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Ensign Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 794 Google reviews · Running trail in Salt Lake City, Utah · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ensign Peak'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.
City park featuring a short, steep trail to an expansive scenic overlook with a historic monument.
What runners say about Ensign Peak
“It is a beautiful park and well maintained but just know it's not easy.”
“BUT — when I did reach the top (eventually, heroically, and with great personal sacrifice), the view was absolutely stunning.”
“5 miles, relatively steep but easy to navigate.”
“This is a great option for a quick get away as it is an easy trail to access as it is directly behind the Utah State Capital building.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 – Ensign Peak: The View Was Great… From the Parking Lot As a proud member of the “thick thighs save lives” club, I figured Ensign Peak would be a nice little jaunt. “Short hike,” they said. “Easy trail,” they said. Lies. All lies.
Listed as an “easy” hike on all trails. Very steep (you will breath heavy if you’re out of shape). The views at the top were worth it though. I went on a Saturday night in June and there were a lot of people along the way and at the top. Dogs are supposed to be leashed but there were several without.
Ensign Peak provides a bird's eye view of the Utah valley. It is an affordable trail which could be negotiated in about 15-20 minutes with a leisurely pace. To my disappointment the visibility was not proper due to the prevailing pollution.
This hike is a true Salt Lake City, Utah gem! The hike is short and labeled as easy on the All Trails app. I have visited this hike for years! I’ve done it solo. I’ve been in groups of friends. I have taken dates. Now I take my son. The views are phenomenal. The trail is well maintained and well marked.
Trail conditions & character
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 – Ensign Peak: The View Was Great… From the Parking Lot As a proud member of the “thick thighs save lives” club, I figured Ensign Peak would be a nice little jaunt.”
“Highly recommend if you don’t have a car, catch an Uber or ride share first because the hike is steep!”
“There are no restroom or water stations- so plan accordingly especially in the summer.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 – Ensign Peak: The View Was Great… From the Parking Lot As a proud member of the “thick thighs save lives” club, I figured Ensign Peak would be a nice little jaunt.”
“There are no restroom or water stations- so plan accordingly especially in the summer.”
Plan your run at Ensign Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websiteslcparks.com
- Phone(801) 972-7800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
Ensign Peak Trailhead
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