The best running trails in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County offers a vast network of over 380 running routes. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with options ranging from easy urban paths to challenging mountain trails.

The running routes in Salt Lake County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. Over 5,000 runners have used komoot to explore the diverse terrain, often praising the stunning mountain views, well-maintained paths, and the variety of experiences available.

Salt Lake County offers excellent running conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summer mornings are ideal for higher-elevation mountain trails, while winter can offer unique opportunities for snowshoe running or milder jogs on cleared urban paths.

Yes, Salt Lake County has over 30 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. Parks like Liberty Park and Sugar House Park offer paved loops, and sections of multi-use pathways like the Jordan River Parkway Trail provide flat, accessible options.

For experienced trail runners seeking a challenge, the Wasatch Mountains provide numerous difficult routes. Trails like the Mount Olympus Trail and the Grandeur Peak Loop offer substantial elevation gains and panoramic mountain views. There are over 170 difficult routes available in the region.

Yes, the Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls is a popular option that leads to a beautiful waterfall, offering a rewarding scenic experience during your run.

Absolutely! Salt Lake County's Wasatch Mountains feature several stunning trails that lead to alpine lakes. The Red Pine Lake Trail and the Lake Blanche Trail are excellent choices, offering challenging runs through glacial canyons to picturesque mountain lakes like Lake Blanche.

Yes, Salt Lake County boasts an extensive network of paved multi-use pathways. The Parley's Trail is a popular 8-mile paved path, and the City Creek Trail offers a scenic 6.4-mile route near downtown. The Jordan River Parkway Trail is also a significant paved trail running through the valley.

Many running routes in Salt Lake County are designed as loops, providing varied scenery without retracing your steps. For instance, the Desolation Lake, Wasatch Crest Trail and Dog Lake loop offers a challenging and scenic circular experience.

Salt Lake County's routes often pass by or offer views of significant natural features. You might encounter stunning mountain passes like Big Mountain Pass or Guardsman Pass, or enjoy the tranquility of lakes such as Dog Lake and Lake Catherine. Urban parks like Sugar House Park also offer pleasant surroundings.

While popular trails can get busy, many routes in Salt Lake County offer a more secluded experience, especially during off-peak hours or on lesser-known paths. Exploring trails in areas like Corner Canyon or Mueller Park, or venturing deeper into the canyons, can often lead to a quieter run. The region has over 180 moderate routes, many of which provide a good balance of accessibility and tranquility.

Yes, for those looking for longer runs, Salt Lake County offers several options. Trails like the White Pine Trail (over 16 km) or the Grandeur Peak Loop (over 16 km) provide significant distances and elevation, ideal for endurance training. The extensive multi-use pathways also allow for customizable long-distance runs.