Six hikes that explain why people move here

Distance

2.8 mi

Elevation gain

500 ft

Best season

Late June through October — Guardsman Pass Road is seasonal

Fees

None

The trail climbs gently through aspen and pine inside the Bonanza Flat conservation area to a small subalpine lake ringed by peaks. Summer wildflowers line the route and the still surface makes for the classic Wasatch reflection shot. Short and mellow, it's the most family-accessible lake hike near Park City.

• The trailhead lot is small — arrive early on summer weekends
• Check that Guardsman Pass Road is open before you drive up

Distance

6 mi

Elevation gain

2,400 ft

Best season

May through October

Fees

Millcreek Canyon per-vehicle fee or annual pass

A steady climb through pine and oak gains nearly 2,400 feet over three miles to the 8,299-foot summit — one of the closest true summits to downtown Salt Lake. The top opens into a 360-degree panorama across the valley on one side and the Cottonwood peaks and Mount Olympus on the other. It's the local conditioning hike, and a favorite for sunrise or sunset light.

• Start early — the upper switchbacks are exposed and hot in summer
• Have payment ready for the canyon fee station

Distance

2.6 mi

Elevation gain

520 ft

Best season

Year-round; muddy in winter and early spring

Fees

None

This out-and-back climbs gradually through Corner Canyon foothills to an unusual metal A-frame tower perched on a small summit. From the top you get 360-degree views over the Salt Lake Valley, the Wasatch and the Draper benchlands. It's the quintessential Draper after-work hike — short, quirky landmark, big payoff.

• Corner Canyon is heavily multi-use — watch for mountain bikers
• Go at sunset for the best light over the valley

Distance

4.6 mi

Elevation gain

1,187 ft

Best season

June through October

Fees

American Fork Canyon day-use fee or Uinta-Wasatch-Cache forest pass

From the Silver Lake Flat trailhead the trail climbs steadily through pine forest and wildflower meadows, gaining just over 1,000 feet to an alpine lake beneath steep peaks. It sits above both Tibble Fork and Silver Lake Flat reservoirs, so the canyon layers out below you the whole way up. It's noticeably quieter than the Cottonwood Canyon lakes.

• The access road is unpaved and rough — higher clearance helps
• Bring a layer; wind picks up in the upper basin

Distance

7.1 mi

Elevation gain

1,800 ft

Best season

July through September

Fees

None for the trail; parking fees may apply at Brighton

The loop strings together Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine, climbing through forest and open basins to over 9,000 feet near Guardsman Pass. Each lake has its own character, from Mary's forested shoreline to Catherine's stark rocky bowl below the Sunset Peak saddle. Between the wildflower meadows and the high-country views, it's the most scenic multi-lake day in the Wasatch.

• No dogs and no swimming — this is drinking-water watershed
• Start early; afternoon thunderstorms are common up high

Distance

3.6 mi

Elevation gain

656 ft

Best season

Late spring through fall; strongest flow at early-summer snowmelt

Fees

$10 day-use fee collected at the trailhead

From Aspen Grove the trail winds through aspen and evergreen along the flank of Mount Timpanogos to a two-tiered, roughly 200-foot cascade. The grade stays moderate and the forest stays scenic, which is why it's Utah Valley's default family waterfall hike. Exact distance varies slightly depending on whether you walk from Aspen Grove or ride the Sundance lift.

• Bring payment for the $10 trailhead fee
• Weekdays are far quieter — summer weekends get packed