Best Things To Do In Salt Lake City – Your Ultimate Outdoor Adventure
Planning a trip to Salt Lake City and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of mountain trails and outdoor options staring back at you from the map? You know the adventure is out there, but figuring out where to start—which trails are best for your skill level, where you can park the van for the night, or what gear is truly essential—can be a challenge.
This guide cuts through the noise. We promise to give you a curated list of the absolute best things to do in Salt Lake City for outdoor lovers, packed with practical, on-the-ground tips for every skill level. We’re not just listing places; we’re giving you the blueprint for a safe, memorable, and self-reliant adventure.
From iconic Wasatch Mountain hikes and exploring the alien landscape of the Great Salt Lake to finding the best spots for vanlife camping, we’ll preview everything you need to know. Get ready to explore SLC’s wild backyard like a seasoned pro.
Hit the Trails: Unforgettable Hikes for Every Skill Level
Salt Lake City’s backyard is the Wasatch Front, a mountain range that shoots dramatically up from the valley floor. This means world-class hiking is often just a 20-minute drive away. Here’s a breakdown of our favorite trails, a true Best things to do in Salt Lake City guide for hikers.
For the Beginner: Ensign Peak
If you have an hour and want the best view of the city, this is your hike. It’s a short, slightly steep 1-mile round trip that delivers a massive payoff. It’s perfect for acclimatizing to the altitude or catching a sunset.
Pro-Tip: The trail is very exposed. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and bring a water bottle, even for this short trek. The Utah sun is intense.
For the Intermediate Hiker: Lake Blanche Trail
This is arguably one of the most iconic hikes in the area. The 6.9-mile round-trip trail is a steady, challenging climb up Big Cottonwood Canyon, but your reward is a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the towering Sundial Peak. This is one of the absolute benefits of Best things to do in Salt Lake City—jaw-dropping scenery is incredibly accessible.
Pack a lunch and a water filter like the Sawyer Squeeze to refill at the streams. Give yourself at least 4-5 hours to enjoy it without rushing.
For the Seasoned Adventurer: Mount Olympus
Looking for a serious challenge? The Mount Olympus trail is a beast. It’s a 7.5-mile round trip that gains over 4,100 feet in elevation, culminating in a Class 3 scramble to the true summit. This is not a casual hike; it requires fitness, confidence on exposed rock, and proper planning.
Safety First: Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Bring at least 3 liters of water, trekking poles (your knees will thank you), and a reliable GPS app like AllTrails or Gaia GPS with the map downloaded beforehand.
Explore the Great Salt Lake: More Than Just a Salty View
You can’t visit SLC without experiencing its namesake. The Great Salt Lake is a unique ecosystem that feels like another planet. The best way to explore it is by visiting Antelope Island State Park.
Wildlife and Scenery at Antelope Island
A 25-mile causeway takes you out to the island, where you can drive, hike, or bike among free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and countless bird species. The views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are surreal, especially at sunrise or sunset.
One of the common problems with Best things to do in Salt Lake City, specifically at the lake, is the bugs. Brine flies are harmless but can be dense in the summer. It’s also wise to check for biting gnats season (typically late spring). A head net can be a trip-saver.
How to Best Experience the Great Salt Lake
Want to get on the water? Kayaking on the Great Salt Lake is an unforgettable experience due to the extreme buoyancy. You float like a cork! Several local outfitters offer guided tours, which we highly recommend for first-timers.
Remember to rinse yourself and your gear thoroughly with fresh water afterward, as the high salinity is corrosive. This is a key part of the Best things to do in Salt Lake City care guide for your equipment.
The Best things to do in Salt Lake City for Campers and RVers
For those of us traveling in a campervan, RV, or with a tent, SLC is a fantastic basecamp. You have easy access to amenities in the city and pristine wilderness just up the canyons.
Dispersed Camping in the National Forest
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest surrounds the city, offering ample opportunities for boondocking or dispersed camping. Areas up American Fork Canyon or off the Mirror Lake Highway (seasonally) are popular spots. Always use existing sites and pack out everything you pack in.
Following sustainable Best things to do in Salt Lake City principles is crucial here. Adhere strictly to Leave No Trace ethics to protect these beautiful areas for everyone.
Developed Campgrounds
If you prefer amenities, the canyons have excellent developed campgrounds. Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Tanners Flat in Little Cottonwood Canyon are great options. They offer sites for both tents and smaller RVs.
Best Practices: Book these sites well in advance, especially for summer weekends, as they fill up fast. Always check for fire restrictions before you go; Utah summers are dry, and bans are common.
Conquer the Canyons: Big and Little Cottonwood Adventures
The twin jewels of the Wasatch are Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. In winter, they are world-famous ski destinations (Alta and Snowbird in Little, Brighton and Solitude in Big). In summer, they transform into a paradise for hikers, climbers, and sightseers.
Scenic Drives and Wildflower Viewing
Simply driving the canyon roads is an adventure. The Albion Basin at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon is legendary for its summer wildflower displays, typically peaking in late July and early August. It’s an eco-friendly Best things to do in Salt Lake City activity that showcases the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
The granite and quartzite of the Cottonwood Canyons offer a lifetime of climbing routes. For boulderers, the world-class problems scattered throughout Little Cottonwood are a must-visit. For sport and trad climbers, Big Cottonwood offers endless crags.
If you’re new to climbing, consider hiring a guide from a local outfitter like the Utah Mountain Adventures. They’ll provide the gear and expertise for a safe and thrilling day on the rock.
Essential Gear and Safety Tips for Your SLC Adventure
Exploring the mountains requires respect and preparation. The weather can change in an instant, and the high elevation poses unique challenges.
Hydration and Altitude
Salt Lake City sits at about 4,200 feet, and the trails quickly climb much higher. Altitude sickness is a real risk. The best defense is to acclimatize for a day or two, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.
Always carry more water than you think you’ll need. A 3-liter hydration bladder like a CamelBak or Osprey reservoir is standard for any serious day hike here.
Layering and Weather-Proofing
Never trust a sunny forecast in the mountains. A bluebird morning can turn into a cold, rainy, or even snowy afternoon, even in summer. Here are some essential Best things to do in Salt Lake City tips for your daypack:
- A waterproof/windproof shell jacket (like the Patagonia Torrentshell or Arc’teryx Beta).
- An insulating mid-layer (like a fleece or puffy jacket).
- A beanie and light gloves.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
This system allows you to adapt to changing conditions, keeping you safe and comfortable on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Adventures in Salt Lake City
What is the best time of year to visit Salt Lake City for outdoor activities?
For hiking, biking, and camping, late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal. You’ll find pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is great for high-alpine adventures and wildflowers but can be very hot in the valley.
Do I need a special permit to hike or camp near Salt Lake City?
For most day hiking in the Wasatch, no permits are required. For dispersed camping in the National Forest, it’s generally free and permit-less, but you must follow rules regarding site selection and stay length. Developed campgrounds require reservations and fees. Always check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit.
Are there bears or other dangerous wildlife I should worry about?
The Wasatch Mountains are home to black bears, mountain lions, and moose. While encounters are rare, it’s important to be aware. Make noise while you hike, store food securely at camp, and never approach wildlife. Moose can be particularly aggressive if they feel threatened, so give them plenty of space.
What’s the one piece of gear I shouldn’t leave home without?
Good footwear. The trails here are rocky and steep. A solid pair of hiking shoes or boots with good traction and ankle support (like models from Salomon, Merrell, or La Sportiva) will make your experience safer and much more enjoyable.
Salt Lake City is a gateway to a lifetime of adventure. It’s a place where you can summit a peak in the morning and be back in town for a well-earned meal by afternoon. By preparing properly, respecting the environment, and choosing the right adventures for your skill level, you can unlock the very best this mountain metropolis has to offer.
Now, grab your pack, fill up your water bottle, and get out there. The mountains are calling.
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