5 Spectacular Hiking Trails in Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah is well-known for its hiking trails in Salt Lake City, Utah provided by the Wasatch Mountains, an array of seasonal events and famous landmarks/attractions. High mountain lakes provide great views making a long or difficult hike worth it. The abundance of foliage and wildlife create an experience unlike any other.
Bells Canyon
Distance: 3 mi
Difficulty: Challenging
Bell’s Canyon is a beautiful hike located at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. There are 2 parking lots, one to the north of the lake off of Wasatch Blvd and the other to the southwest at the base of an apartment/townhome complex. This is a challenging hike because it’s a lung burner, meaning it’s steep but the views are definitely worth the hike. Around the 2 mile mark you’ll run into Little Dell Reservoir. Little Dell is a beautiful reservoir especially in the fall. Another mile up, you’ll reach a massive waterfall that provides incredible views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Grandeur Peak
Distance: 2.5-3 mi
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Grandeur Peak is somewhere between moderate and challenging because there are 2 paths to the top, one is moderate and one is challenging. The moderate path starts in Millcreek Canyon and is around 3 miles but is much easier on the legs and lungs. The challenging route starts on Wasatch Blvd and barrels straight up the face being roughly a 2.5 mile hike. It’s grueling and the Millcreek Canyon option is recommended. The views of the Salt Lake Valley are incredible. You realize how high you’ve hiked once you can overlook the valley.
Red Pine Lake
Distance: 3.5 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
High altitude lakes like Red Pine Lake are incredibly scenic and relaxing. Nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Red Pine Lake is secluded and relatively easy to get to. It’s never easy hiking up a mountain but the trail zigzags up the south face of Little Cottonwood Canyon making the hike much easier. The main trail will come to a fork about a mile into your hike, stay right. There’s a trail that takes you around the lake, make sure to see all that Red Pine Lake has to offer.
Lake Blanche
Distance: 3 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Blanche is considered by many to be the most beautiful high mountain lake in the state. Starting half way up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the trail leading to Lake Blanche isn’t too bad. Moderate may sound tough but remember the Wasatch Mountains are steep and high in elevation so the hike is never easy. The combination of light colored rock and dark timber creates a beautiful contrast that takes your breath away.
Lake Mary, Martha & Catherine
Distance: 2 mi
Difficulty: Easy
These three lakes are a short and easy hike from the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon at Brighton Ski Resort. The other lakes mentioned start about half way up the canyon, but luckily Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine are at the top of the canyon. Lake Mary is the first lake you’ll run into. If you’re feeling it, keep hiking and you’ll find Lake Martha and Catherine. Be on the lookout you might see a moose!
Explore hiking trails in Salt Lake City, Utah
These 5 hiking trails in Salt Lake City, Utah are some of the more popular hikes in the area due to their breathtaking destinations. Hiking to the top of a peak makes us feel like the “king of the world” and high mountain lakes provide a sense of peace and relaxation. Whatever you search for when getting outdoors, Utah wilderness will certainly help you find it. When you fall in love with the area, make sure to give us a call. Utah’s Best Real Estate Group is ready to guide you on your real estate journey.