Snowy weather got you down? I have some good news for you. It’s almost springtime! As the cold weather calms down here are six of our favorite spring hikes near Salt Lake City. They’re all low elevation enough you shouldn’t encounter more than a couple patches of stubborn snow, and they’re perfect for enjoying a bit of sunshine and some fresh air when we need it most.
Click on the links provided for complete trailhead, parking and route information from alltrails.com.
The Living Room
Named for the array of couches and chairs fashioned from stone that are found along the trail, The Living Room is a popular hike in the foothills above Salt Lake City. The 2.8-mile loop trail features just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, which are well-worth the effort once you take in the valley views. Getting to take a load off on some Flintstone-style furniture is the icing on the cake.
Ensign Peak
The hike to Ensign Peak is relatively easy, with around 400 feet of elevation gain on the roughly 1-mile out and back trail. From above the state capitol you’re rewarded with views of the entire valley, and if you time it right the sunset views over the Oquirrh Mountains and the Great Salt Lake are tough to top.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Roughly following the shoreline of the ancient Lake Bonneville, which existed in Utah some 14,000 years ago, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) is accessible in some form or another along nearly the entire Wasatch Front. This makes it quick option for a little outdoor jaunt no matter where you are in the valley. The BST is quite popular in the foothills near the University of Utah, where numerous offshoots above and below the main trail make for loops of varying length and difficulty.
Summit Park Peak
Rising above the neighborhood at the top of Parley’s Summit on I-80, point 8,618—better known as Summit Park Peak—is accessed by a reasonably short but steep hike. Once on top, you’ll have 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains, the Great Salt Lake and Summit County. It’s a lot of bang for the buck. Remember to drive and park responsibly in the neighborhood where the trailhead is located.
Mount Aire
Heading west on I-80, the scalloped outline of Mount Aire paints an impressive silhouette against the sky. The climb to the top of Mount Aire is steep, particularly along the long summit ridge. Views of the Twin Peaks as well as Parley’s, Lambs and Mill Creek Canyons give a sense of grandeur to the hike that belie how easily accessible it is.
Pipeline Trail
The Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon is a perfect spring playground with expansive views and blooming wildflowers. The out-and-back trail covers 13.3 miles and 2,500 vertical feet, meaning regardless of your ability or motivation you’ll find plenty to get your outdoor fix. Pipeline is a dog-friendly trail, too, so don’t be afraid to bring along your four-legged companion.
Spring Mountain Biking Tips
If it’s sticking to your heels or wheels, turn around. Ruts really do suck, and mountain bikers take their share of heat for gouging up the trails. But you’d be surprised just how much impact a hiker or a dog can have on a muddy Utah trail. If the trail surface is consistently packing up the treads on your tires or the soles of your shoes, the trail’s not ready for action. A little patience goes a long way.
Keep singletrack single. When trails first open for the season, it’s not uncommon to encounter the occasional puddle or small patch of mud. While it’s tempting to go around to keep your bike or shoes nice and clean, you should instead stick to the established trail and go straight through the puddle. Going around permanently widens the trail, creating damage that’s far more difficult to fix.
Check with your Local Trail Organization Look up who manages your favorite local trails, and it’s likely you’ll find they post updates and recommendations about trails they maintain. Basin Recreation, which manages some Park City Trails has an interactive map with live updates of trail conditions. Mountain Trails Foundation posts daily updates on their Facebook page. Follow their advice to help keep the trails in pristine shape.
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