5. The Pipeline via Rattlesnake Gulch
The Pipeline Trail is a spectacular trail that travels high above the Salt Lake Valley, providing astounding views of the surrounding mountains. In the spring, the best way to access this trail is by hiking up Rattlesnake Gulch.
What You Need to Know
Start at the Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead and get ready to gain some elevation! You’ll travel for 0.7 miles on this moderately strenuous stretch of trail before intersecting with the Pipeline Trail. Once at the Pipeline, the trail levels out and provides an easy hike high above the canyon floor.
I recommend hiking west on the Pipeline Trail out to the Salt Lake City Overlook. The views are breathtaking! This route is 3.4 miles roundtrip.
Getting Here
The Pipeline Trail is located in Mill Creek Canyon, and the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is located just 0.7 miles past the entrance station on the left-hand side of the road.
Millcreek Canyon is accessed via I-215 on the east side of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 4 (3900 S) and turn left onto Wasatch Boulevard. Take a right onto 3800 South/Millcreek Canyon Road and continue to follow the road traveling east. A day-use fee is collected at the entrance station.
6. Lisa Falls
This trail is not much of a hike, but Lisa Falls is a fun and exciting destination for people of all ages. You can stand right and the base of these falls and soak in the mist!
What You Need to Know
Read my full trail report here!
**This is not a hike I would suggest doing if there is still snow on the surrounding canyon walls, as avalanches in the area are a large concern. That being said, as of 4/1/2016 the snow in the area has melted and trail is clear.
7. Ensign Peak
The hike to Ensign Peak is all about the amazing view and history of Salt Lake City. In 1847, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints climbed to the top of this hill to survey the land and make plans for their future city.
From up here you can see the Great Salt Lake, the Kennecott Copper Mine, downtown Salt Lake, the Capitol Building, Temple Square, the Wasatch Mountains, the Oquirrh Mountains, and the University of Utah!
What You Need to Know
Although this hike is short (1 mile roundtrip), the elevation gain will get your heart pumping. The trail is mostly barren with beautiful views the whole way up, but no shade.
An obelisk has been placed on top of the peak, as well as informative plaques and a walking deck to enjoy the spectacular view.
8. Horsetail Falls
A slightly more challenging hike to Horsetail Falls will likely be the highlight of your spring hiking (and remind you that it’s time to workout harder to prepare for a summer of outdoor adventure!). This stunning waterfall is accessed by hiking through a beautiful pine forest and a serene meadow, with several small stream crossings.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Horsetail Falls is 4 miles roundtrip with approximately 1600 feet of elevation gain. You likely will hit snow about a mile into the hike, but the snow was mostly packed down and easy to navigate (in late March/early April).
After catching your first glimpse of the falls from the trail, you will reach a junction and the trail sign will point right (North Mountain Trail). Instead, go left! If you want to reach the base of the falls, bushwhacking is necessary. The “trail” to the base is a steep descent to your left about 15 feet past the junction and trail sign.
Check out this article from my friend Katie Wanders for more specific information about the trail.
Getting Here
Horsetail Falls is located in Alpine, Utah, just south of the Salt Lake Valley. From I-15, take the Alpine/Highland exit onto Timpanogos Highway (SR-92 toward Timpanogos Cave). Drive until you reach 5300 West and take a left. When you reach the traffic circle, go straight ahead (second exit) and then turn right onto 200 North. Then turn left onto 200 E, which turns into Grove Drive. Follow Grove Drive all the way up until you reach a dirt parking area called the Dry Creek Trailhead. The trail to Horsetail Falls starts by the large wooden signs.
If you love the Park City scene, I’ve got 3 more hiking trails you can hit up during the spring.
===> Click Here!
Now you can hit the trail! Do you have any favorite spring hikes near Salt Lake City that I didn’t include? Let me know in the comments below!
hi there, we are considering travelling there early April 2018. Can you tell me what you think the weather would be based on your experience –will it be too cold? These hikes all appear close to town, thus I figure warmer then the hikes in the mountains. Some report just told us close to freezing. please advise
And can you recommend any small boutique hotels?
thanks in advance for your assistance.
It’s hard to say because the weather here in Salt Lake can be very unpredictable, but generally I find these trails to be accessible in April. A snow storm this time of year isn’t uncommon….but neither is 70 degree weather haha. Hope that helps!
Finally – a spring Utah hiking guide that includes hikes you can do in Spring. Great list. I just hiked ghost Falls this week (March 29, 2017) and there was lots of water coming down. I might add Battlecreek Falls to your list. It is in Pleasant Grove.
I’ve read through a few “spring” hiking lists and have been surprised by some of the recommendations…most of the trails would still be completely covered in snow! Thanks for reminding me about Battlecreek Falls. That is a great one for spring hiking!
I recently moved here from the East Coast, and so I am always looking for info about local hikes and sites of interest. This is a great list of some nearby hikes to add to my to do list. Great post!
Thanks Sid, and welcome to Utah! You are going to love all the outdoor activities available to you here :)