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Stairs Gulch Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Running trail in Cottonwood Heights, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Stairs Gulch Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Stairs Gulch Trailhead
“We're so fortunate to have these beautiful canyons a short drive away.”
There isn't a clear entrance to the trail but we started to the left with our back to the road. One of the first stops in cottonwood canyon.
AMAZING views and fauna. BUT, very steep and slippery and a few times hiking on loose rocks with steep cliff on my side. Not for the faint hearted. Can’t do for me without a pair of hiking stick. Lots of rock scramble situation and stepping on wet rocks. Probably the most technical trail I have been on in Utah.
I fell and broke my leg, but my friends managed to wrangle a moose and it dragged me out of the trail so I could get to the hospital. John it was such a funny prank to pop out of the water in a Swamp Thing costume and chase me off that ledge, I am going to get you back when my leg heals.
This hike is a straight uphill climb, no switchbacks. Lots of loose rock. We crossed the stream twice, stepping on dry rocks so we didn’t slip. Beautiful scenery, but the hike was hard.
Trail conditions & character
“We're so fortunate to have these beautiful canyons a short drive away.”
“BUT, very steep and slippery and a few times hiking on loose rocks with steep cliff on my side.”
Plan your run at Stairs Gulch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Cottonwood Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ferguson Canyon Trail Head
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Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
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Mill Hollow Park
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Neighborhood park with a paved path, a playground and picnic tables and benches.
Knudsen Park
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Park featuring a playground with climbing structures and slides, plus picnic spots and a splash pad.