HomeUtahSalt Lake City › Ensign Peak Trailhead

Ensign Peak Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,084 Google reviews · Running trail in Salt Lake City, Utah · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Loop distance
2 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ensign Peak 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.

Mixed2 miLoopShadedScenicStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parking

Easy to manage trail featuring a monument to early settlers that features panoramic views of the city and the Salt Lake Valley.

What runners say about Ensign Peak Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (3,084 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 16 mentions

“The trail has multiple view points so even if you can’t go too far, you can still enjoy the beautiful view by going to the first view point that takes just about 5 minutes.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“Bring water for hydration, uphill mostly to the peak and no shaded areas, but there is a more level section that loops around.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“It’s a short, easy hike, making it perfect for families and kids, yet the view at the top feels like something you’d work much harder for.”

Ensign Peak Trailhead - Salt Lake City, UT The Ensign Peak Trail is a great experience! The trail is a quick, rewarding hike, perfect for families or anyone looking for a short outdoor adventure with breathtaking views. The trail is about 0.

★★★★★ — Exploring , Oct 2024

This a fun, short hike with great views of the Salt Lake and the SLC skyline! The trail closes around 10, so I'd recommend going near dusk to see the city sparkle! The trail is fairly steep and uneven if you want to climb all the way up, but there is a decent vantage point below it that is easier to walk to.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Oct 2023

Great, short hike 5-10 min drive from downtown. It’s was a 20 min hike up at a slow pace, stopping to take photos. Was 72 degrees at 6am but headed for the high 90s but most of the hike was in shade before the sun came over the higher peaks.

★★★★★ — Brad , Jul 2024

Ensign Peak is a great hike with friends and/or family. Even alone with your pup because it is safe. You can see all of Salt Lake from the top. Including the north view of the Great Salt Lake. Must check it out for a fun Spring/Summer/Fall Hike!

★★★★★ — Bella , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 3,084 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 43 mentions

“The trail has multiple view points so even if you can’t go too far, you can still enjoy the beautiful view by going to the first view point that takes just about 5 minutes.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 13 mentions

“Be aware that this trail is in the middle of a neighborhood and there is no dedicated parking - street parking is the only option.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 8 mentions

“The trail is fairly steep and uneven if you want to climb all the way up, but there is a decent vantage point below it that is easier to walk to.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“Bring water for hydration, uphill mostly to the peak and no shaded areas, but there is a more level section that loops around.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“The hike to the summit is short and manageable, making it accessible for all ages, yet rewarding with its stunning vistas at the top.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“The trail is well-maintained and provides a gentle, easy-going hike that spans 2 miles if you choose to take the full loop.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“• The trail can be rocky in spots, so wear sturdy shoes.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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Plan your run at Ensign Peak 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
  • Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteslc.gov
  • Phone(800) 200-1160
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–10 PM
Thursday 5 AM–10 PM
Friday 5 AM–10 PM
Saturday 5 AM–10 PM
Sunday 5 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ensign Peak Trailhead

Ensign Peak Trail, Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Get directions

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

4.8 ★★★★★ 794 reviews

Salt Lake City, UT

Scenic

City park featuring a short, steep trail to an expansive scenic overlook with a historic monument.

under a mile away

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2.8 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Popular hiking & jogging trail offers sweeping views of downtown Salt Lake City.

under a mile away

Lower City Creek Nature Park

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2 miPavedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxed, paved riverside trails and a road up a canyon featuring picnic areas.

under a mile away

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

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Scenic

under a mile away

Salt Lake City Foothills Natural Area

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

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1.0 miles away

Memory Grove

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,368 reviews

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ScenicDog-friendly

Serene space with monuments, fountains, creekside paths, an off-leash area & picnic tables.

1.0 miles away

All running trails in Salt Lake City, UT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.