Salt Lake City’s Best Urban Hiking Trails

Jordan River Trail

45.3 miles | 692 ft (elevation) | time depends on distance | Easy

This paved, family-friendly multi-use hiking route follows the Jordan River for 45.3 miles with an elevation gain of 692 ft. There are many trailheads, public transit areas, and parks dispersed throughout for easy access on and off the trail. On this serene escape you will find bikers, trail-runners, strollers, and stunning Wasatch Mountain views. 

Parley’s Historic Nature Park Trail Loop

1.9 miles | 255 ft (elevation) | .5 - 1 hour | Easy

This quick 2-mile loop is the perfect urban hike that will transport you right into nature. This small section of Parley's trail has multiple benches, an off-leash dog park, and stunning views of Parley’s canyon and the Wasatch Mountain range. The route is primarily paved with a few unpaved sections, great for hiking, biking and dog-walking.

Sandy Canal Trail

4.7 miles | 1.5 - 2 hours | Easy

This urban trail is a stunning route for those looking for an easy jaunt on a paved path. Bring the strollers, bikes and the dog too! The trail follows the canal through Sandy and the White City into the City of Draper and connects various destinations including shopping, parks and even museums. The parks along the route include the Lone Peak Park, Storm Mountain Park, and the Mehraban Wetland Park. 

Draper Canal Trail

3.2 miles | 1 - 1.5 hours | Easy 

This trail is a multiuse route in Draper that follows a historic irrigation channel and weaves through residential neighborhoods, parks and schools. The trail connects to the Porter Rockwell Trail on the north and south end for those wanting to explore a little more! The trail has a steep incline on the connection to the Porter Rockwell trail but is quite flat otherwise. You may even find a horseback rider or two sharing the trail with dog-walkers, runners and power-walkers alike. 

9 Line Trail

8.5 miles | 167 ft (elevation) | 2.5 – 3 hours | Easy

The 9-line trail is a paved pathway that follows W 900 South for 8.5 miles. There are multiple coffee shops, stores, restaurants and parks along the route including Normal Ice Cream, Central 9th Market, Loki Coffee, and Salt & Honey. It’s the perfect route for biking and walking any time of year. Just make sure to stay on the sidewalk next to the line and watch for bikers! If you want to use the path to bike, 900 South has multiple GREEN-Bike Stations for your convenience. 

The Miller Park Loop

.8 miles | 82 ft (elevation) | .5 - 1hr) | Easy

Located within Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park, in the heart of Salt Lake City, this family-friendly trail is the perfect hike to explore all year round (weather permitting). This hidden oasis, tucked away in a popular Salt Lake City neighborhood, is a quick stroll that follows the Red Butte Creek. This little trail is perfect for birdwatching, picnicking and wildflower spotting. 

City Creek Canyon Trail

6.2 miles | 66ft | 2.5 - 3 hours | Moderate

Start this trail at memorial park, a beautiful oasis in the city, situated under the Utah State Capitol. From there, follow a paved path up to the trailhead of City Creek Canyon. Bike, hike or stroll up the canyon for as long as you would like. This popular hiking trail is the perfect hike to enjoy in spring, fall, winter and summer.

Ensign Peak Trail and Overlook

1 mile | 374 ft (elevation) | .5 - 1 hour | Moderate

This scenic hike begins at the Ensign Peak trailhead in the neighborhoods above the Utah State Capitol. This short but steep trail offers panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, and the entire Salt Lake valley. Keep an eye out for wildflowers scattered throughout the hills in the spring and make sure to check the weather in winter before heading out! 

Living Room (Mount Wire)

5 miles | 2,000 ft (elevation) | 3.5 - 4 hours | Moderate

Start the Living Room hike off the Bonneville shoreline trail for a nice, steep trail with glorious views of the valley. In the spring, look out for wildflowers, in the fall, spot changing leaves and bring spikes if you plan on hiking in the winter. If you want to continue on to Mount Wire, follow the signs to George’s hollow and begin the narrow trek up the narrow gully for even more stunning views of the valley and the Oquirrh Mountains. This steep hike is a very popular route for hikers, dogs, and trail-runners alike.

Avenues Twin Peaks

3.7 miles | 1,003 ft (elevation) | 2 – 2.5 hours | Moderate

Situated on the Bonneville Shoreline trail, this 3.7-mile route is the perfect all-year round hike (weather permitting) with great wildflower spotting in the spring! This steep traverse can be challenging but certainly worth it due to the stunning views of the valley. 

• Best Time to Urban Hike: Urban hiking can be done all-year-round but make sure to check the weather before going out. 
• Weather: Always check the forecast before heading out on your hike. Summer temperatures can get high, so prepare accordingly. 
• Preparation: Bring water and snacks on your hike and make sure to map your route beforehand. 
• Where to Rent Bikes: For E-bike's try out GREEN-bike with locations throughout Salt Lake. 
• Getting Around Salt Lake: Utilize UTA buses, Trax light rail or plan ahead for parking as spaces fill quickly for major events. 
• Family-Friendly Tip: Choose stroller-friendly trails and parks like Liberty and Sugar House Park, which offer shaded areas and numerous free activities. 

Add on to your Salt Lake itinerary with these fun activities: 

• Visit the Natural History Museum: A fascinating stop for families seeking interactive learning experiences. 
• Enjoy sunset rooftop drinks: Wind down with a drink at one of downtown Salt Lake’s rooftop bars. 
• Stroll through Red Butte Garden: Enjoy peaceful paths and beautiful blooms. 
• Outdoor dining: Relax and dine at some of Salt Lake’s charming restaurant patios. 
• Shopping at City Creek Center: Explore Salt Lake's premier shopping destination for fashion, food, and fun. 

For more hiking adventures (outside the city), check out the best hiking trails near Salt Lake, our spring hiking guide, and where to see the best colors this fall. 

Looking for more in-season activities after the hike? You can also explore the full events calendar, book your stay, and discover events like the Kilby Block Party, Red Butte Garden concerts, Winter Roundup, and the Annual Bison Roundup happening throughout the year.