don’t miss this totally unbelievable alpine lake that sits below Sundial Peak. We love this hike attributable to its shaded begin amidst mighty oak and aspen bushes. The path to Lake Blanche additionally gives unbelievable views of the Salt Lake Valley as you get larger up. The path is straightforward to observe, aside from one part the place you cross a really quick boulder subject. Once you get right here search for cairns in the event you can’t discover the path. As soon as you might be at Lake Blanche, For those who’re up for exploring extra you can even entry Florence and Lillian Lakes on quick, spur trails that lead to the best alongside the dam.
Cecret Lake
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 300 ft
- Time: 1 hour
- Problem: Simple
- Trailhead begin: Cecret Lake Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
Arguably a proper of passage for all Salt Lake Metropolis residents, this Alta Ski Space hike is a straightforward strategy to kill a day within the Wasatch Mountains. The path to Cecret Lake is understood for unbelievable wildflowers and the occasional moose sighting (I noticed 3 once I went!). From the lake, you can even climb to the highest of Sugarloaf Peak for an unbelievable sundown vista. Or alternatively, for an extended hike, you can even begin on the Albion Meadows Path on the decrease parking zone.
Lake Mary, Martha, & Catherine
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 1200 ft
- Time: 3-4 Hours
- Problem: Simple/Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Lake Mary Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
Why hike to 1 lake when you might hike to 3? Lake Mary is first, then Lake Martha (which is the smallest), and at last, Lake Catherine which is nearly fully surrounded by mountain peaks–undoubtedly value going to the tip. The additional you go, the extra solitude you’ll have, however in the event you don’t have time, even the short hike to Lake Mary makes for an ideal afternoon.
And if three lakes aren’t sufficient for you, simply to the south of Lake Catherine is Sundown Peak which you’ll be able to entry by a 0.6 mile path that positive aspects 708 ft. I went up there for sundown final summer time, and the views have been unbelievable.
Willow Lake
- Distance: 2.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 600 ft
- Time: 1 hour
- Problem: Simple
- Trailhead begin: Willow Heights Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
Willow Lake is likely one of the most family-friendly, simple hikes close to Salt Lake Metropolis. Winding by means of a shady aspen forest, you’ll attain the picturesque lake in 3/4 of a mile – proceed onward across the lake for a straightforward stroll. Willow Lake is very beautiful within the fall when all of the leaves flip yellow!
There is no such thing as a signage or massive parking space, so it’s simple to overlook the trailhead with out GPS. Simply previous the tip of an space with houses and companies, the highway bends to the left. Search for a 35-mph velocity restrict signal going through towards down-canyon site visitors, which is situated on the path entrance. There’s a small stone monument designating the Willow Heights conservation space — that is the start of the path.
Bell Canyon to Decrease Falls
- Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 1400 ft
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Problem: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Bell Canyon Granite Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: No
Bell Canyon is a comparatively quick (however difficult!) hike within the Wasatch Mountains. Not solely does this hike embrace a lake, nevertheless it additionally results in a stunning cascading waterfall. When you attain the Bell Canyon Decrease Reservoir, you’ll proceed up a steep, rocky path to succeed in the Decrease Falls. This can be a good spot for a lunch break! All through this hike, you should have wonderful views of the encompassing canyon and town beneath. Remember that rattlesnakes frequent this space, particularly round nightfall in the summertime.
Finest Waterfall Hikes Close to Salt Lake Metropolis
Donut Falls
- Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 300 ft
- Time: 45 minutes
- Problem: Simple
- Trailhead begin: Finish of FR019 (40.63956, -111.65127)
- Canine Allowed: No
Donut Falls is a good simple hike close to Salt Lake Metropolis – excellent for households or a leisurely stroll. There are tons of waterfall hikes in Utah – however solely this one drops right into a cave. Years of abrasion precipitated a donut-shaped gap within the rock the place water now cascades down – a really distinctive factor to see!
This hike is extraordinarily in style, so get an early begin to beat the crowds and discover a parking spot.
Stewart Falls
- Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 600 ft
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Problem: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Aspen Grove Parking Lot
- Canine Allowed: Sure
Stewart Falls is a 200-foot two-tier cascading waterfall situated about an hour south of downtown Salt Lake. As you hike by means of the forest, you’ll see the east aspect of Mt. Timpanogos. This hike is finest throughout early summer time when there’s contemporary snowmelt or throughout fall when the aspens flip brilliant yellow.
Parking on the Aspen Grove parking zone requires a $6 entry price (as of September 2021, legitimate for 3 days), paid at a tollbooth on the Alpine Scenic Loop.
Finest Peak Hikes Close to Salt Lake Metropolis
Grandeur Peak East by way of Church Fork
- Distance: 5.9 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 2300 ft
- Time: 4 hours
- Problem: Laborious
- Trailhead begin: Grandeur Peak by way of Church Fork Trailhead Picnic Space
- Canine Allowed: Sure – off-leash on odd-numbered days, on-leash on even-numbered days
With jaw-dropping views alongside the path and on the summit, it’s no surprise this hike known as “Grandeur”. Whereas this hike will be achieved at any time of day, we suggest you get up and hit the path at dawn for beautiful views and a principally shaded path. You’ll be watching the dawn above the treeline!
You’ll be able to entry Grandeur Peak from the east (our suggestion right here) or from the west, and though the west path is barely shorter in distance at 4.4 miles, you achieve an extra 1000 ft in elevation, making it a a lot more durable climb.
Mount Olympus
- Distance: 7.8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 4100 ft
- Time: 6+ hours
- Problem: Laborious
- Trailhead begin: Mt. Olympus Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: Sure
Mt. Olympus is a grueling path that climbs over 4,000 ft and is finest for skilled hikers. That is undoubtedly a bucket listing hike nevertheless it requires enough bodily and psychological preparation. The final mile ascends 2000 ft and consists of numerous scrambling. Pack PLENTY of water as this path is totally uncovered and will get scorching throughout the summer time. Trekking poles are additionally extremely advisable.
Those that determine to deal with Mt. Olympus will likely be rewarded with wonderful views over Salt Lake Metropolis and the Wasatch Mountains – plus bragging rights.
Desolation Overlook
- Distance: 5.2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Acquire: 1300 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Problem: Reasonable
- Trailhead begin: Thaynes Canyon Trailhead
- Canine Allowed: Sure, on leash
That is considered one of our prime picks for dog-friendly trails close to Salt Lake Metropolis. Desolation Overlook weaves by means of stunning Millcreek Canyon and throughout the summer time season, anticipate to see considerable wildflowers. Not like most different trails close by, the path resulting in Desolation Overlook permits canines on leash!
In case you are on the lookout for solitude, the Desolation Overlook has a number of off-shoot trails.
Have you ever hiked any of those trails or do you intend to? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
