The best running trails in the Wasatch Range

Embark on the Lake Blanche Trail for a challenging jogging experience through the Twin Peaks Wilderness. This difficult route covers 7.7 miles (12.4 km) and climbs a significant 2738 feet (834 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 26 minutes to complete. You will navigate diverse terrain, from shaded forests to rocky paths, with panoramic canyon views before reaching the stunning Lake Blanche, where Sundial Peak reflects in its clear waters.

Planning your visit requires an early start, especially on weekends, as this is a very popular trail and parking can fill up quickly. Be prepared for potential snow and meltwater streams if you go between October and June. Remember that this area is a protected watershed, so pets are not permitted, and swimming in the lakes is prohibited to preserve water quality.

The Lake Blanche Trail offers a rewarding opportunity to test your fitness while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Utah mountains. Beyond Lake Blanche, you can also explore the quieter Lake Florence and Lake Lillian nearby, adding to the sense of discovery in this unique high-alpine environment.

The Grandeur Peak Loop offers a difficult jogging experience, covering 10.1 miles (16.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3371 feet (1028 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 48 minutes, making it a substantial challenge. As you jog, you will traverse varied terrain, from shaded lower sections with maples and firs to exposed upper portions featuring shale rock. The highlight is reaching Grandeur Peak, where you are rewarded with panoramic views across Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Valley, and even Mount Olympus.

This strenuous route demands careful preparation; remember to bring proper footwear, ample water, and salty snacks to sustain you. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, especially for the descent, to aid stability. If you plan to visit in winter, microspikes are essential for safety on icy sections. Starting your jog early in the day is a good strategy to avoid both the heat and potential crowds on the trail.

Located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the Grandeur Peak Loop is a serious workout designed for experienced adventurers looking to push their limits. It offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging ascent and descent. In the spring, the trail becomes particularly vibrant, with picturesque wildflowers blooming and cascading waterfalls adding to the beauty of Millcreek Canyon.

Prepare for a difficult jogging experience on the Red Pine Lake Trail, a 7.7-mile (12.4 km) route that demands 2062 feet (629 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging journey, typically completed in about 2 hours and 8 minutes, takes you through rugged alpine terrain. You will navigate a path that is often rocky and steep, offering shaded sections early on before opening up to more exposed climbs. As you ascend, look for expansive views of Little Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley. Your efforts are rewarded at the pristine, turquoise Red Pine Lake, nestled beneath Thunder Mountain, a truly scenic destination.

Before you head out, be aware that the Red Pine Lake Trail is located within a protected watershed area. This means swimming and wading in Red Pine Lake are strictly prohibited to preserve water quality. Also, please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. Due to persistent snow at higher elevations, especially until mid-June, the best time to plan your jogging trip is during the summer or fall months. Always check local conditions before your visit.

The journey to Red Pine Lake offers a deep dive into an alpine ecosystem, where the landscape transforms with elevation. The lake itself is a highlight, situated dramatically below Thunder Mountain and surrounded by steep peaks. In summer, you can expect to see vibrant wildflowers adding color to the rugged environment. This trail provides a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Mount Olympus Trail. This difficult route covers 7.0 miles (11.3 km) and demands a significant 3886 feet (1185 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you'll pass through forested sections where wildflowers bloom and wildlife might be spotted, gradually opening up to expansive panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The trail is conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, making it an accessible option for a demanding outing. While you can tackle this route year-round, be aware that winter conditions necessitate specialized gear such as snowshoes or microspikes. It's also crucial to check for avalanche warnings during colder months to ensure your safety, and the final section to the peak includes a Class 3 scramble, so be ready for some vertical rock climbing.

Mount Olympus is a prominent peak in the region, known for its iconic profile and the significant physical challenge it presents to joggers. The journey through the Mount Olympus Wilderness offers a true escape into nature, providing a rigorous test of endurance rewarded by some of the most expansive views in the Wasatch Front. Completing this difficult jogging route is considered a notable accomplishment for local outdoor enthusiasts, marking a memorable experience in the Utah mountains.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Desolation Trail, a difficult route spanning 4.5 miles (7.2 km). You will climb 1173 feet (358 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 7 minutes, making this a vigorous workout. As you jog, the path winds through shaded pine forests and open meadows, revealing changing views of Millcreek Canyon. The highlight is the Desolation Overlook, where you can enjoy expansive views down into the Salt Lake Valley and of Salt Lake City. Look for Grandeur Peak across the canyon from the overlook, and in late spring and summer, vibrant wildflowers add color to the scenery.

Before you head out, remember that a daily access fee is required for vehicles leaving Millcreek Canyon. If you plan to jog during winter, be prepared for icy conditions on the north-facing slopes; consider bringing traction aids like microspikes or snowshoes. The trail is dog-friendly, but pay attention to the rules: dogs are allowed on-leash on even-numbered days and off-leash on odd-numbered days.

This trail is ideal if you are seeking a rewarding trail running adventure within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It offers a great opportunity to push your limits while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The diverse terrain and the panoramic views from the overlook make it a notable option for those looking for a substantial outdoor challenge.

Prepare for a challenging jog on the Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls, a difficult 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route that climbs 1472 feet (449 metres). You can expect to complete this demanding journey to the waterfall in about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The path winds through varied terrain, from open meadows to dense forests of oak, maple, and pine, offering glimpses of the Salt Lake Valley. The highlight is the beautiful cascade of the Bells Canyon Lower Falls, tumbling over large granite boulders, but be ready for a steep and rocky final stretch to reach it. This trail offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a vigorous outdoor workout with scenic rewards.

When planning your visit, remember that the Bells Canyon Trail is a watershed area, so dogs are not permitted on this route. The best times to jog are from April to October, with spring and early summer providing the most impressive waterfall flow due to snowmelt. Be aware that the trail can become quite crowded, especially on weekends, so consider an early start if you prefer more solitude. Parking is available at the Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead, which marks the beginning of your adventure.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Bells Canyon Trail offers a unique connection to the local environment. As you jog, you'll pass the serene Bells Canyon Reservoir, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; you might spot moose or deer along the way, especially in quieter moments. Wildflowers are abundant in late spring and early summer, adding splashes of color to the landscape and enhancing the natural beauty of this popular trail within the Lone Peak Wilderness.

If you are looking for a challenging jogging route, the Mueller Park Trail to Elephant Rock offers a rewarding experience. This difficult 6.8 miles (11.0 km) trail takes you through diverse forested areas, where you will wind past towering firs and maples. You will gain 1207 feet (368 metres) in elevation, with the sound of creeks often accompanying you. The highlight is reaching Elephant Rock, which provides panoramic views of Bountiful, the Great Salt Lake, and Antelope Island. Expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This popular trail is accessible year-round, but be prepared for winter conditions. If you plan to jog during the colder months, snowshoes may be necessary. The route tends to clear of snow earlier in the spring compared to many other trails in the Wasatch Front, making it an early-season option. Due to its popularity, especially on summer weekends, you should anticipate high traffic on the trail. Consider an early start to avoid the busiest times.

Located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this route is a favorite for trail runners seeking a strenuous workout. The trail's ability to clear snow earlier in spring makes it a notable option when other higher-elevation paths are still impassable. In springtime, keep an eye out for bright yellow balsamroot adding splashes of color along the way, enhancing the natural beauty of your run.

The Provo River Parkway offers a dynamic jogging experience, tracing the scenic Provo River from urban areas into the stunning Provo Canyon. This difficult 11.7-mile (18.8 km) route, with 611 feet (186 metres) of elevation gain, takes roughly 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete, providing a continuous visual treat of riparian landscapes, towering cliffs, and the impressive Bridal Veil Falls. The terrain shifts from mostly flat to a gradual, steady incline as you venture deeper into the canyon, making it a great option for a challenging yet accessible run.

This paved, multi-use pathway is well-equipped with numerous access points, parking, and amenities along its length. While generally accessible, joggers should note that upper canyon sections may retain snow in winter, potentially requiring micro-spikes for safe passage. It's a popular trail, so arriving earlier in the day can help secure parking, especially on weekends.

Considered a community treasure, the Provo River Parkway is a vital part of the larger "Golden Spoke network," connecting over 100 miles of paved trails across the region. Its year-round appeal is enhanced by vibrant autumn foliage, transforming the canyon into a golden spectacle. The trail's proximity to the river ensures opportunities to observe waterfowl and enjoy nature, making it a beloved local asset for recreation and connecting with the outdoors.

If you're seeking a demanding jogging route, the Kyhv Peak Trail offers a difficult workout over 7.4 miles (11.8 km). You will gain 2636 feet (803 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete. The initial stretch through Rock Canyon features rocky terrain and canyon walls, where you'll cross five bridges. As you climb higher, the route winds through forests of pine and aspen before opening up to ridgelines. From Kyhv Peak itself, you can enjoy wide views of Utah Valley, including Provo, Utah Lake, and Mount Timpanogos.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible just outside Provo. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, making it convenient to begin your jog. While the lower section can be busy, you will find the trail becomes more secluded as you ascend. Consider an early start to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer people on the initial part of the route.

This route is situated within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a true mountain experience. The varied landscape, from canyon bottoms to forested slopes and exposed ridgelines, showcases the diverse natural environment of the region. It provides a robust physical challenge while immersing you in the scenic beauty of the Utah Valley surroundings.