Discover Utah’s Best Mountain Adventures! From alpine lakes and towering granite peaks to waterfalls and panoramic valley views, Salt Lake City offers some of the finest hiking in the American West—all within an hour of downtown. Explore 10 unforgettable hikes for every skill level. ⸻ 1. Lake Blanche Trail 📍 Big Cottonwood Canyon 🥾 6.8 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Moderate–Strenuous ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: One of Utah’s most iconic alpine lake hikes, featuring towering cliffs reflected in crystal-clear water beneath Sundial Peak. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Lake Blanche * Sundial Peak views * Wildflowers (July–August) * Sunrise photography ⸻ 2. Mount Olympus Trail 📍 Salt Lake City 🥾 7 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Strenuous ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: The signature summit hike overlooking Salt Lake City with breathtaking 360-degree views from nearly 9,000 feet. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Massive granite summit * Salt Lake Valley panorama * Great Salt Lake views * Spectacular sunsets ⸻ 3. Cecret Lake 📍 Albion Basin 🥾 1.8 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Easy ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A short family-friendly hike leading to one of Utah’s prettiest alpine lakes, famous for incredible summer wildflowers. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Alpine lake * Peak wildflower season * Mountain scenery * Family-friendly trail ⸻ 4. Donut Falls 📍 Big Cottonwood Canyon 🥾 3 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Easy ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A unique waterfall flowing through a circular hole in the rock, making it one of the area’s most photographed hikes. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Waterfall cave * Creek crossings * Cool summer temperatures * Excellent family adventure ⸻ 5. Bells Canyon Reservoir & Lower Falls 📍 Sandy 🥾 5 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Moderate ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: Beautiful reservoir, granite cliffs, waterfalls, and one of the Wasatch Front’s most scenic canyon hikes. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Emerald reservoir * Lower Bells Canyon Falls * Granite cliffs * Fall colors ⸻ 6. Grandeur Peak 📍 Salt Lake City 🥾 6 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Moderate ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: One of the best city-overlook hikes with nonstop views from the summit across the Wasatch Front. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Downtown skyline * Great Salt Lake * Sunset views * Wildflowers ⸻ 7. Lake Mary 📍 Brighton 🥾 2.6 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Moderate ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and colorful wildflower meadows. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Alpine reflections * Brighton Resort scenery * Summer flowers * Cool mountain air ⸻ 8. Desolation Trail 📍 Salt Lake City 🥾 5.8 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Moderate ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A peaceful canyon trail that climbs above the city through forests and rocky overlooks. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Quiet hiking * Valley overlooks * Wildlife sightings * Autumn colors ⸻ 9. Bloods Lake 📍 Guardsman Pass 🥾 2.8 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Easy ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A picturesque alpine lake surrounded by pine forests, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding in summer. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * Crystal-clear water * Mountain reflections * Picnic spots * Fall foliage ⸻ 10. Twin Peaks 📍 Big Cottonwood Canyon 🥾 13 Miles Round Trip | 🔥 Very Strenuous ⭐ Why It’s Incredible: A challenging summit hike rewarding hikers with one of the highest viewpoints overlooking the Wasatch Mountains. 🏔️ Don’t Miss: * 11,300+ ft summit * Endless mountain views * Alpine ridgelines * Incredible sunrise ⸻ 🥾 Why Hike Around Salt Lake City? ✔️ Incredible alpine lakes within an hour of downtown ✔️ Towering Wasatch Mountain scenery ✔️ Waterfalls, wildflowers, and dramatic granite peaks ✔️ Hikes for beginners through experienced adventurers ✔️ Spectacular sunrise and sunset viewpoints 📍 Which Salt Lake City-area hiking trail is your favorite? 🥾🏔️ #Hiking #utah #saltlakecity #adventure #nature - @purehiking