5 Best Trails in Salt Lake County for Hiking & Trail Running

Salt Lake County, Utah, is home to some of the best trails in the entire Mountain West. With the Wasatch Mountains rising on the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west, runners and hikers have access to everything from steep alpine climbs to rolling desert-style foothills—all within a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City.

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5 Must-Run Trails in Salt Lake County, Utah

Whether you’re a trail runner looking for elevation gain or a hiker chasing stunning views, these five trails are some of my absolute favorites in the Salt Lake area. Each offers something unique: alpine lakes, summit views, rolling ridgelines, or quiet escapes away from the crowds.

Why Trail Run or Hike in Salt Lake County?

• Accessibility – Within 30 minutes of downtown Salt Lake City, you can be standing at a trailhead ready to climb into the Wasatch.
• Variety – Trails range from beginner-friendly foothills to demanding 10,000+ foot peaks.
• Scenery – Alpine lakes, wildflowers, aspen groves, rugged ridgelines, and wide-open valley views.
• Year-Round Options – While the high peaks are best in summer and fall, foothill trails like Herriman’s South Mountain offer year-round access.

1. White Pine Trail – Little Cottonwood Canyon

Distance: ~10 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~2,700 feet
Trailhead: Little Cottonwood Canyon, White Pine Trailhead
Difficulty: Hard

If you want a classic Wasatch alpine experience, White Pine Trail is a must. The trail climbs steadily through pine forests, past streams, and eventually opens into breathtaking views of Little Cottonwood Canyon. At the top, you’re rewarded with White Pine Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled in a granite basin at nearly 10,000 feet.

• Trail Running Notes: The climb is relentless but runnable if you enjoy long, sustained climbs. The descent is smooth and fun, making it a great workout loop.
• Best Season: Late June through October. The lake is often frozen or snow-covered well into summer.
• Highlights: High alpine scenery, solitude compared to nearby Lake Blanche, crystal-clear water at White Pine Lake.

2. Black Mountain – Salt Lake City

Distance: ~12 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~3,200 feet
Trailhead: North Terrace Hills Drive, Salt Lake City
Difficulty: Hard

If you’re craving a steep workout without driving far, Black Mountain is your trail. Located right above Salt Lake City, this trail doesn’t waste time—it climbs sharply from the first steps and keeps climbing until you reach the summit ridge.

From the top, you’ll enjoy some of the best panoramic views in Salt Lake County: the Great Salt Lake, the entire Salt Lake Valley, and even across to the Oquirrhs.

3. Butterfield Peaks – Herriman

Distance: ~11.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~2,800 feet
Trailhead: Butterfield Canyon, Herriman
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

The Oquirrh Mountains don’t get as much love as the Wasatch, but Butterfield Peaks is a hidden gem. Starting from Herriman’s Butterfield Canyon, the trail climbs steadily into rolling ridgelines with incredible views across the Salt Lake Valley, Utah Lake, and west toward the Stansbury Mountains.

It feels more remote than the busy Cottonwood Canyons and is often much less crowded.

• Trail Running Notes: The grade is steady and runnable in sections, especially along the ridgeline.
• Best Season: Late spring through fall. Snow lingers in early spring.
• Highlights: Unique perspective of Salt Lake, quiet trail, wide-open ridgelines.
• Trail Running Notes: Expect a grind. This is more of a power-hike than a runnable trail for most, but the views make the effort worth it.
• Best Season: Spring and fall. It can be brutally hot in summer and icy in winter.
• Highlights: Close to downtown, epic valley views, quick but challenging climb.

4. Gobblers Knob – Big Cottonwood Canyon

Distance: ~8.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~3,200 feet
Trailhead: Butler Fork or Alexander Basin (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
Difficulty: Hard

At 10,246 feet, Gobblers Knob is the highest peak between Big Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons. It’s a steep and rugged trail, but the reward is standing on one of the most commanding summits in the Wasatch. From the top, you get 360-degree views of both canyons, the Salt Lake Valley, and even out to the Uintas on a clear day.

• Trail Running Notes: The climb is steep with rocky terrain—great for training, but be ready for some hiking. The descent is technical but fun.
• Best Season: July through October. Snow lingers late into summer.
• Highlights: Panoramic summit views, classic Wasatch ridgeline, wildflowers in summer.

5. South Mountain – Herriman

Distance: Varies (extensive trail network)
Elevation Gain: 500–2,000 feet depending on route
Trailhead: Herriman (Juniper Crest or Yellow Fork)
Difficulty: Moderate

South Mountain is a fantastic spot for both trail runners and hikers, especially if you want something more mellow than the steep Wasatch climbs. Located in Herriman, the trails here roll through foothills with wide-open views of the Salt Lake Valley.

It’s a perfect spot for early morning or evening runs, with golden light spilling across the valley and mountains. Plus, it’s accessible year-round since the elevation is lower.

• Trail Running Notes: Great for speed workouts, recovery runs, or linking together longer loops.
• Best Season: All year, though summer afternoons can be hot.
• Highlights: Wide views, convenient access, smooth runnable terrain.

Tips for Running & Hiking These Trails

• Start Early: Trailheads in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons fill up fast. Early mornings also bring cooler temps.
• Bring Water: Many of these trails are long climbs without reliable water sources.
• Watch the Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, especially above 9,000 feet.
• Winter Caution: High-elevation trails can be snow-covered or avalanche-prone until summer. Stick to lower trails like South Mountain in winter.

Best Time of Year to Explore Salt Lake County Trails

• Spring: South-facing foothills like South Mountain and Black Mountain are perfect as snow melts.
• Summer: Alpine trails like White Pine and Gobblers Knob shine with wildflowers and long daylight.
• Fall: Crisp air, colorful aspens, and fewer crowds—arguably the best season for trail running in Salt Lake.
• Winter: Stick to foothill trails for safe, snow-free access.

Final Thoughts

Salt Lake County offers world-class trail running and hiking right in its backyard. From the alpine beauty of White Pine Lake to the rugged climb up Gobblers Knob, these five trails capture the variety and adventure that makes the Wasatch and Oquirrhs so special.

Whether you’re training for a race, exploring with friends, or just looking for a new weekend adventure, you can’t go wrong with these trails.

If you want to see these trails in action, check out my video on the 5 Best Trails in Salt Lake County here: Watch on YouTube.

And if you’re into trail running gear reviews, outdoor adventures, and Utah trails, subscribe to my channel: DanRun22 on YouTube.