7 Best Day Hikes Near Salt Lake City

From easy lakeside loops to lung-busting summit climbs, these seven trails are the best day hikes within an hour of Salt Lake City.

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Salt Lake City might be the best trail-access city in America — you can be at a mountain lake 30 minutes after leaving downtown. Here are seven day hikes worth your weekend.

1. Lake Blanche

A classic: 2,700 feet of climbing over 3 miles to a stunning alpine lake beneath Sundial Peak. Start early — the parking lot fills fast.

2. Donut Falls

Family-friendly and short. Great for a quick morning before the heat.

3. Mount Olympus

Steep and relentless, but the summit views over the valley are unmatched.

Gear we recommend

For rocky Wasatch trails, decent footwear matters. We’ve had great luck with a solid pair of trail running shoes , and a 2L hydration pack for the longer climbs.

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Before you go

Check trail conditions, carry water, and tell someone your plan. The mountains are close, but they’re still the mountains.

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