1. Hike the Living Room

Trailhead: The Living Room Trailhead is one of the best places to ease into the great outdoors near Salt Lake City. This short and sweet hike is only about 2.5 miles long, but it climbs almost 1000 feet in a short distance, and it packs in plenty of stunning views of the Wasatch Front. You’ll get your heart pumping on the way up, but the views from the top are more than worth it.

2. Bike or walk along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

On a nice day, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is filled with Salt Lake City residents getting some fresh air. The trail stretches for miles along the Wasatch Front and offers stunning views of the valley below. You can access the trail from several points in Millcreek, so it’s easy to fit a walk or ride into your day.

3. Mountain bike through Millcreek Canyon

For those looking for an extended biking adventure, ride through the scenic canyon on one of the many mountain biking trails. You’ll find plenty of trails to suit your skill level, and the views of the river and trees are simply beautiful. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the scenery. You can even ski down the Millcreek Canyon Ski Trail in the winter.

4. Explore Ensign Peak

Just a short drive from Millcreek is Ensign Peak, a small but popular hiking trail with incredible views of Salt Lake City. The trail is only about a mile long, but it’s steep in spots and can be challenging for those who are out of shape. However, the views from the top are more than worth the effort, and you’ll be able to see Salt Lake City in all its glory.

5. Go Rock Climbing

For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, head to one of the many rock climbing spots near Millcreek, including Millcreek Canyon, Big and Little Cottonwood canyon and more where you’ll find limestone and granite crags to climb. Some of the routes are challenging, with sharp edges and small footholds, but the feeling of the climb is unbeatable.

6. Paraglide or Hang Glide over Millcreek

Take to the skies with a hang gliding or paragliding lesson for the truly adventurous. You’ll get an incredible bird’s eye view of Millcreek and the surrounding area, and you’ll be able to see Salt Lake City in a whole new way.

1. Take a Hike

There are endless hiking and walking trails throughout the Wasatch Mountains that offer incredible views of the valley below. It is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. One of the prettiest ones is the hike to Lake Blanche. You’ll be amazed by the wildflowers, aspen trees, and glacial lakes. It’s about a 2-3 hour round trip depending on your speed and worth it! Just up the street from our home is Crestwood park where you can take a nice stroll along the creek and enjoy the afternoon sun or evening sunset. Just a quick drive is Quail Hollow park where you can take a beautiful stroll or mountain bike ride up winding trails and along the little cottonwood creek.

2. Go Whitewater Rafting

For those looking for a little more adventure, Utah is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Several companies offer trips down the Provo River or Weber River. It’s a great way to cool off in the summer and an exciting experience for all. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you can combine rafting with fly fishing for the ultimate Utah experience.

3. Sledding and Snowboarding

In the winter, the Wasatch Mountains come alive with sledders and snowboarders. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the snow without driving too far up the mountains. And when you’re done, you can warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the nearby cafes.

4. Rock Climbing at Dogwood

With a great location near the Dogwood Picnic Area and various challenging holds, Dogwood Crag is a popular spot for rock climbers of all levels. The crag offers stunning views of the canyon and the stream below, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can access Dogwood Crag by a quick one mile drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife along the way.

5. Bike the Parley's Trail

The Parley’s Trail is an eight-mile paved trail that runs along the edge of the Salt Lake Valley through Sugar House Park to Jordan River. It’s a great place to take a leisurely bike ride or go for a run. The trail is also popular with dog-walkers and rollerblades.

6. Visit the Red Butte Garden

The Red Butte Garden is an almost 100-acre botanical garden that offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. It’s a great place to stroll through the gardens, picnic, or take a yoga class. The garden also has an amphitheater where they host concerts and other events throughout the summer.