Name: Bonneville Shoreline Mountain Biking: Hilltop Road to Terrace Hill Junction
Address: 919 Hilltop Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84103

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

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

A great hike that can either be an out-and-back to the peak, or can turn into a longer hike as you explore the system of trails around the Bonneville Shoreline in the Avenues area.

This is an easy to moderate well-trafficked route that has two minor peaks as the destination. It's a fun area to explore, with lots of trails going in many directions, with small valleys and multiple viewpoints. A great way to check out the trail system in this area, with many options to try, and for variety, multiple trailheads that lead to this destination. Dogs are welcome, but technically should be leashed.

**Insider's tip:** There is very little to no shade, so be prepared with a hat and plenty of water, and while it's a decent year-round hike, it's probably best in the spring or fall.

**Safety information:** Many of the trails here are multiple use, so watch for mountain bikes - and be sure to respect the rules if a trail is marked for mountain bikes only. As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to bring plenty of water. There are steep areas on the trail, so a walking pole can be helpful.

**Directions:** There are two trailheads on Terrace Hills drive - take the one on the northeast side of the street. In the first mile there are a few criss-crossing trails - take the most northeasterly branches. When the trail hits the top of the ridge, it will turn east, and you'll be able to see the peaks from there. Follow the trail up to the peaks. From there, you can follow the trail back down the way you came for an out-and-back, or you can explore the trail system for a loop hike.

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

**Parking** Parking is available for free near the trailhead - be aware of the no parking areas.

Avenues Twin Peaks

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

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

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

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

Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will be happy to guide you and your group around the Salt Lake City area. Visit Temple Square and the famous Mormon Tabernacle and Organ, the State Capital, Olympic venues, historic Park City, the Great Salt Lake, historic sites and wonderful scenery. We will be happy to tailor your tour to the sites you most want to see and in the time you have available. Step-on guides or individual tour guides available. Concierge service also available to help you with hotels, restaurants, and events. Call Utah Step On Tours for a memorable visit to Salt Lake City!

Step On Tours

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

Utah Arts & Museums (UA&M) seeks to advance Utahns’ quality of life through arts and museum experiences and cultural opportunities. We are a service organization offering a variety of professional development opportunities and grants to serve our constituents. We serve schools, local arts agencies, organizations, community centers, performing groups, museums, and individuals across Utah.  
  
Our agency acts as a state coordinator and advisor on topics of importance to arts and museums communities. We manage the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, the Utah Percent-for-Art Act public art program, and traveling exhibitions, reaching every county in the state. UA&M is the primary agency in Utah that distributes state and federal funds to stimulate and encourage growth in the creative industries. These funds are appropriated directly for arts and museums by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are a division of the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement (CCE) within Utah state government.

Utah Division of Arts & Museums

Located across from Temple Square and other tourist attractions, City Creek Center offers a mix of luxury retailers, unique-to-market stores and trusted brands, from Louis Vuitton, Coach, Kendra Scott and Tiffany & Co. to Salomon and Lululemon, as well as Nordstrom and Macy's. City Creek Center also offers a variety of dining options, including Brio Tuscan Grille and a food court with 12 distinct eateries, including local favorites such as A Taste of Red Iguana and Bocata.

City Creek Center is a must-see attraction, with a fully tractable glass roof that opens and closes, unique to any shopping center in the United States. A pedestrian sky bridge over Main Street unifies the center on two city blocks. Water features include a creek that runs through the center, a fish pond with local trout and waterfalls. The America First Credit Union Fountain offers hourly shows and feature shows with three choreographed songs at 7 pm and 9 pm. Fire elements are added to the fountain shows after dusk.

Visitors to Salt Lake City can receive a complimentary Passport to Shopping which includes offers from over 60 stores and restaurants. An exclusive gift with purchase is available for those who spend $150 or more in the same day. Receive your [Passport to Shopping](https://shopcitycreekcenter.com/pages/passport-to-shopping) at the Customer Service Desk on Level 1 near Macy's.

City Creek Center

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.

Bonneville Shoreline Mountain Biking: Hilltop Road to Terrace Hill Junction

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