The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking opportunities. Our guide features over 50 routes, with nearly 30 classified as easy and 22 as moderate, ensuring there's something for every family's comfort level.

Absolutely! For a short and accessible option, consider the Ensign Peak Trail, which offers panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake. Another great choice for an easy stroll is the Sugar House Park Loop, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Yes, Salt Lake City's canyons offer beautiful waterfall hikes. While not directly listed in the routes, popular family-friendly options in the region include Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon, known for its unique waterfall, and Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon, which features stunning hot spring pools and a waterfall.

Many trails in the area are designed as loops, making them convenient for families. The Sugar House Park Loop and the Parley's Historic Nature Park Trail Loop are both excellent easy circular options. For a slightly longer, moderate loop, the City Creek to Ensign Loop provides a great experience.

Salt Lake City's unique location against the Wasatch Mountains means stunning views are abundant. Many trails, like the Ensign Peak Trail, offer panoramic vistas of the city, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountains. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail provides continuous views of the valley, while canyon trails often lead to alpine lakes, dense forests, and dramatic rock formations.

For families with strollers, the paved sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the City Creek Canyon Trail offer accessible and enjoyable walks. The Sugar House Park Loop is also a good, generally flat option suitable for strollers.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails around Salt Lake City, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of trails close to the city, the diverse scenery ranging from urban foothills to mountain views, and the well-maintained paths that make hiking enjoyable for all ages.

Dog regulations vary significantly across Salt Lake City's trails, especially in watershed areas like Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons where dogs are generally not permitted. However, areas like Millcreek Canyon are very dog-friendly, with specific off-leash days. Always check local signage or the specific trail's regulations before heading out with your furry friend.

Many trails offer views or access to notable landmarks. From Ensign Peak, you can see the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail itself traces the edge of an ancient prehistoric lake, offering a unique historical perspective. The region also boasts numerous mountain peaks like Mount Olympus, visible from many viewpoints.

While popular trails can get busy, exploring options slightly further from the immediate city center or visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can offer a more tranquil experience. Millcreek Canyon, for example, offers many trails that can feel less crowded than those in the larger Cottonwood Canyons, especially on weekdays.

For any family hike, essential items include plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), appropriate layers of clothing for changing mountain weather, and comfortable hiking shoes. A small first-aid kit is always a good idea, and don't forget a camera to capture the beautiful scenery!