Easy hikes and walks in Salt Lake County

Enjoy an easy hike on the Sugar House Park Loop, a pleasant route spanning 1.8 miles (2.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 87 feet (26 metres). You can comfortably complete this loop in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outdoor escape. As you walk, you will see pleasant views of the surrounding mountains and pass a large pond, often home to ducks and geese, nestled within 110 acres of lush green space.

This popular trail sees high traffic year-round, attracting many runners and walkers looking for an accessible path. Dogs are welcome to join you on the route, but please remember to keep them leashed at all times for everyone's safety and enjoyment. The park is well-maintained and offers a refreshing natural setting right within the city, perfect for a casual stroll or a brisk walk.

Sugar House Park is a significant community hub, providing more than just a trail; it features numerous amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. This makes it a great family-friendly destination where you can combine your hike with other recreational activities. The mature trees and cultivated areas add to the park's charm, offering a peaceful environment to relax and unwind.

The Liberty Park Loop offers an easy hike through a historic urban park in Salt Lake City. You'll follow a paved path that winds past the tranquil Liberty Park Pond and the notable Tracy Aviary, providing a pleasant experience amidst diverse trees like towering cottonwoods. This accessible route covers 1.6 miles (2.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 18 feet (6 metres), making it a quick outing that takes about 39 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to the Liberty Park Loop is straightforward. You will find ample parking available within Liberty Park, along with convenient restrooms and water fountains. The route is popular for walking, running, and cycling, and it is also dog-friendly, provided your pet remains on a leash. Its paved surface makes it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for many visitors.

This trail stands out as a central green space, offering more than just a walk; it's a hub of activity and history. Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore cultural landmarks such as the historic Isaac Chase Mill and the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, all within the park's boundaries. The Liberty Park Loop provides a unique blend of outdoor recreation and local heritage, right in the heart of the city.

The Silver Lake Nature Trail is a delightful, easy nature walk that winds around the picturesque Silver Lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountain ridges. You'll traverse a well-maintained boardwalk through wetlands, sedge meadows, and aspen groves, making it feel like a journey through diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for abundant wildflowers, especially from mid-July through late August, and potential wildlife sightings like moose.

This accessible route is perfect for families, those with strollers, or anyone seeking a gentle outdoor experience. The trailhead is conveniently located near Brighton Resort, with restrooms and picnic tables available. While parking is generally ample, arriving earlier in the day is recommended, particularly on busy summer weekends, to secure a spot and enjoy the tranquility.

What makes this trail truly special is its ADA accessibility, making it the only one of its kind in the Wasatch Mountains. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with over 100 species of plants, insects, and birds, and interpretive signs along the 2.3-mile (3.6 km) loop provide educational insights into the local flora and fauna. With only 78 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, this easy trail takes about 56 minutes to complete, making it a high-reward, low-effort option.

The Oquirrh Lake Long Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll around a scenic man-made lake, perfect for a relaxed day out. This 3.8-mile (6.2 km) route features continuous views of Oquirrh Lake, often reflecting the distant mountains, and you’ll spot various birds like ducks and geese along the way. The path is mostly paved, with some gravel sections, making it a smooth journey with minimal 55 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this accessible trail. The Oquirrh Lake Long Loop trail difficulty and length make it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You can easily shorten your hike using the convenient bridges that cross the lake, and benches are available for breaks. For the best light and atmosphere, consider an early morning or late afternoon visit.

This trail stands out for its unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty within the Daybreak community. Beyond hiking, Oquirrh Lake is a local favorite for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, and you might even enjoy some wildlife spotting along the shoreline. It's a well-maintained space that offers a refreshing escape without leaving the city.

Embark on an easy hike along the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, a 3.2-mile (5.1 km) route that winds through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. You will gain 705 feet (215 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes. The path follows the soothing sounds of the creek, leading you through dense forests of pine and aspen, where you can spot vibrant wildflowers in late spring and massive granite boulders. It offers a straightforward outdoor adventure with plenty of shade.

When planning your visit, remember that dogs are not permitted on the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, as the area is a protected watershed. Good hiking boots are recommended, especially during spring when parts of the trail can be wet from snowmelt. Parking is generally available near the trailheads, making access convenient for your outing.

This trail is notable for its unique geological features, including granite boulders that still bear chisel marks from early pioneers. Keep an eye out for small waterfalls and cascades, particularly when the snow is melting in spring, adding to the scenic beauty of the route. The trail provides a peaceful escape into nature, showcasing the natural history of the region.

Embark on an easy hike along the Big Cottonwood Regional Park Outer Loop, a gentle path winding through lush greenery and expansive grassy areas. You will enjoy the shade provided by mature trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere for your stroll. This route covers 1.4 miles (2.2 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), making it a perfect choice for a quick outdoor escape that takes approximately 33 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park is easily accessible from Salt Lake City. You will find ample parking available, ensuring a convenient start to your outing. The park also offers amenities like playgrounds and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family-friendly excursion or a leisurely walk with your dog.

This outer loop is particularly notable for its welcoming environment, catering to both families and pet owners looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. It stands out as one of the most accessible and dog-friendly trails in the area, providing a pleasant setting for everyone to enjoy nature without venturing far from the city.

The Valley Regional Park Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through magnificent oak woodlands and alongside a seasonal creek. You'll experience varied terrain, from the smooth, paved Valley of the Moon Trail to more rugged unpaved paths that climb into hillsides, revealing stunning viewpoints of the Sonoma Valley. In spring, the park bursts with colorful wildflowers like poppies and lupine, making it a particularly picturesque time for a visit.

This easy hiking route is incredibly accessible, covering 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a minimal 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in about 56 minutes. The park features accessible picnic areas and an off-leash dog park, making it a great option for family friendly hikes and dog friendly trails. While the main trail is paved and suitable for all, some unpaved sections offer a bit more challenge with uneven ground and gentle climbs.

Sonoma Valley Regional Park is notable for its ecological significance and its role as part of the Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor. It also provides a unique opportunity to witness nature's resilience, showcasing a landscape regenerating from the 2017 wildfires with much of its oak canopy still intact. This diverse trail system caters to a wide range of hikers, from those seeking easy strolls to those looking for slightly more technical sections.

The Ensign Peak Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a standout short hike near Salt Lake City. As you ascend the well-maintained path, the terrain transitions from potentially paved sections to a dirt singletrack. The real payoff comes at the summit, where you're treated to expansive views of the entire Salt Lake Valley, including the city skyline, the majestic Wasatch Mountains, and the distant Great Salt Lake. It's a truly rewarding experience for minimal effort.

Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, as the trailhead is just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. While the trail is considered an easy 0.5-mile (0.8 km) hike with only 3 feet (1 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 14 minutes, remember there's no shade. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you're hiking during the day. The trail is also family-friendly and dog-friendly, though leashes are required.

This trail holds a special place in Utah's history, marking the spot where Brigham Young and early pioneers first surveyed the valley in 1847. An 18-foot monument and interpretive signs at the peak commemorate this event, offering a literal historic viewpoint. Its accessibility and impressive vistas make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking a quick, impactful outdoor experience.

Embark on the Mill B North Fork Trail to Overlook, an easy hiking route spanning 1.3 miles (2.0 km) with an elevation gain of 783 feet (239 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 48 minutes. The trail begins with stairs and switchbacks, leading you through shaded areas filled with pines and aspens. A short distance in, you will discover Hidden Falls, a beautiful waterfall, before the path opens up to offer glimpses of the canyon and the wider Salt Lake Valley.

This trail is accessible year-round from the S-curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon, making it a convenient option for a quick outdoor escape. While the path is generally well-maintained, be aware that winter conditions can bring slush and deeper snow. If you plan to visit during colder months, consider bringing snowshoes or microspikes to navigate the terrain safely.

The Mill B North Fork Trail is nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a rewarding experience for its relatively short length. The highlight is the Mill B Overlook, which provides panoramic vistas down into Big Cottonwood Canyon. This route is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and enjoy impressive views without committing to a full-day excursion.