The best running trails in Salt Lake County

Embark on the Lake Blanche Trail for a challenging jogging experience through the Twin Peaks Wilderness. This difficult route covers 7.7 miles (12.4 km) and climbs a significant 2738 feet (834 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 26 minutes to complete. You will navigate diverse terrain, from shaded forests to rocky paths, with panoramic canyon views before reaching the stunning Lake Blanche, where Sundial Peak reflects in its clear waters.

Planning your visit requires an early start, especially on weekends, as this is a very popular trail and parking can fill up quickly. Be prepared for potential snow and meltwater streams if you go between October and June. Remember that this area is a protected watershed, so pets are not permitted, and swimming in the lakes is prohibited to preserve water quality.

The Lake Blanche Trail offers a rewarding opportunity to test your fitness while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Utah mountains. Beyond Lake Blanche, you can also explore the quieter Lake Florence and Lake Lillian nearby, adding to the sense of discovery in this unique high-alpine environment.

The Grandeur Peak Loop offers a difficult jogging experience, covering 10.1 miles (16.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3371 feet (1028 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 48 minutes, making it a substantial challenge. As you jog, you will traverse varied terrain, from shaded lower sections with maples and firs to exposed upper portions featuring shale rock. The highlight is reaching Grandeur Peak, where you are rewarded with panoramic views across Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Valley, and even Mount Olympus.

This strenuous route demands careful preparation; remember to bring proper footwear, ample water, and salty snacks to sustain you. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, especially for the descent, to aid stability. If you plan to visit in winter, microspikes are essential for safety on icy sections. Starting your jog early in the day is a good strategy to avoid both the heat and potential crowds on the trail.

Located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the Grandeur Peak Loop is a serious workout designed for experienced adventurers looking to push their limits. It offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging ascent and descent. In the spring, the trail becomes particularly vibrant, with picturesque wildflowers blooming and cascading waterfalls adding to the beauty of Millcreek Canyon.

Prepare for a difficult jogging experience on the Red Pine Lake Trail, a 7.7-mile (12.4 km) route that demands 2062 feet (629 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging journey, typically completed in about 2 hours and 8 minutes, takes you through rugged alpine terrain. You will navigate a path that is often rocky and steep, offering shaded sections early on before opening up to more exposed climbs. As you ascend, look for expansive views of Little Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley. Your efforts are rewarded at the pristine, turquoise Red Pine Lake, nestled beneath Thunder Mountain, a truly scenic destination.

Before you head out, be aware that the Red Pine Lake Trail is located within a protected watershed area. This means swimming and wading in Red Pine Lake are strictly prohibited to preserve water quality. Also, please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. Due to persistent snow at higher elevations, especially until mid-June, the best time to plan your jogging trip is during the summer or fall months. Always check local conditions before your visit.

The journey to Red Pine Lake offers a deep dive into an alpine ecosystem, where the landscape transforms with elevation. The lake itself is a highlight, situated dramatically below Thunder Mountain and surrounded by steep peaks. In summer, you can expect to see vibrant wildflowers adding color to the rugged environment. This trail provides a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Mount Olympus Trail. This difficult route covers 7.0 miles (11.3 km) and demands a significant 3886 feet (1185 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you'll pass through forested sections where wildflowers bloom and wildlife might be spotted, gradually opening up to expansive panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The trail is conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, making it an accessible option for a demanding outing. While you can tackle this route year-round, be aware that winter conditions necessitate specialized gear such as snowshoes or microspikes. It's also crucial to check for avalanche warnings during colder months to ensure your safety, and the final section to the peak includes a Class 3 scramble, so be ready for some vertical rock climbing.

Mount Olympus is a prominent peak in the region, known for its iconic profile and the significant physical challenge it presents to joggers. The journey through the Mount Olympus Wilderness offers a true escape into nature, providing a rigorous test of endurance rewarded by some of the most expansive views in the Wasatch Front. Completing this difficult jogging route is considered a notable accomplishment for local outdoor enthusiasts, marking a memorable experience in the Utah mountains.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Desolation Trail, a difficult route spanning 4.5 miles (7.2 km). You will climb 1173 feet (358 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 7 minutes, making this a vigorous workout. As you jog, the path winds through shaded pine forests and open meadows, revealing changing views of Millcreek Canyon. The highlight is the Desolation Overlook, where you can enjoy expansive views down into the Salt Lake Valley and of Salt Lake City. Look for Grandeur Peak across the canyon from the overlook, and in late spring and summer, vibrant wildflowers add color to the scenery.

Before you head out, remember that a daily access fee is required for vehicles leaving Millcreek Canyon. If you plan to jog during winter, be prepared for icy conditions on the north-facing slopes; consider bringing traction aids like microspikes or snowshoes. The trail is dog-friendly, but pay attention to the rules: dogs are allowed on-leash on even-numbered days and off-leash on odd-numbered days.

This trail is ideal if you are seeking a rewarding trail running adventure within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It offers a great opportunity to push your limits while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The diverse terrain and the panoramic views from the overlook make it a notable option for those looking for a substantial outdoor challenge.

Prepare for a challenging jog on the Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls, a difficult 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route that climbs 1472 feet (449 metres). You can expect to complete this demanding journey to the waterfall in about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The path winds through varied terrain, from open meadows to dense forests of oak, maple, and pine, offering glimpses of the Salt Lake Valley. The highlight is the beautiful cascade of the Bells Canyon Lower Falls, tumbling over large granite boulders, but be ready for a steep and rocky final stretch to reach it. This trail offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a vigorous outdoor workout with scenic rewards.

When planning your visit, remember that the Bells Canyon Trail is a watershed area, so dogs are not permitted on this route. The best times to jog are from April to October, with spring and early summer providing the most impressive waterfall flow due to snowmelt. Be aware that the trail can become quite crowded, especially on weekends, so consider an early start if you prefer more solitude. Parking is available at the Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead, which marks the beginning of your adventure.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Bells Canyon Trail offers a unique connection to the local environment. As you jog, you'll pass the serene Bells Canyon Reservoir, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; you might spot moose or deer along the way, especially in quieter moments. Wildflowers are abundant in late spring and early summer, adding splashes of color to the landscape and enhancing the natural beauty of this popular trail within the Lone Peak Wilderness.

If you're looking for a difficult jogging challenge, the Desolation Lake, Wasatch Crest Trail and Dog Lake loop offers a rewarding 12.7 miles (20.4 km) journey. You'll ascend 2730 feet (832 metres) over approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes, moving through diverse ecosystems. Expect to jog through shaded pine and aspen groves before reaching wide-open meadows, with picturesque alpine waters at Desolation Lake and Dog Lake serving as key highlights. From higher points along the Wasatch Crest Trail, you can enjoy expansive views of the Wasatch Mountains and even catch glimpses of the Great Salt Lake.

When planning your visit, be aware that parking can get busy, especially on weekends; arriving early is a good strategy to secure a spot. If you plan to bring a canine companion, remember that dogs are not permitted in certain watershed sections of this wilderness area, so always check local signage for current regulations. This will help ensure a smooth start to your jogging adventure.

The route takes you through a rich natural environment within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, showcasing diverse ecosystems. As you jog, keep an eye out for local wildlife; moose and deer are often spotted along the way, adding to the natural experience. This loop provides a strenuous workout amidst stunning alpine scenery, making it a notable option for experienced joggers in the region.

Embark on a refreshing jogging experience along the City Creek Trail, a moderate route that quickly transports you from urban bustle into a serene canyon environment. This 6.4-mile (10.3 km) path guides you alongside a pleasant creek, winding through lush foliage and open meadows. You will gain 590 feet (180 metres) in elevation, a journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. As you jog, keep an eye out for unique features like the "Hobbit Fountain" with its warm spring, offering a distinctive visual landmark along the way. The trail's atmosphere shifts as you venture deeper, becoming shadier and more wooded, providing a sense of escape.

When planning your visit, be aware that while the City Creek Trail is generally open throughout the year, you might encounter snow and ice conditions if you go between November and March. It is also important to note that ongoing construction for water treatment plant upgrades could affect access to certain sections, particularly on weekdays, with potential closures extending further into the canyon until early 2027. For a car-free jogging experience, consider visiting on odd-numbered days between May and October, when the paved Canyon Road is closed to motor vehicles.

The City Creek Trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature directly from downtown Salt Lake City. As you progress, the canyon's ecosystem provides a chance to spot local wildlife, such as deer or even moose, particularly in the more secluded, wooded areas. This route stands out for its accessibility and the rapid transition it provides from an urban setting to a tranquil natural landscape, making it a popular choice for a quick outdoor escape.

Jog Parley's Trail, a 6.4-mile moderate route in Salt Lake City, offering diverse scenery from urban parks to mountain views.