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City Creek Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 366 Google reviews · Running trail in Salt Lake City, Utah · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 2.8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from City Creek Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking & jogging trail offers sweeping views of downtown Salt Lake City.
What runners say about City Creek Canyon Trailhead
“The sound of the streams, the touch of crisp air, and gorgeous mountainous backdrop sets the perfect atmosphere.”
Gorgeous spot for a paved autumn bike ride! The beautiful foliage and ease of access make this a must-see for my fall bike-rides. Added bonus: so many monarch butterflies! Took my e-bike + 2 kids in trailer up the 5.5 mile trail that has a steady incline, especially at the end.
City Creek Canyon has a little something to offer for everyone. Hands down, I'd say that City Creek canyon is my favorite canyon in the Salt Lake area of the Wasatch. Ease of access, activity diversity, and landscape all contribute to the loveliness of this canyon.
Nice paved trail/road with bathrooms, picnic tables, fresh drinking water, choke cherries, a creek, even tarantulas! It's quite busy though, with other pedestrians and cyclists. We love the many trails that take off from City Creek, including The Bonneville Shoreline Trail!
I love that this canyon is so close to downtown Salt Lake City. You can easily get a trail run, bike ride, or nature walk in within minutes of downtown. Wildlife is out so be vigilant and sometimes other people can be just as interesting.
Trail conditions & character
“The sound of the streams, the touch of crisp air, and gorgeous mountainous backdrop sets the perfect atmosphere.”
“The system of trails covers a HUGE part of the City Creek Canyon, which has a main paved road with branches of gravel and dirt paths.”
“The inclines are obviously quite steep, so these are not for the faint of heart.”
“You can access through Memorial Park by the Capitol, from many points in the northern avenue neighborhoods, or of course by the trailhead North of Memorial Park.”
“Nice paved trail/road with bathrooms, picnic tables, fresh drinking water, choke cherries, a creek, even tarantulas!”
“Be mindful of quick moving road bikes if you have a dog on leash.”
“The system of trails covers a HUGE part of the City Creek Canyon, which has a main paved road with branches of gravel and dirt paths.”
Plan your run at City Creek Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance2.8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteslcgov.com
- Phone(801) 972-7800
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Salt Lake City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lower City Creek Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 514 reviews
Relaxed, paved riverside trails and a road up a canyon featuring picnic areas.
Ensign Peak Trailhead
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Easy to manage trail featuring a monument to early settlers that features panoramic views of the city and the Salt Lake Valley.
Ensign Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 794 reviews
City park featuring a short, steep trail to an expansive scenic overlook with a historic monument.
Terrace Hills Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 176 reviews
Hiking area with many routes, including the well-maintained Avenues Twin Peaks Trail.
Memory Grove
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,368 reviews
Serene space with monuments, fountains, creekside paths, an off-leash area & picnic tables.
