Best Beginner Hikes

Outdoor Enthusiast, Sheryl McGlochlin, shares her favorite beginner hikes.

· ALL hikers have to EARN their “hiking legs”! These trails will make it a lot of fun and not get you discouraged when you are just starting out!

· Most of these trails are not so isolated in the middle of the wilderness.

· Safety should always be your priority ANYTIME you are hiking.

· Avoid hiking alone.

· Bring 1.5 liters of water and drink often.

· Bring a camera since all of these hikes have spectacular views!

· Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

· Be alert and courteous to others on the trail including dogs, mountain bikers and other hikers.

· Consult a physician before starting any new exercise program.

· Realize that hiking can be a dangerous sport.

· Use good common sense.

· Look for opportunities to meet others who love hiking.

· Get out there often and you’ll develop a true passion for this great sport!

· After a while, you forget hiking is actually a great workout!

· You’ll get caught up with all the amazing beauty that surrounds you!

Top 5 picks:

BST (Bonneville Shoreline Trail) (Current Trail: Ogden to Payson)

Location – Several places to access trail: http://www.bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org/

Highlights:

· Follows the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville

· Currently over 100 miles of trail

· Proposed trail will include 280 miles and reach from Idaho to Nephi!

· Sweeping views of mountain ranges, valleys, cities and the Great Salt Lake

· When you are ready for a harder hike, many trails intersect with the BST

· On many parts of the trail, dogs and mountain bikes are allowed on the trail besides hikers

· Much of this trail is single-track

· Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking

· Best time to hike: Spring, fall OR mornings before it gets warm

· Exposed to sun

· Very defined, well-used trail

Mormon Trail – (also known as California or Pony Express Trail) (Morgan County or Salt Lake County)

Location – Drive up Parleys Canyon, (I-80 EASTbound), approx. 5 miles up the canyon watch for the “East Canyon” exit, get off, drive approx. 3 more miles to Little Dell Reservoir, which is your first and closest opportunity to hike on this trail. This is one of several places you can access this trail.

Highlights:

· The actual Mormon Trail runs hundreds of miles

· This 9-mile section is the best for local hiking

· 9 Miles of pure beauty from Little Dell Reservoir to Mormon Flats

· Several places to access trail so hike as long as you like

· Single Track trail

· 7400 ft. highest elev. gain

· Lush, green beautiful trail

· Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking

· Very defined, well-used trail

· Trail split into two main sections:

· Mormon Flats to Big Mountain (approx. 4 miles one way)

· Big Mountain to Little Dell Reservoir (approx. 5 miles one way)

· Enjoy just one mile of this trail if you prefer!

Pipe Line Trail (Salt Lake County) (Millcreek Canyon):

Location – Easiest place to get on the trail: Birch Hollow trailhead: Drive 4.3 miles from mouth of canyon, .1 mile past Porter Fork, trail starts on left side, Mouth of Millcreek Canyon is located at 3800 So. Wasatch Blvd.

Highlights:

· Approx. 7 miles long (one way)

· Spectacular views of the

· Only 150 feet elevation gain during the entire 7 miles!

· Great trail for winter snowshoe hiking

· Best time to hike: Spring, fall OR mornings before it warms up

· Exposed to sun

· Just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City

· Trailhead: 6600 ft.

· Sometimes you may be Walking next to a steep slope

· Very defined, well-used trail

· Dogs allowed

· Sweeping views of the entire canyon, Salt Lake valley, The Cove, and the Great Salt Lake

· Fee Station when you leave: $3/vehicle

Lost Prospector Trail (Park City) (Summit County)

Location – Best place to start: Arie Drive, only a few parking spaces near the trailhead OR for more

Highlights:

· 7.8 mile loop hike

· One of my favorite fall hikes due to so much color!

· Lots of foliage along the trail

· Incredible views of Park City including the Park City ski resort

· Elev. Gain: only 300 feet

· Hikers, mountain bikes,

· Double check before bringing your dog

Antelope Island State Park:

Location – (Davis County) Approximately 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive for 7 miles to the park entrance, then another 7 miles to the island.

Highlights:

· Be surrounded by the Great Salt Lake!

· Entrance Fee: $9/vehicle, discounts for seniors, pedestrians, cyclists

· Beautiful, peaceful, quiet

· Feels like you are FAR from civilization but really only 7 miles!

· Horse trails

· Dogs on leash allowed

· Lakeshore Trail

· 2.8 miles one way

· At times the trail may get rocky but it’s never hard

· Trail ends at Bridger Bay Campground

· Walk back to trailhead OR have someone pick you up at the campsite

· Elev. gain: 69 feet

· Buffalo sightings

· Lakeside Trail is another easy option

· Bring your camera! On a clear day you’ll experience breath-taking views of the Wasatch Mountain Range