Best Hikes in Salt Lake City
When you are visiting Salt Lake City, though there are a lot of interesting things to do, you might want to include some outdoor activities such as hiking on your itinerary. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Utah, experience nature and do something for your health. The Wasatch Mountains are always a great hiking destination in Salt Lake City. Here are some of the best hikes in Salt Lake Cityand surrounding areas, from easy to difficult.
Best Hikes in Salt Lake City: Brighton Lakes
There are 3 easy hikes to reach the Brighton Lakes. They are located at the top of Big Cotton Wood Canyon. You can take three different routes, all easy hikes though, to reach these beautiful lakes. The shortest one is the hike to Dog Lake. It’s a quick one hour hike.Then you can reach Lake Mary, also another easy hike, a little farther than the first one. Lake Martha is higher than the 2 previous ones. Those hikes are very popular for family trips and a relaxing day by the lake.
From there you can also find more challenging hikes, but still do-able for most people. To reach Lake Catherine count on a 2 hours hike. And then you can find even more challenging because of the elevation, to get to Sunset Peak. You will meet less hikers on that trails, but the scenery is amazing. And after all, isn’t it better to stay away from the crowded trails to enjoy the peace and solitude of the mountain better?
Best Hikes in Salt Lake City: Bell Canyon
The Bell Canyon hike to the first waterfall is one of the most beautiful hikes in Salt Lake City. This intermediate hike takes you through 3 different view points, and you can get one of the best scenic walks with view of the Salt Lake Valley. To get to the first stop, Bell Canyon Reservoir, the trail is easy. Take a little break to enjoy nature before heading to your second stop, the First Waterfall. Look out for the mountains goat! Once you get there, you will realize how this is just a breath taking moment. The waterfall gives nature a majestic touch. Then if you are looking for a more challenging hiking trip, you can keep going all the way to the Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir. The trail gets harder, and if you are looking for a more challenging experience, then you will enjoy it!.
Best Hikes in Salt Lake City:Lake Blanche Trail
Lake Blanche Trail is another moderate hike in the Salt Lake City area. It is a great walk that lets you experience nature and its wildlife. It is a quite popular hike, so you might see quite a few hikers on the trail, especially on weekends. This hike leaves from Cotton Wood Canyon. Remember that no dogs are allowed in Cotton Wood Canyon, so leave our friends home that day. Once you get up there you will find not one but 3 lakes: Lake Blanche, Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. Admire the glacier Sundial Peak by Lake Blanche. You are surrounded by a magical scenery. And then make sure to walk all the way to the old dam to enjoy the view of its 2 sisters.
Best Hikes in Salt Lake City: Mount Olympus
The most famous mountain close to Salt Lake City, is Mount Olympus. This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, but however, not the easiest one. This hike is mostly recommended for trained hikers as it is quite steep and the hike transforms in a rock climbing adventure to get all the way to the top! If you are willing to take the challenge and go up at your own pace, the scenery and view is worth the effort, but don’t push your boundaries!
Of course, there are many more hikes close to Salt Lake City. Those mentioned here are the ones you should consider first due to the amazing views and their easy access from Salt Lake City. You can easily find parking at the beginning of most trails. Remember to respect nature, and be prepared for your hike. Enjoy!
