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.

Discover the Silver Lake Nature Trail, an easy 2.3 miles (3.6 km) hike that winds through tranquil mountain forests. You'll experience gentle terrain, often on boardwalks or paved dirt paths, making it accessible for a leisurely outing. The route offers beautiful reflections of surrounding peaks on the lake's surface, creating a serene atmosphere. With a minimal elevation gain of just 78 feet (24 metres), you can complete this peaceful journey in about 56 minutes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, from chipmunks to various bird species, as you explore.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking readily available right at the trailhead. You'll find restrooms and picnic tables there, making it a convenient spot to start or end your adventure. This trail is particularly popular, so expect it to be quite busy, especially if you visit on a weekend. For a quieter experience, consider an early morning start or a weekday trip. It's an ideal choice for families looking for an accessible and enjoyable outdoor activity.

Nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this trail offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. The dense forests of aspen, pine, and spruce provide a rich habitat for the abundant wildlife you might encounter. Interpretive signs placed along the path offer fascinating insights into the local ecosystem, enhancing your understanding of the natural surroundings. It's a prime example of the region's natural beauty, perfect for a relaxing escape.

The Oquirrh Lake Long Loop offers an easy hiking experience around the scenic 67-acre man-made lake. As you walk, you'll enjoy continuous views of the water, often reflecting the distant mountains, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. The flat terrain makes for a relaxed outing, covering 3.8 miles (6.2 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 55 feet (17 metres). This gentle route typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete, providing a refreshing escape without strenuous effort. You might even spot unique sculptures along the path, adding an artistic touch to the natural surroundings.

This accessible loop is free and open to everyone, making it easy to plan your visit. You can generally find parking within the Daybreak community, which surrounds the lake. If you're bringing your dog, remember they are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash to ensure a pleasant experience for all. The route is suitable for any time of day, but the light during early morning or late afternoon can enhance the views.

The Oquirrh Lake Long Loop is a central feature of the Daybreak community, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. The lake itself is home to various birds, such as ducks and geese, which you can observe as you hike. This integration of wildlife into a developed area highlights the thoughtful design of the community. It's a great way to experience a well-maintained outdoor space that serves as both a recreational spot and a habitat for local fauna.

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.

Embark on an easy hike along the Valley Regional Park Loop, a pleasant 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route designed for a quick outdoor escape. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 56 feet (17 metres) over approximately 56 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely walk. Expect well-maintained paths winding through the park, offering a refreshing atmosphere for your activity.

Planning your visit to Gary C. Swensen Valley Regional Park is straightforward, as the park is generally open all year round. You will find convenient on-site parking, allowing for easy access to the trailhead. Before you head out, always check local park signs for any specific regulations or seasonal changes that might affect your visit.

This loop trail provides an accessible experience within Taylorsville, Utah, perfect for those seeking a gentle activity without venturing far. The park offers a welcoming environment for a short outing, distinguishing itself as a convenient green space for local residents and visitors alike. It's a great option if you are looking for a simple, refreshing break in your day.

The Ensign Peak Trail offers a quick, easy hike with rewarding views over Salt Lake City. This route covers just 0.5 miles (0.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 3 feet (1 metres), making it an accessible option for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete the hike in about 14 minutes, winding through natural scrub oak and sagebrush as you ascend to the peak. The trail's surface is mostly well-maintained dirt and gravel, though you might encounter some rocky or loose sections.

When planning your visit, remember that the Ensign Peak Trail has very little shade, so it is wise to prepare for sun exposure, especially during warmer months. This easy-to-moderate route is suitable for most ages and skill levels, including families looking for a short outdoor activity. Consider starting your hike in the cooler parts of the day if you are visiting in summer.

The main highlight of this trail is the panoramic vista from Ensign Peak, where you can take in sweeping views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. Look west to see the shimmering Great Salt Lake and east to admire the towering Wasatch Mountains. This trail provides a natural setting for these spectacular views, offering a unique perspective on the city and its surrounding landscape.

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.