Name: Ensign Peak
Address: Ensign Vista Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111

This short hike is easily accessible from Salt Lake City downtown and is a nice excursion for the whole family. It´s a perfect way to view the city and the lake.

The first ascent of Ensign Peak was made on July 26, 1847 by Brigham Young shortly after he and the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) arrived in the valley. From here he looked out over the valley and sketched the city to be founded in his mind's eye. The mountain is easy to climb and this is the easiest trail. It starts at the Ensign Vista Drive and then takes 25 minutes of walking to the top.

The path is easily recognizable and well maintained. This entire hike is short, family-friendly, and packed with gorgeous views of downtown, the surrounding mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the full Salt Lake valley. It is a little steep in parts and will get your heart racing, but it also has many places along the trail to sit, rest, and take in the remarkable views. In addition to the stunning view, the top of Ensign Peak has an 18-foot tall historic stone marker and several informational plaques.

**Author’s recommendation**  
Beautiful as an early morning or evening hike to take in sunrise or sunset.

Ensign Peak

Salt Lake is where mountain adventure meets city amenities. The towering Wasatch Mountains embrace the Salt Lake Valley and provide a dramatic backdrop to our vibrant, active, urban environment. Hike to dramatic waterfalls or alpine lakes, then refresh with award-winning cuisine. Explore the Great Salt Lake, then rock the night away to music that suits your specific tastes -- whether that's jazz, pop, symphony, or anything in-between. Race down snow covered slopes and then apres with local craft brews. How you spend your time in Salt Lake is as unique as you.

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

The hike to Bell Canyon is perfect for anyone wanting to experience both city and mountain views. This short and easy hike is great for people of all ages and abilities.

This popular trail is located near Sandy, UT and features a beautiful lake that sits at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. From the trailhead, you'll initially follow a dirt path that leads you directly to the Bell Canyon Reservoir. The trail is well maintained, easily marked, but can get slightly steep in some areas.

The reservoir sits about half a mile from the trailhead. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the mountains surrounding. The best part is, you can make this hike as easy or as difficult as you want. Whether you decide to make your way up to the waterfall, turn around here, or hike around the lake, there are stunning views and beautiful scenery at any point. It's easy to make a quick loop around the lake and head back down the same way you came, enjoying magestic views of the Salt Lake Valley on the way back.

**Local's recommendation:** Be sure to bring a snack for a little picnic along the beautiful lake, or a fishing rod for some catch-and-release fun!

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 5653 ft

**Lowest point:** 5135 ft

**Distance:** 2 mi

**Duration:** 1:10 h

**Ascent:** 489 ft

**Descent:** 489 ft

**Best time of year:**Year round

**Safety information:** The trail can get icy in the winter, so be sure to stay on marked areas and go slowly.

**Roadbook**

Follow the directions to the trailhead. Once parked, you'll see a sign that marks the beginning of the hike. Follow the dirt path as it continues. The trail is marked well and easy to follow.

- Start point - 10245 S Wasatch Blvd - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 1,565 m - 0 mi
- Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir - Point of Interest - 0.6 mi. The Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir is a beautiful spot to hike or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Highest point, 1,724 m - 1 mi
- Bell Canyon Reservoir - End point - 1.9 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** There is not a bus that stops at the trail, so the best option is to drive to the trailhead and use the free parking lot.

**Directions:** Drive south on I-15 and take exit 293 onto W 10600 S. Stay on this road for a few miles, and turn left onto S 2000 E. This road will curve around until another right turn onto E Bell Canyon Road. You'll quickly make another right onto S Wasatch Blvd. There will be a parking lot and a sign for the trailhead on your left.

**Parking:** There is a free parking lot located at the beginning of the trailhead.

Bell Canyon Boulders Trail

A moderately difficult trail that is family- and dog-friendly, features a nearby river, and has both a natural trail and a paved trail that parallel each other.

A quick and easy way to get out of the city and into the mountains, City Creek Canyon Trail is the closest canyon hike to downtown and is easy to access by foot or by car. The paved part of the trail is a road open to pedestrians, bicycles on odd-numbered days, and motor vehicles on even-numbered days. The natural trail is restricted to only hikers. It is an easy trail - it is only rated moderate due to the gain in elevation. There are also many other trails that split off from this trail, mostly at the trailhead.

**Local's recommendation:** Be sure to follow the multiple use guidelines posted at the gate. This is a good year-round walk, but can be slippery on the road in colder months.

**Difficulty:** Moderate due to elevation gain

**Highest point:** 5262 ft

**Lowest point:** 4652 ft

**Best time of year:** Year round

**Safety information:** If you're walking the paved section, be sure to always stay on the creek side of the road to avoid bicycle traffic, always leash your dog, and don't bring pets past the 2.5 mile marker. All the guidelines to stay safe while sharing the road are posted at the gate 3/10ths of a mile past the trailhead.

**Roadbook**

The paved section is easy enough to follow. To get on the natural trail, multiple access points exist along the road, but the first one is at the junction of City Creek Canyon Road and Bonneville Boulevard where you can park your car. A trail heads up the hill to the west right behind the City Creek Canyon sign, and the first trail turning off and going north, parallel to the City Creek Canyon Road, will take you up the canyon.

- Start point - City Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 5262 ft - 3.3 mi
- Lowest point, 4649 ft - 6.4 mi
- 3 mile marker - Destination - 6.5 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is free parking both at the trailhead (limited) and also at the gate 3/10ths of a mile from the trailhead.

City Creek Canyon Trail

Go north on “B” Street .7 miles past the 11th Avenue intersection. This road crosses City Creek at the mouth of the canyon. Birds you can see—Blue Grouse, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Common Poorwill, Steller’s Jay, American Dipper, Townsend’s Solitaire.  
  
Open to pedestrians and cyclists on weekends only through 2027 due to construction.

City Creek Canyon

For The Kids is about helping the underprivileged kids in our back yard. Once a week we deliver bags of food to inner city schools here in Salt Lake, the teachers put the bags in their backpack as they head home for the weekend. They come back to school with full stomachs, ready to learn and start the week off right. In talking with the school administration about these kids, the word trauma comes up frequently. ​ We cannot fix their situations, or solve their problems. However we can make sure they are not hungry. We can let them know that others care and think about them. The food we provide helps with their immediate needs. The mentoring and development we do with the school provides opportunities for a better future. It takes many hands to make this happen. We need help from generous people. Every week 2400 items leave our shelves. For the Kids is constantly replenishing those items. It takes time to sort the food into individual bags and to deliver them to the classrooms. If you would like to be a part of For The Kids, please email us.

For the Kids

Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC) is a professional theatre committed to engage and enrich our community through brave contemporary theatre. Through the production of regional and world premieres SLAC is able to bring work to Utah that would otherwise not be seen by our community. SLAC also produces an annual kids show.

Salt Lake Acting Company

As Utah’s first state history museum, the Museum of Utah celebrates our unique history, culture, and art through world class exhibits, programming, and community spaces. The Museum of Utah is an extension of the Utah Historical Society, fostering curiosity about the past, informing the present, and strengthening our shared future. Housed inside the new North Capitol Building, the Museum of Utah serves as a gateway to the Capitol Complex, engaging visitors as they explore Utah’s past and consider their place in shaping Utah’s future.  
  
All images courtesy Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement

Museum of Utah

Temple Square is a center of history and worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple Square features five city blocks of historic sites, engaging exhibits, and wholesome activities centered on the Church’s mission to worship Jesus Christ and serve God’s children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers Temple Square tours, museum services, libraries, and live performances. Come enjoy beautiful gardens, majestic architecture, and the peace and reverence of this iconic space of worship.

The iconic Salt Lake Temple is opening its doors for a rare public open house from April 5 to October 1, 2027, inviting visitors from around the world to step inside one of Utah’s most celebrated landmarks. [Learn more about the Salt Lake Temple Celebration](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/temple-square-2027/)

Historic Temple Square

HELLO!   
  
We’re new in town and proud to add a reliably delicious restaurant to the Marmalade district’s historic charm.   
  
We are currently accepting [reservations](https://www.arlorestaurant.com/reservations) on the patio for our dine-in menu as well as a streamlined [to-go menu](https://app.upserve.com/s/arlo-restaurant-salt-lake-city). If you choose to dine with us, please expect limited table-side interactions and additional sanitizing procedures. We are working hard to keep everyone healthy. As we adapt to future unknowns with hopes of expanding to meet our original service plan, there will be some changes to normal service to respect everyone’s safety.

Thank you,

Chef Milo & Team

Arlo Restaurant

The West isn’t just for beer anymore. Mountain West Cider uses local ingredients from the Mountain West region to craft everyday, seasonal, and artisan hard apple ciders. Mountain West is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Jeff and Jennifer Carleton, along with their head cider maker, Marcio Buffolo. As a team, they share a passion for the mountains, locally-owned business, and obviously: good times with good friends. Mountain West Cider is proud to call Utah home.

Come visit our CiderHouse & Bar or our outdoor patio, The Garten, during your visit to Salt Lake City! We are Utah's first dedicated urban cidery, and we love meeting other cider-lovers from around the country.

Cheers!

Mountain West Cider

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Long season. Easy access. Family friendly. Vistas. **Cons:** Flat. Minimal coverage. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Spring, Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 4.20 mi (6.76 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 5,116 ft (1,559 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 562 ft (171 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs along what was once the shoreline of an inland sea known as Lake Bonneville. The trail itself actually runs, intermittently, into southern Utah County, so the trail is easily accessible over a large area. The trail maintains a low-elevation, which helps keep sections of it open nearly year round. It is relatively flat and lacks any real technical challenges, which makes it a great option for a family ride. Also, most of the trail is ridden as an out-and-back, which leaves the exact distance you ride entirely up to you.

Bonneville Shoreline Mountain Biking: Hilltop Road to Terrace Hill Junction

An easy kid- and dog-friendly trail that is close to downtown.

This heavily trafficked hike is easy to get to, and it takes you past the Utah State Capitol building, through a military memorial park, alongside the rushing City Creek, and into the beginnings of City Creek Canyon. If you continue past the upper end of the trail instead of looping back to your car, you also have access to City Creek Canyon trail and the Bonneville Shoreline trail. There is a well-maintained dirt trail as well as a roadway section. Dogs are welcome, and there is a marked off-leash area once you are north of the park.

**Local's recommendation:** A great excursion for families and dogs. A good year-round walk, but can be slippery on the road in colder months.

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 4665 ft

**Lowest point:** 4449 ft

**Best time of year:** Jan - Dec (year round)

**Safety information:** If you're on the paved section, watch for other hikers, bikers, and joggers.

**Roadbook**

There are multiple ways to walk this trail: there is parking in the free area just east of the Utah State Capitol building on Capitol Boulevard, and walking down the hillside path into Memory Grove, then up Canyon Road and the Freedom Trail until it intersects with Bonneville Boulevard, and back to the parking on Capitol Boulevard. Alternately, you could park on Canyon Road on the street just outside the gates to Memory Grove Park, and stay entirely in Memory Grove for the whole walk.

- Start point - 350 North Capitol Boulevard - 0 mi
- White Memorial Chapel - Point of Interest - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 1,355 m - 0.3 mi
- Highest point, 1,421 m - 1.6 mi
- Loop - Destination - 2.5 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Public-transport-friendly. UTA Bus has a stop at the State Capitol east entrance. Check : [www.rideuta.com](https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Tools/Schedules-and-Maps/200-State-Street-North) for times and details

**Parking:** Free parking on the street east of the Utah State Capitol building.

Ensign Peak

About Ensign Peak

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Near Ensign Peak