Salt Lake City's Top 6 Spring Hikes
Go from downtown to the trailhead in minutes.
The mountains around Salt Lake City are primarily known for hosting eight world-class ski resorts, but what’s good for the ski-bum goose is good for the hiking-booted gander. When the snow melts, the Wasatch Mountains surrounding the valley open up to hundreds of incredible hiking trails. From gorgeous mountain lakes and towering granite summits, to cool, shady canyons with babbling creeks, Salt Lake City has an endless supply of awesome hiking. And the best part of all - most of these trailheads are within thirty minutes of downtown. So run up to one of these after work to smell the fresh pine, to watch the deer bound, to hear the birds sing geese honk.
1. White Pine Lake | Little Cottonwood Canyon
Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon lounging beside this intensely blue mountain lake. 10 miles round trip. Learn more.
2. Donut Falls | Big Cottonwood Canyon
Donut Falls is popular for families and makes for a good after-work hike. During the spring, the snowmelt cascades through the namesake hole in the rocks. 3.5 miles round trip. Learn more.
3. The Brighton Lakes - Mary, Martha, and Catherine | Big Cottonwood Canyon
What's better than a quick hike to a mountain lake? A quick hike to three mountain lakes! 3.5 miles round trip. Learn more.
4. Broads Fork Basin | Big Cottonwood Canyon
If beautiful alpine meadows and wild raspberries sound good to you, make the short hike to Broads Fork Basin. The wildflowers will be going off in the spring. 4.3 miles round trip. Learn more.
5. Willow Lake | Big Cottonwood Canyon
With so much beauty in less than two miles round trip, even your toddler will love it. You can also camp at Willow Lake if you want. Learn more.
6. Bell Canyon | Just south of Little Cottonwood Canyon
Lower Bells is another popular local favorite for a quick hike before or after work. 4 miles round trip. (If you have some time and need some solitude, continue up to the Upper Reservoir.) Learn more.
Discover even more awe-inspiring hikes and activities at Utah.com.
Cover photo: Eric Bennett
Don't see your favorite adventure on The Outbound? Show us by creating an adventure.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
