Salt Lake City has always held a special place in my heart. While many travelers see it as a gateway to ski resorts or national parks, I’ve discovered that some of the most profound experiences here lie just a few miles outside the city: hiking trails that mix alpine beauty, desert flavor, wildlife encounters, and raw mountain drama. I’ve learned that a city’s soul can often be found in its trails, and Salt Lake is no exception.
I’ll walk you through three hikes I’ve personally done and fallen in love with, followed by four additional trails I recommend for every kind of hiker. Each one has its own flavor, its own rhythm, and its own story to tell.
My Personal Hiking Experiences
1. Donut Falls Trail – Family-Friendly Beauty in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 13 miles from downtown Salt Lake City
Driving Time: ~30 minutes from downtown SLC via Wasatch Boulevard and UT-190
Trail Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
My Experience
The very first hike I did in Salt Lake City was Donut Falls, and I can still remember the mix of excitement and curiosity. The trail is short enough for families but has a magical destination: a waterfall that pours through a hole in the rock, resembling a giant stone “donut.”
I went on a sunny June morning. The air was crisp, with wildflowers blooming along the path. The trail began wide and flat, lined with aspen trees that whispered in the breeze. As I climbed higher, I could hear the faint rush of water. My niece, who was traveling with me at the time, kept asking, “Where’s the donut?”—and when we finally saw the falls pouring through the circular rock formation, her eyes widened with wonder.
It’s moments like these that remind me why hiking near Salt Lake is so rewarding: short drives, short hikes, but experiences that feel larger than life.
Facilities
- Parking lot with vault toilets.
- No food stands—bring snacks.
- Trail is well-marked and family-friendly.
Pros
- Very accessible from the city.
- Unique and memorable waterfall.
- Family- and kid-friendly.
Cons
- Crowded on weekends—arrive early.
- Some scrambling near the waterfall—can be slippery.
- Parking fills quickly.
Tips & Booking Info
- Free to access—no permits required.
- Best hiked from May–October (snow closes the trail in winter).
- If you want a guided family tour, check platforms like Viator (~\$100–\$150 including transport).
2. Mount Olympus Trail – A Grueling Climb with Epic Views
Location: Just east of Salt Lake City along Wasatch Boulevard
Driving Time: ~15 minutes from downtown
Trail Length: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~4,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
My Experience
Mount Olympus humbled me. I’ve hiked in the Alps, trekked in Patagonia, and scrambled in the Rockies—but this trail tested me in unexpected ways. It’s not just the elevation gain; it’s the steepness. From the very beginning, the trail rises relentlessly.
I started at sunrise to beat the heat. The city was still asleep, with lights twinkling below. Step by step, switchback by switchback, the trail pulled me higher. The reward? An unforgettable panorama at the summit: the entire Salt Lake Valley, the Great Salt Lake shimmering in the distance, and jagged Wasatch peaks surrounding me like guardians.
As I sat there, sweaty and exhausted, eating a simple peanut butter sandwich, I felt that familiar hiker’s high—the mix of exhaustion, pride, and awe that makes all the effort worth it.
Facilities
- Small trailhead parking lot (fills early).
- No restrooms—plan ahead.
- No water available—carry plenty.
Pros
- Incredible views of the valley.
- A true test of endurance.
- Very close to downtown.
Cons
- Extremely steep—requires good fitness.
- No shade after mid-morning.
- Loose rocks near the summit—use caution.
Tips & Booking Info
- Free to access.
- Best hiked spring through fall (too snowy in winter).
- Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person.
- Trekking poles highly recommended.
3. Cecret Lake Trail – Alpine Gem in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Location: Albion Basin near Alta Ski Resort, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Driving Time: ~40 minutes from Salt Lake City
Trail Length: 1.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~450 feet
Difficulty: Easy
My Experience
If Donut Falls is about playfulness and Mount Olympus is about challenge, then Cecret Lake is about serenity. This alpine lake sits high in the mountains, surrounded by wildflowers in summer and snow-capped peaks even in July.
I went in mid-July, when the Albion Basin wildflowers were in full bloom. I’ve seen flower fields in Switzerland and in Colorado, but this was on par with both—lupines, Indian paintbrush, columbines, all painting the slopes in purple, red, and yellow. The short trail led me past marmots and hummingbirds until I reached the calm, glassy lake reflecting the peaks.
I stayed for hours, sketching in my travel notebook, dipping my feet in the cold water, and simply breathing. Cecret Lake gave me something rare: silence.
Facilities
- Albion Basin parking lot (limited).
- Restrooms near trailhead.
- Seasonal shuttle service from Alta (mandatory when parking is full).
Pros
- Short, family-friendly trail.
- Gorgeous wildflowers (July–August).
- Wildlife sightings (moose, marmots).
Cons
- Parking fills up very quickly.
- Snow lingers late into summer.
- Lake gets crowded midday.
Tips & Booking Info
- Free access, but shuttle costs \$10 per person (mandatory on busy weekends).
- Best visited July–September.
- Wear layers—it’s cooler at high elevation.
Recommended Trails
4. Lake Blanche Trail – A Classic Wasatch Experience
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Driving Time: ~30 minutes from downtown
Trail Length: 6.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Why Go
Lake Blanche is one of the most beloved trails near Salt Lake. The destination—an alpine lake beneath the striking Sundial Peak—is worth every drop of sweat.
Highlights
- Sundial Peak’s reflection in the water.
- Aspen groves in fall—golden and dazzling.
- Occasional moose sightings near the lake.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Stunning views, rewarding hike, classic Utah experience.
- Cons: Very crowded on weekends, steep in sections.
Booking
- Free, no permits.
- Arrive early for parking.
5. Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook
Location: Millcreek Canyon, about 20 minutes from downtown
Trail Length: 4.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Why Go
If you want a half-day hike with epic valley views, this is the one. The overlook gives a postcard-worthy perspective of the entire Salt Lake Valley without requiring a full day.
Highlights
- Sunset is magical here.
- Less crowded than Big Cottonwood.
Booking
- \$5 fee per vehicle to enter Millcreek Canyon (cash or card).
6. Bells Canyon Waterfall Trail
Location: Near Sandy, UT, 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City
Trail Length: 4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Why Go
One of the best waterfall hikes near the city. The lower falls thunder with power in spring, and the granite cliffs give the canyon a dramatic backdrop.
Highlights
- Waterfall views.
- Reservoir at trailhead for a quick picnic.
Tips
- Trail is rocky—wear sturdy shoes.
- Go in spring for peak waterfall flow.
7. Adams Canyon Trail
Location: Layton, UT (about 30 minutes north of Salt Lake City)
Trail Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Why Go
This northern gem is often overlooked by visitors. The trail leads to a 40-foot waterfall after a winding canyon hike with shade and river crossings.
Highlights
- Family-friendly yet adventurous.
- Waterfall reward at the end.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Shady trail, great waterfall.
- Cons: Can be crowded in summer.
Within 30 minutes, you can find yourself at a family-friendly waterfall, an alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers, or on a punishing climb with world-class views.
What I love most about these trails is the diversity: you don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy them, but if you are, there’s no shortage of challenges. My advice? Mix it up—do one easy hike like Cecret Lake, one moderate like Lake Blanche, and one tough climb like Mount Olympus.
And don’t forget: bring plenty of water, start early, and savor not just the views but the journey. Salt Lake City’s trails aren’t just hikes—they’re invitations into the soul of the Wasatch Mountains.
