The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in the Wasatch Range

The Bear Canyon Bridge via Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers a fantastic moderate hike with ever-changing scenery and a memorable suspension bridge. You'll navigate a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections, including some steep climbs, as you gain 554 feet (169 metres) of elevation. The reward is sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains, culminating in the exciting 185-foot-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge, which provides a unique perspective over the canyon.

Plan your visit for spring or early summer to catch abundant wildflowers and potentially a large waterfall high in the canyon, or in fall for vibrant foliage. The trail is popular and shared with mountain bikers, so remain aware of your surroundings. Access is convenient from trailheads like Orson Smith Park, which provides restrooms and picnic areas, making it a great starting point for this 4.8-mile (7.7 km) adventure that typically takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This segment of the extensive Bonneville Shoreline Trail system is notable for its dynamic terrain and the iconic Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge. Beyond the bridge, you'll find a small wooden bridge crossing Bear Creek and, in July, a large flag often hung in the canyon. The trail's accessibility and varied features make it a top-rated hike in the Salt Lake City area, offering a rewarding experience for hikers of various fitness levels.

Embark on the Armstrong and Spiro Loop Trail, a moderate hiking route that winds through the Park City Mountain Resort. This 6.0-mile (9.6 km) journey offers a rewarding experience, guiding you through mostly shaded aspen groves, especially along the Armstrong section. You will ascend 1052 feet (321 metres) over approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes, enjoying dynamic scenery and expansive views of the Park City area as you navigate the switchbacks.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking generally available near the trailhead. However, due to its popularity, especially on weekends, you might consider hiking mid-week or during morning and evening hours for a more peaceful experience. The trail is easily accessible, making it a convenient option for a substantial outdoor adventure.

This loop is particularly notable for its vibrant fall colors, as the aspens transform into striking golds and oranges, creating a picturesque backdrop for your hike. The Spiro Trail section, in particular, features clumps of wildflowers, adding to the trail's natural beauty. It's a popular choice that provides a good challenge without being overly strenuous, perfect for enjoying the mountain environment.

The Stealth to Glenwild Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience through Park City's rolling hills and diverse ecosystems. You'll navigate a mix of well-maintained singletrack, switchbacks, and some technical, rocky descents, all while enjoying expansive views toward Kimball Junction and the Park City ski areas. In spring, the meadows burst with wildflowers like lupine and sticky geranium, and you might even spot wildlife near the East Canyon Creek within the Swaner Preserve.

This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, with 541 feet (165 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes. It's an excellent choice for an early-season outing, as its southern exposure helps it dry out quickly. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on sunny days, as this is one of the more popular trails in the area.

What makes the Stealth to Glenwild Loop stand out is its accessibility and varied terrain, making it suitable for hikers, runners, and even cyclists. It's a key part of the larger Glenwild Trail System, connecting to other popular routes, and offers a unique opportunity to explore a portion of the 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve. The trail's distinct ecosystems, from sagebrush to alpine transition zones, provide a constantly changing backdrop.

The Mill D North - Butler Fork Loop offers a classic Wasatch hiking experience, guiding you through dense forests of aspen and pine that give way to vibrant, wildflower-filled meadows. You'll navigate a singletrack path with roots and rocks, often paralleling a small creek, and be treated to stunning views of the Wasatch peaks, including Mount Olympus Wilderness Area and Solitude Ski Area, as you climb. The trail's diverse terrain and scenic beauty make it a rewarding adventure for those seeking a moderate challenge.

To plan your visit, head to the Mill D North Fork Trailhead or Butler Fork Trailhead, both conveniently located off Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. Be aware that this area is part of the Salt Lake City Watershed, so dogs are not allowed, and swimming is prohibited to maintain water quality. Spring and summer are ideal for experiencing the wildflowers, but the trail also transforms into a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

This loop is notable for its balanced mix of challenging climbs and expansive vistas, offering opportunities to connect with other trails like Dog Lake and Desolation Trail for longer adventures. You might even spot local wildlife such as deer or moose. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, providing a true escape into the mountains just a short drive from Salt Lake City.