The Ultimate Guide to Salt Lake City Hiking: Why Active Families Are Moving Here in 2025
Discover the best hiking trails that make Salt Lake City Utah one of the most desirable places to live for outdoor enthusiasts.
When you're searching for the perfect place to call home, few cities can match Salt Lake City's incredible combination of urban amenities and world-class outdoor recreation. With over 200 hiking trails within a 30-minute drive of downtown, Salt Lake City real estate offers something truly special: the ability to live in a thriving metropolitan area while having immediate access to some of the most stunning mountain trails in the country.
Whether you're a potential home buyer researching Salt Lake City neighborhoods or a current resident looking to explore your backyard, this comprehensive guide will help you discover why living in Salt Lake City means never running out of hiking adventures.
Why Salt Lake City is a Hiker's Paradise
Salt Lake City's unique geography places it at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, creating an outdoor playground that's accessible year-round. The city sits at 4,226 feet above sea level, with mountain peaks reaching over 11,000 feet just minutes from downtown neighborhoods. This elevation diversity means you can find everything from easy valley floor walks to challenging alpine adventures.
For families considering Salt Lake City homes for sale, the hiking culture here is more than just recreation – it's a lifestyle. The proximity to nature contributes to the area's high quality of life, excellent air quality on most days, and strong sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts.
The Best Salt Lake City Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level
Easy Family-Friendly Trails
The Living Room Trail Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 980 feet
Perhaps the most popular hike in Salt Lake City, the Living Room Trail offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and downtown skyline. Located in the Bonneville Foothills, this trail is easily accessible from several Salt Lake City neighborhoods including the Avenues, Capitol Hill, and Federal Heights.
What makes this trail special for residents: The trailhead is just 10 minutes from downtown, making it perfect for after-work hikes. Many Salt Lake City homeowners in the nearby Avenues neighborhood use this as their daily exercise routine.
Best nearby neighborhoods: The Avenues, Capitol Hill, Federal Heights
Donut Falls Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip | Elevation gain: 500 feet
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Donut Falls is one of Utah's most Instagram-worthy hikes. The trail ends at a unique waterfall that flows through a donut-shaped hole in the rock, creating a natural tunnel.
Home buyer insight: Properties in nearby Millcreek and Cottonwood Heights offer quick access to Big Cottonwood Canyon, making this and dozens of other trails your backyard playground.
Ensign Peak Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 400 feet
This historic peak offers 360-degree views of the Salt Lake Valley and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.
Neighborhood advantage: Homes in the Avenues and Capitol Hill areas are within walking distance of the trailhead.
Moderate Trails for Weekend Adventures
Cecret Lake Trail Distance: 3.8 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 400 feet
Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this trail leads to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers (peak bloom in July-August). The relatively easy grade makes it perfect for families with older children.
Real estate bonus: Living in Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, or Murray puts you within 20 minutes of this spectacular trail.
Pipeline Trail Distance: 6.8 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
This trail offers some of the best views of the Salt Lake Valley and is accessible from multiple points in Millcreek Canyon. The well-maintained path follows an old water pipeline, providing steady but manageable elevation gain.
Millcreek Canyon Trail Distance: Variable | Elevation gain: Variable
Millcreek Canyon offers numerous trail options, from easy walks to challenging climbs. The canyon features both paved and dirt trails, making it perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
Why homeowners love it: Millcreek Canyon is one of the few canyons that allows dogs off-leash on odd-numbered days, making it extremely popular with pet owners.
Advanced Trails for Serious Hikers
Mount Olympus Distance: 7.4 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 4,100 feet
This challenging trail rewards hikers with incredible views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. The steep, rocky terrain requires good fitness levels but offers one of the most rewarding summit experiences near the city.
Neighborhood access: The trailhead is easily accessible from the Millcreek and Sugar House neighborhoods.
Grandeur Peak Distance: 6.2 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
A local favorite for sunrise hikes, Grandeur Peak offers stunning views and a challenging workout. The trail can be accessed from multiple points in Millcreek Canyon.
Seasonal Hiking in Salt Lake City
Spring (March-May)
Spring offers mild temperatures and wildflower blooms, especially in the foothills. Lower elevation trails like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail are perfect during this season.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is peak hiking season, with access to high-alpine trails like Cecret Lake and Lake Blanche. Early morning starts are recommended to avoid afternoon heat.
Fall (September-November)
Fall provides some of the best hiking weather, with cooler temperatures and stunning autumn colors in the canyons. This is an ideal time for moderate trails like Pipeline.
Winter (December-February)
While many high-elevation trails require snowshoes or microspikes, lower elevation trails like City Creek Canyon and portions of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail remain accessible.
South Valley Hiking Gems: Draper, Sandy, Herriman & Utah County
Corner Canyon Trail System - Draper's Crown Jewel
With 117 miles of scenic trails and 5,000 acres of open space, Draper features the most trails and largest open space of any city along the Wasatch Front. Corner Canyon has 1,100 acres of trails, of various length and challenge.
Ghost Falls Trail Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
One of Draper's most popular destinations, Ghost Falls offers a beautiful waterfall reward after a moderate hike through Corner Canyon. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Jacob's Ladder to Lone Peak Distance: 13.4 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 5,200 feet
Lone Peak via Jacobs Ladder is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the area. This expert-level trail offers incredible 360-degree views from the 11,253-foot summit.
Dimple Dell Trail Distance: 4.8 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 300 feet
Dimple Dell Trail West is perfect for families and offers easy access to nature right in Draper. The trail follows a creek and provides a peaceful escape from city life.
Sandy Utah Hiking Trails
Bell Canyon Trail Distance: 4.8 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 1,370 feet
Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this trail leads to a stunning waterfall and offers some of the best views in the area. The trail is moderately challenging and extremely popular with Sandy residents.
Lone Peak Wilderness Access Sandy offers excellent access to the Lone Peak Wilderness area, with multiple trailheads providing a range of experiences, from day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures.
Herriman Area Trails
Yellow Fork Trail Distance: 6.4 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
The Yellow Fork Trail is a local favorite that offers stunning canyon views and a moderate level of difficulty. The trail provides access to the Oquirrh Mountains and is less crowded than many Wasatch Front trails.
Butterfield Canyon Distance: Variable | Elevation gain: Variable
Butterfield Canyon offers multiple trail options in the Oquirrh Mountains, providing Herriman residents with diverse hiking opportunities and beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Jordan River Parkway Trail Distance: 45+ miles total | Elevation gain: Minimal
Jordan River Parkway Trail runs through Herriman and connects to the broader Jordan River trail system, offering easy walking and biking opportunities for all skill levels.
South Jordan's Trail Network
Jordan River Parkway Trail Distance: 7.9 miles (South Jordan section) | Elevation gain: Minimal
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in South Jordan is the Jordan River Parkway Trail. This trail is estimated to be 7.9 miles long and takes, on average, 2 hours and 17 minutes to hike. This paved trail system offers easy walking and biking opportunities for all skill levels, connecting South Jordan to the broader regional trail network.
Oquirrh Lake Park and Trail Distance: 3.2 miles | Elevation gain: Minimal
Oquirrh Lake is a 3.2-mile (7,500-step) route located near South Jordan, Utah, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Located in the popular Daybreak community, this beautiful lake trail offers stunning mountain views and is perfect for families, runners, and casual walkers.
Conservation Garden Park Trails Distance: Various loops | Elevation gain: Minimal
Located in West Jordan, Utah the Conservation Garden Park showcases waterwise landscaping examples as well as interactive educational exhibits on how to achieve a waterwise landscape. While technically in West Jordan, this park is easily accessible from South Jordan and features multiple walking trails through beautiful demonstration gardens.
Dimple Dell Trail Access South Jordan residents have excellent access to the Dimple Dell Trail system, which connects to the broader trail network and provides easy nature walks through scenic creek areas.
Nearby Mountain Access While South Jordan doesn't have mountain trailheads within city limits, residents enjoy quick access to Draper's Corner Canyon system, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, and the Oquirrh Mountains for more challenging hiking adventures.
Utah County Connections
Provo Canyon Trails, Utah County, offers incredible hiking diversity, from the popular Provo Canyon trails to the challenging peaks of the Wasatch Range. Areas like American Fork Canyon and Timpanogos provide world-class hiking within 30 minutes of Sandy and Draper.
Squaw Peak Trail Distance: 7.2 miles round-trip | Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
This challenging Utah County trail offers incredible views of Utah Lake and the surrounding valleys, making it a favorite among serious hikers.
Best Salt Lake City Neighborhoods for Hiking Enthusiasts
South Jordan
South Jordan has a number of dedicated trails and open spaces, which are added to on an annual basis. The city is particularly known for its family-friendly trail system, including the scenic Oquirrh Lake Park in the Daybreak community. The longest trail in South Jordan is the Jordan River Parkway Trail, estimated to be 7.9 miles long. South Jordan offers excellent access to both urban trails and nearby mountain recreation, making it perfect for families who want newer suburban amenities with outdoor access.
Draper
With 117 miles of scenic trails and 5,000 acres of open space, Draper features the most trails and largest open space of any city along the Wasatch Front. The Corner Canyon trail system alone provides world-class hiking and mountain biking opportunities right from your backyard. Draper's strategic location offers easy access to both Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain trails.
Sandy
Sandy offers the perfect combination of suburban convenience and mountain access. Residents enjoy quick access to Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Lone Peak Wilderness. The city's location makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want variety in their hiking experiences.
Herriman
This rapidly growing community offers easy access to the Oquirrh Mountains and the Jordan River Parkway system. Herriman offers a more suburban feel while still providing excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, making it ideal for families seeking newer construction with convenient hiking access.
Utah County Areas
Cities like American Fork, Lehi, and Provo offer incredible value for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to some of Utah's most spectacular hiking, including Mount Timpanogos, American Fork Canyon, and numerous other Wasatch Range trails.
The Avenues
This historic neighborhood offers walking access to multiple trailheads, including the Living Room Trail and Ensign Peak. The tree-lined streets and proximity to downtown make it highly desirable for outdoor enthusiasts who want urban convenience.
Millcreek
Living in Millcreek means you're minutes from Millcreek Canyon, with its numerous trail options and dog-friendly policies. The neighborhood offers a mix of older homes and new developments.
Cottonwood Heights
This family-friendly area provides quick access to both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, home to some of Utah's most spectacular alpine hiking. The area features excellent schools and newer construction.
Sugar House
A trendy neighborhood with easy access to Millcreek Canyon trails and the Jordan River Parkway. Sugar House offers a vibrant dining scene and walkable neighborhoods.
Federal Heights
Perched on the hillside, this neighborhood offers immediate access to foothill trails and stunning valley views from many properties.
Why South Valley Living is Perfect for Hikers
Property Values and Trail Access
Homes in Draper, Sandy, and Herriman consistently show strong property values due to their proximity to outdoor recreation. The combination of newer construction, excellent schools, and world-class hiking access makes these areas highly desirable for families relocating to Utah.
Community Benefits
These South Valley communities have embraced the outdoor lifestyle, with many neighborhoods organizing group hikes and outdoor events. The area's trail systems foster an active, healthy lifestyle that promotes strong community bonds.
Commuter Advantages
Despite their outdoor focus, these areas offer excellent commuter access to downtown Salt Lake City, making them perfect for professionals who want to live near trails while maintaining career opportunities in the city.
The Real Estate Advantage of Salt Lake City's Hiking Culture
Property Values and Outdoor Access
Homes with proximity to hiking trails consistently maintain higher property values in Salt Lake City. The combination of outdoor recreation access and urban amenities creates a unique selling proposition that attracts buyers from across the country.
Community and Lifestyle
Salt Lake City's hiking culture fosters a strong sense of community. Neighborhood groups often organize regular hikes, and the outdoor lifestyle contributes to the area's reputation for healthy living.
Economic Impact
The outdoor recreation industry significantly contributes to Salt Lake City's economy, supporting local businesses and generating jobs. This economic stability benefits property values and community development.
Tips for New Residents and Home Buyers
What to Know Before You Buy
- Canyon access: Some canyons require fees or have seasonal restrictions
- Elevation considerations: If you're moving from sea level, allow time to adjust
- Weather patterns: Mountain weather can change quickly; always check conditions
- Trail etiquette: Learn local hiking customs, especially regarding dogs and trail sharing
Getting Started
- Join local hiking groups: Connect with other outdoor enthusiasts through apps like Meetup or local Facebook groups.
- Invest in proper gear: Utah's diverse terrain requires appropriate footwear and layers
- Start gradually: Even experienced hikers should adjust to the altitude and terrain
Year-Round Outdoor Recreation Beyond Hiking
Salt Lake City's appeal extends beyond hiking. The same mountains that provide incredible trail access also offer world-class skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer, and climbing opportunities year-round. This diversity makes Salt Lake City real estate attractive to active individuals and families seeking a four-season outdoor lifestyle.
Finding Your Perfect Salt Lake City Home
Whether you're drawn to the extensive trail system of Draper's Corner Canyon, the alpine access of Sandy's canyon proximity, the family-friendly atmosphere of Herriman's newer developments, South Jordan's beautiful lake trails in Daybreak, or the incredible value of Utah County's outdoor recreation, the Salt Lake City area offers neighborhoods that cater to every outdoor enthusiast's needs and budget.
From the challenging peaks of Lone Peak accessible from Draper to the family-friendly trails of South Jordan's Oquirrh Lake Park, from Sandy's quick canyon access to Utah County's diverse wilderness opportunities, you'll never run out of new places to explore right from your doorstep.
Ready to discover your perfect Salt Lake City area home with incredible hiking access? Contact us today to discover more about neighborhoods in downtown Salt Lake City, South Jordan, and Utah County that offer the ideal combination of urban amenities, outdoor recreation opportunities, and property values tailored to your lifestyle.
Looking for homes for sale in Salt Lake City, Draper, Sandy, South Jordan, Herriman, or Utah County near your favorite hiking trails? Our local expertise spans the entire Salt Lake Valley, enabling us to help you find the perfect property that suits your outdoor lifestyle and budget. Contact us today for a personalized consultation about real estate opportunities from downtown Salt Lake City to South Jordan and Utah County.
