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For many, the yearly appearance of the Greatest Snow on Earth means forgoing the hiking trails in favor of the slopes. But don't put away those hiking boots quite yet! Utah — and the Wasatch Front in particular — is home to an abundance of trails that are still accessible (and enjoyable) in the winter time.
With a little preparation and bravery, just about anyone can enjoy the reduced crowds and enhanced views of winter hiking in Utah.
Here are some of the top northern-Utah hikes to enjoy even in the depths of winter.
Family-friendly trails
To warm up, here are a few easy hikes that require little to no special equipment and are easy enough to be completed by most people — kids included.
Donut Falls
Located about nine miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, Donut Falls is a family favorite year-round. The climb to the cave is short (0.75 miles one way, 1.5 miles round-trip) and steep enough to awaken your calves, but very much doable for most.
Slippery conditions are possible, so microspikes are recommended. You'll likely see icicles on the cave's ceiling near its entry point, which makes for a fantastic photo. On your way home, stop for some actual donuts from Banbury Cross or Fresh Donuts and Deli as a well-deserved — and meta — treat.
Ensign Peak
Cue DJ Khaled's tagline — it's another Wasatch Front banger. Conveniently located minutes from downtown Salt Lake, Ensign Peak is a short hike (less than a mile round-trip) that offers stunning views of the Salt Lake valley.
The trail's popularity makes it easy to follow even in winter as there are multiple markers and its snow (when present) is mostly packed down. Like with Donut Falls, bring spikes just in case it's slick.
The Jordan River Trail
An urban trail normally wouldn't make this list, but urban trails in Utah are more scenic than actual hikes in many other states — case in point: the Jordan River Parkway trail. Flanking the Jordan River, the trail spans over 40 miles and can be accessed from many points along the Wasatch Front.
In addition to its ubiquitous nature, the trail is also flat, paved, and generally well-groomed — a perfect recipe for a faff-free outing that can be as long or short as you'd like. And in the winter, frozen waterways and condensed crowds make for an enjoyable and tranquil experience.
Silver Lake
In the fall, the Silver Lake area offers prime leaf-peeping and engagement-photoshoot opportunities — with hues of gold, orange, and red surrounding the peaceful lake. But as the temperatures fall and the leaves disappear, Silver Lake turns into a winter wonderland that can be enjoyed by the whole family with a little effort.
Early in the season, the trail can usually be traversed just with microspikes, but as the snow gets deeper, snowshoes are eventually required. Either way, it's a flat one-mile loop around the lake and shouldn't be too strenuous.
Moderately challenging hikes
Got an adventure craving that can't be satisfied by a family-friendly hike? Don't fret — the Wasatch Front features a multitude of options for those who want to play on hard (or intermediate) mode.
Bell Canyon (to lower falls)
One of the most popular waterfall hikes in the valley, Bell Canyon becomes even more spectacular this time of the year. Spanning five miles (round-trip) and gaining 1,500 feet of elevation, the hike to the lower waterfalls firmly falls in the moderate category.
The last quarter mile or so is especially steep. Spikes (and ideally poles) are a necessity to prevent a sore backside the next morning.
Lake Blanche
Starting near the notorious S-curve up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Lake Blanche trail is steep and challenging at the best of times. In the winter, snow, ice and mud make it an even tougher trail. But there's a reason it's beloved — its valley views, alpine serenity, and picturesque lake make it a worthwhile ascension. Depending on the conditions, you'll need snowshoes or spikes and poles.
Before you go
Hiking in the wilderness always presents some level of danger, but problems can arise more quickly and frequently in the winter. A few basic tips:
- Check the conditions — especially when hiking in avalanche terrain.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- Pack plenty of food and water.
- Try not to go alone (if you do.
- Download an offline map to use when there's no service.
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