Hiking
Easy Hikes - My top 5 picks
6/3/2011 | Sheryl McGlochlin
Easy Hikes
- ALL hikers have to EARN their "hiking legs"! These trails will make it a lot of fun and not get you discouraged when you are just starting out!
- Most of these trails are not so isolated in the middle of the wilderness.
- Safety should always be your priority ANYTIME you are hiking.
- Avoid hiking alone.
- Bring 1.5 liters of water and drink often.
- Bring a camera since all of these hikes have spectacular views!
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Be alert and courteous to others on the trail including dogs, mountain bikers and other hikers.
- Consult a physician before starting any new exercise program.
- Realize that hiking can be a dangerous sport.
- Use good common sense.
- Look for opportunities to meet others who love hiking.
- Get out there often and you'll develop a true passion for this great sport!
- After a while, you forget hiking is actually a great workout!
- You'll get caught up with all the amazing beauty that surrounds you!
Top 5 picks for EASY HIKES:
Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST)
(Current Trail: Ogden to Payson)
Location - Several places to access trail: http://www.bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org/
Highlights:
- Follows the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville
- Currently over 100 miles of trail
- Proposed trail will include 280 miles and reach from Idaho to Nephi!
- Sweeping views of mountain ranges, valleys, cities and the Great Salt Lake
- When you are ready for a harder hike, many trails intersect with the BST
- On many parts of the trail, dogs and mountain bikes are allowed on the trail besides hikers
- Much of this trail is single-track
- Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking
- Best time to hike: Spring, fall OR mornings before it gets warm
- Exposed to sun
- Very defined, well-used trail
Mormon Trail - (also known as California or Pony Express Trail) (Morgan County or Salt Lake County)
Location - Drive up Parleys Canyon, (I-80 EASTbound), approx. 5 miles up the canyon watch for the "East Canyon" exit, get off, drive approx. 3 more miles to Little Dell Reservoir, which is your first and closest opportunity to hike on this trail. This is one of several places you can access this trail.
Highlights:
- The actual Mormon Trail runs hundreds of miles
- This 9-mile section is the best for local hiking
- 9 Miles of pure beauty from Little Dell Reservoir to Mormon Flats
- Several places to access trail so hike as long as you like
- Single Track trail
- 7400 ft. highest elev. gain
- Lush, green beautiful trail
- Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking
- Very defined, well-used trail
- Trail split into two main sections:
- Mormon Flats to Big Mountain (approx. 4 miles one way)
- Big Mountain to Little Dell Reservoir (approx. 5 miles one way)
- Enjoy just one mile of this trail if you prefer!
Pipe Line Trail (Salt Lake County, Millcreek Canyon):
Location - Easiest place to get on the trail: Birch Hollow trailhead: Drive 4.3 miles from mouth of canyon, .1 mile past Porter Fork, trail starts on left side, Mouth of Millcreek Canyon is located at 3800 So. Wasatch Blvd.
Highlights:
- Approx. 7 miles long (one way)
- Spectacular views of the
- Only 150 feet elevation gain during the entire 7 miles!
- Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking
- Best time to hike: Spring, fall OR mornings before it warms up
- Exposed to sun
- Just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
- Trailhead: 6600 ft.
- Sometimes you may be Walking next to a steep slope
- Very defined, well-used trail
- Dogs allowed
- Sweeping views of the entire canyon, Salt Lake valley, The Cove, and the Great Salt Lake
- Fee Station when you leave: $3/vehicle
Lost Prospector Trail (Park City, Summit County)
Location - Best place to start: Arie Drive, only a few parking spaces near the trail head OR for more
Highlights:
- 7.8 mile loop hike
- One of my favorite fall hikes due to so much color!
- Lots of foliage along the trail
- Incredible views of Park City including the Park City ski resort
- Elev. Gain: only 300 feet
- Hikers, mountain bikes,
- Double check before bringing your dog
Antelope Island State Park:
Location - (Davis County) Approximately 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive for 7 miles to the park entrance, then another 7 miles to the island.
Highlights:
- Be surrounded by the Great Salt Lake!
- Entrance Fee: $9/vehicle, discounts for seniors, pedestrians, cyclists
- Beautiful, peaceful, quiet
- Feels like you are FAR from civilization but really only 7 miles!
- Horse trails
- Dogs on leash allowed
- Lakeshore Trail
- 2.8 miles one way
- At times the trail may get rocky but it's never hard
- Trail ends at Bridger Bay Campground
- Walk back to trailhead OR have someone pick you up at the campsite
- Elev. gain: 69 feet
- Buffalo sightings
- Lakeside Trail is another easy option