30 Minute Hikes

Outdoor adventure guide, Sheryl McGlochlin, takes us down the road less traveled to some of her favorite Utah hiking trails.

Stairs Gulch Trail

Location: From I-15, turn eastbound on I-215 (follow Ski Resort signs) to 6200 South (Exit 6). At the off ramp, follow the curved, up-hill road 1.7 miles as it bends south. At the top of the hill, 6200 South changes to Wasatch Boulevard (UT 190). Continue heading south to the next intersection (Ft. Union Blvd (7200 So.) and Wasatch Blvd), Turn left, staying on UT 190 and continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for 2.5 miles. Watch for a sign that says Storm Mountain Amphitheater. Park near the Geology sign on the right side of the road 100 yards beyond the Storm Mountain sign. The unmarked trailhead is on the south side of the road, across from the picnic area.

Features: One of my favorite short hikes in the spring, summer or fall for several reasons but especially in the fall due to the abundance of bright colors on every tree! This trail is very close to the valley and it’s never busy. By driving up only a few miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon you experience incredible views of Storm Mountain and a stream. It’s just one half mile long, with a little steeper trail. Near the beginning of the trail is a really cool shale rockslide. Once you hike to the stream, look west and watch for skilled rock climbers that may be hanging off the side of the steep mountain. The stream is beautiful with lots of little waterfalls. This is also a popular avalanche chute so be safe and avoid hiking or snowshoeing in this area during the winter season.

Lake Solitude

Location: From I-15, turn eastbound on I-215 (follow Ski Resort signs) to 6200 South (Exit 6). At the off ramp, follow the curved, up-hill road 1.7 miles as it bends south. At the top of the hill, 6200 South changes to Wasatch Boulevard (UT 190). Continue heading south to the next intersection (Ft. Union Blvd (7200 So.) and Wasatch Blvd), turn left, staying on UT 190 and continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for 14.5 miles. Park in the Silver Lake Recreation Area on the right as you enter the Brighton Loop. Trail starts on the backside of the Silver Lake Visitors Center on the boardwalk of Silver Lake. You can walk either direction around Silver Lake but I prefer heading to the right (counter clockwise) around the lake. Once you get about half way, you’ll come to an intersection. Here you will leave Silver Lake and follow the sign to Lake Solitude. It’s a gradual climb though the shady woods and gorgeous aspen on a well-beaten dirt path. The trail climbs about 300 ft. and most of that is right before you get to the lake, so take your time climbing the last little hill! Don’t turn back at this point or you’ll miss a GREAT reward just a few 100 feet further!

Features: Two beautiful high alpine lakes for the price of one…Silver Lake and Lake Solitude! Look for deer and moose sightings! Silver Lake has a lot of traffic but once you get on the Lake Solitude trail, the traffic disappears. Along the trail you’ll walk under the Solitude Ski Resort chair lift and pass another summer time favorite sport on the mountain: Frisbee Golf.
After arriving at Lake Solitude, sit and relax but don’t forget to walk around the lake and find the cave! Be sure and get to the south end, looking northward and take some photos! It’s the best view of the lake with majestic mountain ridges in the background. I think this lake is so quiet and peaceful. I’ve seen moose near the lake so keep your eyes open. Watch for little critters like chipmunks who love to steal food from hikers who set the backpacks down.

Albion Basin Meadows

Location: From Salt Lake City, go south on 1-15 to 9000 So. (Exit 295). Turn left onto 9000 South (UT 209) and proceed east toward the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon for 7.2 miles. Along the way, UT 209 changes names from 9000 South to 9400 South and eventually becomes Little Cottonwood Road. At the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT 209 comes to a junction with UT 210. Continue up Little Cottonwood Canyon for 10 miles to Alta Ski Resort. Look for the Gold Miners Daughter building and park next to it in a large parking lot. You’ll see the trailhead near that building to the east. Head east then south as it makes it’s way up the meadow.

Features: The Albion Basin, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places on earth! It is world renowned for its short wildflower season, which mostly happens in August and early September. It’s a very short season for these wildflowers but they are out in full abundance in all colors and sizes! Don’t forget a camera! This is also a popular moose sighting area as well. The meadow has a beautiful hidden waterfall if you keep your eyes open. This trail is a moderate trail in difficulty. You are above 9000 ft. and it has some climbing but take your time and stop often.

Guardsman Pass

Location: From I-15, turn eastbound on I-215 (follow Ski Resort signs) to 6200 South (Exit 6). At the off ramp, follow the curved, up-hill road 1.7 miles as it bends south. At the top of the hill, 6200 South changes to Wasatch Boulevard (UT 190). Continue heading south to the next intersection (Ft. Union Blvd (7200 So.) and Wasatch Blvd), turn left, staying on UT 190 and continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for 14 miles. Watch for the Guardsman Pass road sign. You’ll make a sharp left “hair-pin” turn and head up the curvy scenic road to the top. There will be a good size parking lot when you get there. It can be busy with bikers and hikers.
Features: Since you are near 10,000 ft. above sea level, expect to take in some spectacular views in all directions! If you enjoy the feeling of standing on top of the world, you will love hiking in this area! It sounds like a hard hike but since you drove up to this point. The hiking is quite easy! Walk across the road, to where the gate is and stay on that old dirt road. Within a few minutes you’ll look down into Park City Ski Resort, Brighton Ski Resort and Solitude Ski Resort. Look further and you’ll see Deer Valley Ski Resort as well!

Solitude Ski Resort

Location: From I-15, turn eastbound on I-215 (follow Ski Resort signs) to 6200 South (Exit 6). At the off ramp, follow the curved, up-hill road 1.7 miles as it bends south. At the top of the hill, 6200 South changes to Wasatch Boulevard (UT 190). Continue heading south to the next intersection (Ft. Union Blvd (7200 So.) and Wasatch Blvd), turn left, staying on UT 190 and continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for about 12 miles.
Features: All of the local ski resorts have some fantastic hiking trails that start near their parking lots but I especially love Solitude Ski Resort due to it’s name – it’s more quiet and peaceful, less popular and less commercialized. Keep your eyes open for moose in the area. Trails are fairly easy weaving in and out of the trees and the ski runs. Watch for signs of Frisbee Golf. The parking lots are mostly empty but don’t be fooled. It’s one of the best places to hike if you like peace and quiet

Sheryl McGlochlin introduces a world of adventure even to those who have never hiked outside their own backyard. She guides more hikes, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skiing adventures in a month than most people do in a lifetime. From the Swiss Alps to the slot canyons of southern Utah, Sheryl is the trusted source for people who want to lead an active, abundant, and adventurous life
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