Pipeline Overlook via Rattlesnake Gulch and Pipeline trail

4 miles | 823 ft (elevation) | 2-2.5 hours (estimated time) | Moderate

Looking for a challenging but worthy spring hike? Rattlesnake Gulch is a great trail to try out. With decent elevation gain leading to stunning views of the valley, this is the perfect way to test your legs during the shoulder season.

Neff’s Canyon Loop

1.3 miles | 459 ft (elevation) | Loop | Moderate

Neff’s Canyon Loop is a great spring route which gains elevation quickly in a shorter distance, allowing for great views of the valley. This is a popular trail all year round, so you may find hikers, snowshoers (dependent upon the weather) and the occasional dog or two.

Temple Quarry Trail

.3 miles | 22 ft (elevation) | .5 - 1 hour (estimated time) | Easy

This trail is an easy paved loop that has a gentle grade and many fun historic sites along the route. This is a great spring hike for families as it is short, wheelchair and stroller accessible, and a great learning opportunity for kids of all ages.

Bear Canyon Bridge via Bonneville Shoreline

3.6 miles | 511 ft (elevation) | 1.5 - 2 hours (estimated time) | Easy

The very well-known Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge is the perfect spring hike with easy access to other trails in the area. This family-friendly trail offers beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and start early to avoid crowds.

Alien Tower via Deer Ridge Trailhead

2.5 miles | 534 ft (elevation) | 1-1.5 hours (estimated time) | Moderate

The Alien Tower trail awards the best of both worlds with views of the valley and mountains on each side of the trail. This short out and back with a gentle include provides incredibly rewording views making it the perfect way to spend your spring morning or afternoon.

Called Alien tower for the "otherworldly" structure at the top, which marks the turn-around point. This structure is actually a survey marker used to determine the heights of mountain peaks. 

Heughs Canyon Trail

3 miles | 1,240 ft (elevation)| Out and back | Hard

The Heughs Canyon trail is the perfect spring waterfall hike. This challenging traverse is rewarded with a breathtaking waterfall and stunning views. The trailhead is located within a non-parking neighborhood, but don’t let that stop you from exploring this hidden gem as it is not the trail to miss. A small, designated gravel lot for this trailhead is located at Wasatch Blvd and East Canyon Cove Drive. This adds a short walk through the neighborhood to the trailhead.

Rocky Mouth Falls

.7 miles | 278 ft (elevation) | Out and back

The Rocky Mouth Falls trail in Sandy is a very popular hiking route that leads you to a deep cascade waterfall. While the hike is quite short, it gains elevation quickly so be prepared for a bit of a rocky climb. In spring, you may have to avoid water along the trail, so come with sturdy and waterproof hiking shoes.

Ferguson Canyon View Point

3.3 Miles | 1,459 ft (elevation) | Out and back | Hard

A popular route for climbers, trail-runners and birders alike, the Ferguson Canyon View Point trail is a rewording hike with great views of the Salt Lake valley, multiple waterfalls along the way and wildflowers sprinkled throughout. While it is on the challenging side, this stunning hike is well worth the effort.

Lower Falls via Bells Canyon Trail

4.8 miles | 1,515 ft (elevation) | Out and back | Moderate

This short but challenging hike in the Wasatch Mountain range is both rocky and steep. The payoff is show-stopping views of the valley and a great place to rest at the lower falls' waterfall. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for a nice break at the falls before making the trek back down.

Jordan River Trail

45.3 miles | 692 ft (elevation) |length dependent timing | 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 more with scenic views.

Parley’s Historic Nature Park Trail Loop

1.9 miles | 255 ft | .5 - 1 hour | Easy

This quick 2-mile loop is one part of Parley’s trail through Salt Lake City. This section of the trail has benches throughout, 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 sections unpaved, great for hiking and biking.

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 in spring. This hidden oasis, tucked away in a popular neighborhood, is a quick jaunt that follows the route of a creek, perfect for birdwatching, picnicking and spotting wildflowers.

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 during all seasons of the year is the perfect hike to enjoy in spring, fall, winter and summer.

Utah State Capitol | Memorial walkway

.7 miles | 20 minutes | Easy

If you plan your trip just right, you can witness the Yoshino Cherry blossoms bloom at the Utah State Capitol. From late march to early April, witness the short bloom of these trees surrounding the capitol grounds with wonderful views of the city and the mountain ranges surrounding Salt Lake.

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. In late spring, make sure to keep an eye out for wildflowers scattered throughout the hills.

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 spring hike for wildflower spotting. This steep traverse can be challenging but with the stunning views it awards, it is certainly worth it.

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 and wildflowers dispersed throughout. Follow the signs to George’s hollow and begin the narrow trek up the narrow gully to Mt. Wire for vast views of the valley and the Oquirrh Mountains. This steep hike is a very popular route for hikers, dogs, and trail-runners alike.

Little Mountain Trail

3.8 miles | 872 ft (elevation) | 2 – 2.5 hours | Moderate

This is an easy to moderate hike that gets you up to some beautiful views of Emigration and Parley's Canyon quite quickly. This moderately-trafficked hike is family-friendly, and since it starts pretty high up, will allow you access a smaller peak without having to climb too much.

Jack’s Mountain

2.7 miles | 1,295 ft (elevation) | 2 – 2.5 hours | Hard

Also known as Jack’s Mailbox Peak, the summit offers incredible views of the valley, and fields of wildflowers from mid-May through July. The trail is quite slippery and steep on the descent, so make sure to prepare accordingly.

Wild Rose Trail

2.4 miles | 341 ft (elevation) | 1 – 1.5 hours | Moderate

This 2-and-a-half-mile trail is a great spring hike for wildflower sightings mid-May through July and great views of the Salt Lake Valley and City Creek Canyon. Just minutes from downtown, this foothill trail is the perfect sunset and sunrise hike.

When preparing to go on a spring hike in Salt Lake, you’ll want to check the weather forecast prior to heading out.

If you are interested in hiking more mountainous terrain in Salt Lake, always check for snow levels and bring spikes if necessary. Make sure to pack layers, bring plenty of water, food, and an emergency safety kit. For hikes closer to the city, make sure to bring appropriate clothing and plenty of water.

Trails can become hazardous due to weather, so make sure to get condition reports on the trail you are interested in hiking before you venture out. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or looking for a more casual stroll, stay prepared.

Transportation: Spring Hiking

• Public Transport: The UTA buses provide access close to some trailheads.
• GREEN-Bike: A great way to experience some of the more urban hikes is to rent a bike through GREEN-bike. The Jordan River Trail, City Creek Canyon, the 9-Line and the River Parkway Trail are all trails to ride or walk.
• Car Rentals: Recommended for accessing trails in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Stay up to date with weather conditions and make sure your vehicle is equipped for mountain driving, especially in winter. If you are plan on driving up the canyons.

Plan Your Hike Today

Spring is when Salt Lake’s hiking magic really comes to life. One minute you’re downtown, the next you’re stepping onto a trail lined with early wildflowers, fresh greenery, and big Wasatch views. Whether your idea of a perfect spring hike is a mellow loop through Red Butte Garden or stretching your legs on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, there’s a trail that fits the mood. In Salt Lake, spring hiking isn’t just about getting outside; it’s about catching the city and the mountains in their best in-between moment.