4.7
(47)
1,865
hikers
151
hikes
Hiking around Emigration Canyon offers a diverse network of trails situated just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. The region is characterized by varied landscapes, including mountain views, extensive woodlands, and areas within the Red-Butte Wilderness. Hikers can explore routes that feature significant elevation changes, scenic vistas, and historical sites, providing a range of experiences from easy walks to more strenuous treks.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
14
hikers
7.06km
03:11
620m
610m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Red Butte and Mount Wire Trail, a 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route that challenges you with 2041 feet (622 metres) of elevation gain. This…
1
hikers
4.07km
02:00
630m
20m
Hike the Mount Wire Trail for a challenging climb, gaining 2055 feet over 2.5 miles, with panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley.

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1.44km
00:49
230m
0m
A difficult 0.9-mile hike in Salt Lake City with 748 feet of gain, leading to unique rock "furniture" and panoramic valley views.
5.27km
01:35
230m
70m
Hike the easy 3.3-mile Little Mountain Ridge Trail in Emigration Canyon for panoramic views of Salt Lake City and diverse terrain.
20
hikers
8.84km
03:37
650m
650m
Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Mount Wire and Living Room Loop for panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the unique Living Room rock formations.
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Wonderful viewpoint on the Mount Wire trail
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Mount Wire (also known as Wire Mountain or Big Beacon[3]) is a mountain located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah with an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). The mountain is named after Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who in 1912 developed the first red-green electric traffic light.[4] Mount Wire is a common spot for adventurous hikers and has many access trails, some created by nearby Red Butte Gardens. The east side of the University of Utah offers direct access to trails to the summit. Mount Wire formerly could be identified from other nearby mountains by its two passive microwave repeaters near the summit. These billboard like structures were used to bounce microwave signals over the mountain to the north-eastern parts of Utah. Mount Wire also houses an old airway beacon directly on the summit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wire
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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.
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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.
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This lookout gets its name from a series of rock formations shaped rather like living room furniture — but it's also a fantastic, quick (and very popular) destination for overlooks of Salt Lake City. Heads up: there is no shade at all on this run, so you're better off doing it in the early morning before things heat up.
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Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, especially around dusk.
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This small summit is home to an old airway beacon. You can climb the ladder to the top to get a great view of the Salt Lake area!
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Emigration Canyon offers a diverse network of trails, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous treks. You'll find routes with significant elevation changes, scenic vistas, and historical sites. The area features mountain views, extensive woodlands, and parts of the Red-Butte Wilderness. In total, there are over 110 hiking routes available.
Yes, Emigration Canyon has several easy trails suitable for families or those seeking a less strenuous experience. For example, the Emigration Canyon Viewpoint loop — Foothills Natural Area is an easy 1.2-mile path that offers varied terrain to a scenic viewpoint. Overall, there are 36 easy routes in the area.
Many trails in Emigration Canyon are dog-friendly, making it a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. The Emigration Canyon Miners Trail, located in the Red-Butte Wilderness area, is a notable dog-friendly option that follows an old mining road and offers gorgeous views.
Emigration Canyon is renowned for its picturesque scenery. Hikers can enjoy stunning mountain views, vibrant fall foliage, and diverse landscapes. Notable viewpoints include the Living Room (Viewpoint), which offers rewarding vistas, and the View of Salt Lake City from Mount Wire. You can also find the This Is The Place Heritage Park, adding a historical dimension to your visit.
Yes, Emigration Canyon offers several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Mount Wire and Red Butte loop — Foothills Natural Area, a moderate 5.5-mile trail providing panoramic views. Another option is the Emigration Canyon Viewpoint and Mount Wire Loop — Salt Lake City, Utah, which is a 4.5-mile moderate hike.
Emigration Canyon is beautiful year-round, but it's particularly renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, making autumn a spectacular time to visit. Spring and summer also offer pleasant hiking conditions. For winter hikes, be prepared for snow and check trail conditions beforehand.
The trails in Emigration Canyon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse trail systems, stunning mountain views, and the vibrant fall colors. Over 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain here.
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, Emigration Canyon offers several difficult routes. The Lookout Peak — Emigration Canyon is a difficult 8.3-mile route with significant elevation gain. More strenuous options like Dry Creek to City Creek Out-and-back, Deso-Crest-Dog Loop, and Jacob's Ladder Trail are also available for experienced trekkers.
Emigration Canyon is easily accessible from Salt Lake City, with many trailheads starting near the University of Utah. Specific parking information can vary by trailhead, so it's advisable to check the details for your chosen route on komoot before you go.
Yes, Emigration Canyon holds historical importance. It was named after the Mormon Pioneer emigration in 1847. On trails like the Emigration Canyon Miners Trail, you can encounter sites of old mines, adding a historical dimension to your outdoor adventure. The This Is The Place Heritage Park is also a notable historical site nearby.
The trails in Emigration Canyon cater to a wide range of abilities. Out of over 110 routes, you'll find approximately 36 easy trails, 70 moderate trails, and 10 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
While many trails are well-known, the Emigration Canyon Ridgeline Trail is often described as a hidden gem. It offers scenic ridge hiking between Parley's Canyon and Emigration Canyon, providing a unique perspective and a quieter experience.


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