Salt Lake City is not just the capital of Utah; it's an outdoor paradise for fitness and adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Where else can you find rugged mountains, placid lakes, red rock formations, and vast valleys? With so many outdoor opportunities, Salt Lake City can compete with any adventure destination across the United States.
Salt Lake has a list for you if you are a casual walker, a serious hiker, a mountain bike freak, or just someone looking for a peaceful kayaking splash in front of a scenic view. This guide will explain the best outdoor activities in Salt Lake City for adventure and nature lovers. From urban trails to alpine adventures, we will try to share a list of outdoor fun!
Prior to our setting off on our adventure, let's review Salt Lake City, Utah's, suitability as a launching place for outdoor adventures:
Now, let's take a look at the best outdoor adventures in Salt Lake City, organized by interest and skill level.
Salt Lake City has abundant hiking access with hundreds of miles of trails, surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west.
Ensign Peak Trail
Distance: 0.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 370 feet
Highlights: Panoramic views of the city and the spot where Brigham Young first surveyed the Salt Lake Valley were historical markers.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Multiple points of access
Perfect for casual walks or light trail running
Follows the shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville
Donut Falls Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon
A beautiful waterfall cascading through a natural rock hole
Red Pine Lake Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000+ feet
High alpine lake, wildflowers & occasional moose sightings
Mount Olympus
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: Over 4,000 feet
This hike is not for beginners and requires scrambling, but the views were legendary.
Grandeur Peak via Church Fork
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Fantastic view of the valley and the Great Salt Lake.
SLC is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, and hiking has to be one of the best outdoor activities there. There are so many options for any level of fitness.
If you prefer wheels, Salt Lake City’s trail network offers top-tier mountain biking experiences, from flowy singletrack to technical descents.
Corner Canyon (Draper)
Over 50 miles of trails
Smooth descents, switchbacks, and forest riding
Popular trails: Rush, Ghost Falls, and Ann’s Trail
Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST)
A favorite among local bikers
A mix of technical and flowy sections
Can be ridden in chunks or tackled for endurance rides
Bobsled Trail
Fast and furious downhill
Twisty turns, jumps, and natural berms.
Best for intermediate to advanced riders
Whether you're a weekend warrior or daily rider, the Salt Lake area provides trails that check all the boxes for adventure travel and mountain biking bliss.
When the summer sun hits its peak, kayaking and paddleboarding become some of the most relaxing yet adventurous activities.
Great Salt Lake
Iconic for its high salinity and mirror-like reflections
Kayak around Antelope Island or Gunnison Bay
Pro tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for surreal lighting
Jordanelle Reservoir
About 45 minutes from Salt Lake
Calm waters are perfect for beginners.
Rentals and launches are available at the state park
Causey Reservoir
Tucked in a narrow canyon
Known for its cliff jumping, wildlife, and peaceful paddling
No motorboats allowed—quiet and serene.
Whether gliding through reflective waters or chasing a thrill on rapids, paddling offers a unique way to enjoy Utah's scenic spots.
Salt Lake’s proximity to world-class climbing crags is one of its best-kept secrets.
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Classic granite climbs
Trad, sport, and bouldering
Areas like the Gate Buttress are famous among climbers
Big Cottonwood Canyon
More limestone routes
Great for beginners and intermediate climbers
Shady climbs are perfect for hot summer days
Momentum Indoor Climbing Gym
Great for training or rainy-day sessions
Massive walls, bouldering sections, and youth programs
If you're new to climbing, local outfitters offer lessons and guided climbs, making this one of the most accessible outdoor activities in Salt Lake City.
For the bold and fearless, paragliding over the Salt Lake Valley provides a bird's-eye view of Utah’s splendor.
Located in Draper, about 30 minutes south of downtown
Renowned for consistent thermal updrafts
Suitable for both beginner tandem rides and seasoned solo fliers
Certified schools offer classes and experiences.
Floating above the earth with the Wasatch Range to one side and the Oquirrh Mountains to the other is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel experience.
Sometimes the best views are from behind the wheel—or just steps from it.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive
Curves through dense forests, rocky cliffs, and streams
Leads to Brighton and Solitude ski resorts
Best in autumn for colorful foliage
Emigration Canyon
Historic pioneer route
Great for short drives or road biking
Stop for breakfast at Ruth’s Diner.
Guardsman Pass
Connects Salt Lake to Park City
High-elevation meadows and mountain views
Seasonal (typically open June–October)
Pair your drive with a picnic, a camera, and a sense of wonder—Salt Lake’s scenic spots never disappoint.
Salt Lake City is a surprising hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and birders.
Antelope Island State Park
Home to bison, antelope, coyotes, and deer
Ideal for photography and sunrise walks
Access via the causeway west of Syracuse
Great Salt Lake Audubon Society Refuge
Wetlands teeming with birds: pelicans, herons, avocets
Spring and fall are best for migrations
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
A mix of manicured gardens and wild terrain
See butterflies, hummingbirds, and native flora.
Nature lovers will be thrilled by the biodiversity within an hour’s drive of downtown—proof that Salt Lake City outdoor activities aren’t just about hiking or biking.
Salt Lake doesn’t stop when the snow starts falling—it ramps up.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude are all less than 45 minutes away.
Deep powder and challenging runs attract pros and families alike
Snowshoeing
Mill Creek Canyon offers low-cost, low-crowd snow fun.
Rent gear and follow groomed paths
Ice Climbing
Experienced climbers tackle frozen waterfalls in Provo and Ogden canyons.
Guided tours available for adventurous beginners
From frozen fun to alpine action, winter offers some of the best outdoor activities in Salt Lake City—dress warm!
Spring & Summer: Best for hiking, biking, and kayaking
Fall: Gorgeous foliage, fewer crowds, perfect temperatures
Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowy mountain magic
Water bottle and snacks
Sunscreen and a hat
Layered clothing (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
A map or GPS for remote trails
Camera for those jaw-dropping views
Altitude awareness: Hydrate well and acclimate gradually
Weather: Sudden storms are common—check the forecast
Wildlife: Admire from afar; don’t feed or approach animals
Leave No Trace: Respect trails, pack out trash, and tread lightly
If you are an adventurer or someone just wanting sunshine and spectacular views, you will not be disappointed with Salt Lake City's best outdoor activities for all your nature and adventure needs. Salt Lake City’s unique location near various terrains and its outdoor recreation opportunities make it one of the best areas for adventurers and outdoor lovers.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking peaks and paddling calm waters to biking endless flowy trails and watching the sunset from a canyon overlook. Salt Lake City is the ultimate portal to experience unique, wild, and unforgettable adventures.
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