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

Bring your camera!  On a clear day you'll experience breath-taking views of the Wasatch Mountain Range

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