One of the biggest benefits of the University of Utah is its easy access to the outdoors. As a student here at the U, one of my favorite things to do after a long day at school is to spend time in nature. Whether it is the calming sounds, or the adrenaline from recreational activities is the perfect remedy after a stressful day of classes.
The landscapes surrounding campus are ideal for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure. Students have access to trails straight off campus, and we are surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Trails from Campus:
Since the University of Utah is built on the side of a mountain, you can find hiking trails right at the edge of campus. Here are a few!
The Bonneville Shoeline Trail from the University of Utah to Emigration Canyon Road. You can access this trail on Colorow Rd below the parking lot of the Natural History Museum. The trail is 3.5 miles long and mostly flat, but it does have a 547-foot elevation gain.
A popular hike from campus is the Living Room Trail, a 2.3-mile-long trail that starts near Red Butte Gardens. The top of the trail offers an overlook of Salt Lake City. Its name comes from the rock formations that look like chairs and couches. You can hike to the lookout or hike the entire loop.
The Redd Butte Canyon Overlook Trail also starts near Red Butte Gardens. This hike is a 1.6-mile loop. This trail is mostly flat and follows Red Butte Creek.
Other trails available near campus include Wagner Spring Trail, Big Beacon Mount Wire Trail, and many more. Most trails around the University of Utah campus are interconnected, which makes hikes easily adaptable and accessible for students.
Trails Nearby in Salt Lake City, Off Campus:
Alongside these trails, there are numerous more throughout Salt Lake City that are accessible by car, bus, or train.
Ensign Peak is a short 1-mile hike with a 374 elevation gain. It’s steep, but shouldn’t take too long. Ensign Peak offers a view of Salt Lake City, while also providing insight into the history of the local indigenous tribes and the later LDS settlers.
Twin Peaks offers a view of the city, as well as the surrounding hills and mountains. The hike is 2.8 miles long and has an elevation gain of 839ft.
City Creek Canyon Trail is long, but beautiful. Along the trail, you’ll find little streams and bridges, as well as the classic canyon views. The entire trail is 11.2 miles long and has 1,384 feet of elevation gain.
Keep in mind, these are only a few of the trails offered throughout Salt Lake City.
Nearby Canyons:
Millcreek and Emigration are the two canyons closest to the University of Utah, and if you don’t have a car, you can access them using UTA buses. These smaller canyons offer a variety of trails. Not to mention, Millcreek Canyon is popular for its pet-friendly trails.
Big and Little Cottonwood canyons are a little further from the university, but still accessible by UTA Buses. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are home to many popular hiking trails and rock climbing. They also have popular ski resorts. Little Cottonwood has Snowbird and Alta ski resorts, and Big Cottonwood is home to Brighton and Solitude.
Outdoor Adventures:
The University of Utah has a program called Outdoor Adventures; this program allows students to sign up for trips throughout Utah, as well as some in neighboring states. Trips offered could include white-water rafting, backpacking, climbing, hiking, canyoneering, and more. Some are day trips, while others go overnight. Their costs range from $35 to $575.
Clinics are also offered on campus at the rec center for tips on planning campus trips or backcountry trips. These clinics cost approximately $10 to $15. Through these clinics, you can learn all sorts of skills from trip planning to cooking in the wilderness.
Equipment Rentals at the Rec Center:
Campus recreational services allow anyone to rent recreational equipment for 1-3 nights at affordable prices. For example, students can rent an entire water raft for only 60 dollars, and paddles for $1 each alongside it.
The equipment rental offers a wide variety of gear for students. Anything from yard games and sleeping bags, to tents, skis and climbing gear. You can even rent a Groover Toilet System. Anything you may need for your next adventure is available to you.
The rental shop hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and change on the weekends.
For more information on rentals, or to rent equipment, click here!
Students have no excuse not to get outside. Whether you’re looking for a quick hike between classes or planning a weekend trip, the University of Utah is in the perfect location for outdoor experiences. With trails off campus, nearby canyons and the university providing programs and rentals, students can easily enjoy all of Utah’s natural beauty.
