Get Outdoors Near Salt Lake City with Easy Local Hikes
Utah is well-known for its many outdoor attractions, but not every traveler is up to the challenge of some of the most popular trails. Luckily, there are some amazing views available without much strain, and three of the best are located in Davis County, within a 20-minute drive of downtown Salt Lake City. Read on to find out more about these trails to plan your next trip.
Mueller Park Trail
Bountiful, Utah
Mueller Park is a popular camping area in the hills surrounding Bountiful, just a short drive from Salt Lake City. One of the best draws of this beautiful area is the Mueller Park Hiking Trail, which includes gorgeous views of the valley, a melodic stream, a picturesque wooden bridge, and the Elephant Rock scenic outlook. If you hike the full trail, it can take a few hours, but only a few stretches are steep, and the trail never gets very narrow. It’s common to see dogs, bikers, and families on the Mueller Park trail, and it remains a favorite family-friendly spot to see the great outdoors with a trailhead nestled right in the middle of Bountiful’s suburban neighborhoods.
Lagoon Trail
Farmington, Utah
Tourists and locals alike enjoy the Lagoon amusement park every summer and fall, but the park itself isn’t the only attraction in the area. Right up against the back fence is the Lagoon Trail, a short but lovely trail that welcomes dogs, families, and even solo hikers who want a relaxing stroll through a picturesque forested area. This trail also takes you by Farmington Pond, where you can see a waterfall (manmade but still very cool), a hilly backdrop, and plenty of local birds and other wildlife. You can get a lot of value out of just half an hour on this trail, so if you’ve only got a little while to spare, this is the place to go.
Holbrook Trailhead
Bountiful, Utah
The Bountiful Temple, a local religious building with a distinctive design, is one of the most visible landmarks in Davis County. Hidden right behind it, though, is one of Davis County’s best-kept secrets: the Holbrook Trailhead, which leads to the delightful Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This trail is technically very long and covers quite a bit of terrain, but if you start from the Holbrook Trailhead, you’ll find the first section to be relatively easy, with a photo-friendly stream, great views of small valleys, and a lush forested dirt trail. The leaves are especially pretty in the fall, but this trail remains a personal favorite year-round, and as a bonus, it’s very rarely busy, which means you can enjoy the great outdoors without dodging other hikers’ Instagram shots – and maybe even get a few of your own.
Looking for the scenic route? Check out these other beautiful hikes near Salt Lake City. And if you want to add even more picture-perfect moments to your visit, consider these Instagrammable spots in Salt Lake City.