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Top 20 trails in utah
- northern utah map -

Northern Utah is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners—offering everything from peaceful forest strolls to thrilling peak summits.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new explorer, this list of the 20 top hiking trails in Northern Utah will satisfy your craving for outdoor adventure.

Top Trails in Northern Utah

  1. Silver Lake Loop (easy, .9 miles): A Utah favorite family-friendly trail at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Silver Lake Loop offers an easy, scenic walk around Silver Lake, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
    *Learn more about our work on Silver Lake Loop here
  2. Living Room (moderate, 2.3 miles): Named for its unique rock formations that resemble chairs, this hike offers a quick escape from the city with fantastic views of Salt Lake City.
    *Learn more about our work on Living Room Trail here
  3. Big Water Trail to Dog Lake (moderate, 5.7 miles): Starting in Millcreek Canyon, this trail is a favorite among dog owners and mountain bikers. Enjoy a peaceful trek through pine forests to the serene Dog Lake. The trail has been modified for handcycles, making it perfect for adaptive riders. 
    *Learn more about our work on Big Water to Dog Lake here
  4. Ferguson Canyon (hard, 3.4 miles): Known for its rugged beauty and challenging rock scrambles, Ferguson Canyon is ideal for those seeking a bit of adventure. The views of the Salt Lake Valley are worth the effort.
    *Learn more about our work on Ferguson Canyon BST here
  5. Mormon Pioneer Trail (moderate, 3 miles): Rich in history, this trail follows the path of the original Mormon pioneers. It’s a moderate hike with several reroutes and grade reversals to make it more accessible and enjoyable.
    *Learn more about our work on the MoPI trail here
Parley's Pointe Trail in Utah
  1. Big Rock Via Elephant Rock Trail (moderate, 7 miles): This trail in Bountiful is popular for its lush scenery and moderate incline, making it a great option for a leisurely hike with beautiful views.
  2. Parley’s Pointe Trail (moderate, 7.5 miles): This trail offers spectacular views of Parley’s Canyon. It’s a moderate hike with a steady incline, perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.
    *Learn more about our work on Parley’s Pointe here
  1. Red Pine Lake Trail (hard, 8 miles): A challenging hike in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, Red Pine Lake Trail takes you through beautiful alpine scenery to the stunning Red Pine Lake. It’s perfect for those looking for a full-day adventure.
    *Learn more about our work on Red Pine here
  2. Lake Blanche (hard, 6.7 miles): This is a strenuous but rewarding hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail leads to Lake Blanche, nestled in a beautiful alpine basin with dramatic views of Sundial Peak.

more fantastic Trails in Northern Utah

  1. Bells Canyon (hard, 4.8 miles): Starting at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Bells Canyon trail offers a challenging hike with beautiful waterfalls and a picturesque reservoir.
  2. Gloria Falls (moderate, 2.4 miles): A lesser-known gem in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Gloria Falls offers a short but rewarding hike to a beautiful waterfall.
  3. Lake Mary (moderate, 2.3 miles): Located near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this trail takes you to the serene Lake Mary, perfect for a peaceful escape into nature.
  4. Mount Timpanogos (hard, 14.4 miles): One of the most popular hikes in Utah, Mount Timpanogos offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek with stunning views and the possibility of spotting mountain goats.
  5. Desolation Trail (moderate, 5 miles): Located in Millcreek Canyon, Desolation Trail climbs through a shady forest of oak and aspen before reaching sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley from the Salt Lake Overlook.
    *Trails Utah project page coming soon
  6. Grandeur Peak (west face) Trail (hard, 6.3 miles): This trail is a steep and challenging route to the summit of Grandeur Peak, offering panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. It’s a favorite for those looking to test their endurance.
    *Learn more about our work on here
  1. Donut Falls (easy, 3.4 miles): A short, family-friendly hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Donut Falls leads to a unique waterfall that pours through a hole in the rock.
  2. Wind Cave (moderate, 3.7 miles): Located in Logan Canyon, this trail takes you to a series of natural limestone caves with beautiful views of the surrounding canyon.
Red Pine Lake Trail in Utah
  1. Adams Canyon (hard, 3.6 miles): A popular trail in Layton, Adams Canyon features a beautiful 40-foot waterfall and offers a moderate hike through shaded forest.
  2. Malans Peak (hard, 4.5 miles): This trailhead in Ogden offers access to several great hiking trails, including Waterfall Canyon and Malan’s Peak, providing stunning views and a range of difficulties.
  3. Deseret Peak (hard, 8.5 miles): Located in the Stansbury Mountains, Deseret Peak offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views from the summit. It’s a great option for those looking to get off the beaten path.

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