The Spectacular Canyons In Utah With The Most Incredible Hiking Trails
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
One of our favorite things about Utah is its huge selection of jaw-dropping hiking trails. No matter where you live in the Beehive State, you’re probably just minutes away from a hiking trail. If you live in the Salt Lake Valley, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are right in your backyard, and you’ll find dozens of beautiful hiking trails for all ages and abilities in both canyons. Here are a few of our favorites.
Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine await you on this gorgeous hiking trail that starts at the base of Brighton Resort. You'll climb 1,814 feet in 6.7 miles on this loop trail, but your effort is richly rewarded with stunning natural beauty, and maybe even a moose sighting or two.
The hike to Lisa Falls is just .4 miles long, and it's fun for the whole family. You'll find the trailhead on the north side of the road, between mile markers six and seven. You can splash around at the base of the waterfall, but don't climb up the falls; the rocks are slippery and people have fallen here in the past.
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Donut Falls is a popular trail, especially with kids, who love the last stretch of this hike that takes you right into the creek. Once you're at the falls, you can climb right up to it and even go underneath the donut-hole. The trail is just 1.5 miles out and back.
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Cecret Lake is no secret - it's one of the most popular trails in the canyon, and for good reason. The trail is just 1.5 miles long, and it's an easy adventure, with an elevation climb of just 446 feet. The wildflowers are gorgeous here in the summer, and the lake is a stunner. You'll find the trailhead at the Albion Basin Campground.
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The Silver Lake Loop Trail is accessible to everyone, and it's the perfect easy hike for a fun afternoon. The trail loops around the lake on a boardwalk, and even has an ADA-accessible fishing pier. It's just .8 miles long, and you'll likely view wildflowers, ducks, and even moose.
If you're up for a challenge, the Peruvian Gulch Trail fits the bill. It's a steep climb up to Hidden Peak, which stands at a whopping 11,000 feet above Snowbird Resort. The trail is 3.7 miles long, with an elevation climb of 2,357 feet, but there's no shame in stopping to catch your breath when there are views like this all along the way.
For an all day adventure, this trail offers groves of aspen and beautiful views as you make your way to Gobblers Nob. The trail is 9.8 miles out and back, and the elevation climb is nearly 4,000 feet, but if you're looking for some solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this is the trail for you. You'll find the trailhead for this trail at the Mill B Campground,.
For the perfect wildflower hike, take the Grizzly Gulch Trail at Alta Resort. It's 4.2 miles out and back, and you'll want to bring your camera along for this one. The trail takes you steadily uphill til you reach Twin Lakes Pass, with some spectacular views.
What’s your favorite hiking trail in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon?
If you live in or around Ogden, you’re just moments away from this valley that’s an oasis in the summer – check it out!
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