Hikes near SLC

Salt Lake City offers a variety of hiking trails that fit your criteria of 10–12 miles in length with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Here are some notable options:

White Pine Lake

• Distance: 10.7 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: ~2,700 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trailhead: Red/White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Description: This trail ascends steadily through pine forests, leading to a serene alpine lake nestled beneath rugged granite peaks.

Gobblers Knob via Butler Fork Trail

• Distance: Approximately 8 miles roundtrip (can be extended)
• Elevation Gain: ~3,200 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trailhead: Butler Fork Trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Description: This challenging hike leads to one of the highest peaks in the Mount Olympus Wilderness, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons.

Mount Olympus

• Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: ~4,100 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trailhead: Mount Olympus Trailhead off Wasatch Boulevard
• Description: A steep and strenuous climb leading to expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley; the final stretch involves scrambling over rocky terrain.

Desolation Lake via Mill D North Fork Trail

• Distance: 7.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Mill D North Fork Trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Description: A moderate hike through aspen and pine forests leading to a picturesque alpine lake.