We have a new addition to the Hearty Hiker crew. We got a puppy! We picked up 8-week-old Gus in Bozeman, MT a few weeks ago. Even though he is too young to go on long hikes, he has us thinking about all the trails we will explore with this lil’ guy in the coming years.

The general rule of thumb in SLC is that dogs are not allowed in protected watershed areas. This means that Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are off-limits. However, there are still plenty of trails you can explore with your doggo.

Millcreek Canyon is dog-friendly and has several accessible trails for all experience levels. You must have dogs on-leash on even-numbered days but they can be off-leash on odd numbered days.

Here is list of some dog-friendly hikes in the SLC area:

Overview:

Easy Hikes

• Orson Smith Park to Draper Suspension Bridge
• Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
• Dimple Dell Regional Park

Moderate Hikes

• Heughs Canyon Trail
• Salt Lake Overlook Via Desolation Trail
• Z Trail to Bonneville Shoreline Trail
• Ferguson Canyon Trail

Hard Hikes

• Mt. Olympus Trail
• Grandeur Peak East Trail
• Neffs Canyon Trail

Orson Smith Park to Draper Suspension Bridge– Draper, UT

Distance: 2.3 miles, Elevation Gain: 439 ft., Difficulty: Easy, Type: Loop, Season: Year-round, Dogs: On-leash Only

This popular and accessible trail is kid and dog-friendly. It is frequented by mountain bikers so be aware of your surroundings on this hike. The suspension bridge is the most unique feature of this trail. It does sway so be prepared if you are wary of heights- on the other hand, it might be a good socialization experience for your pup!

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 3.3 miles, Elevation Gain: 816 ft., Difficulty: Easy, Type: Out & Back, Season: Year-round, Dogs: On-leash on even-numbered days and off-leash on odd-numbered days

This trailhead is located just west of the Grandeur Peak trailhead in Millcreek Canyon. While it is doable year-round, microspikes can be a big help in the winter. This accessible trail is popular with families with kids and dogs and offers great views of Mt. Olympus and the Salt Lake Valley.

Dimple Dell Regional Park– Sandy, UT

Dimple Dell has over 15 miles of rolling, mulch-covered trails for hikers, runners and equestrians with scenic views of the Wasatch range. There is no shade on this trail so be sure to bring a hat!

There are several trailheads along the length of the park with plenty of parking, picnic areas and playgrounds.

We most frequently park at the Mt. Jordan trailhead located in the northeast corner of the park at 3015 East Mt. Jordan Rd. Sandy, UT.

As you can see, Gus approved of the park- there are some top-notch sticks along the trail.

Heughs Canyon Trail– Sandy, UT

Distance: 3.1 miles, Elevation Gain: 1,236 ft., Difficulty: Moderate, Type: Out & Back, Season: April-Nov, Dogs: On-leash Only

AllTrails will direct you to a parking lot on Wasatch Boulevard. You need to park here and walk up a private drive to get to the trailhead. There is a waterfall on this hike and be prepared for some scrambling at the top.

Salt Lake Overlook via Desolation Trail– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 4.8 miles, Elevation Gain: 1,299 ft., Difficulty: Moderate, Type: Out & Back, Season: May-October, Dogs: On leash on even-numbered days and off-leash on odd-numbered days

Located in Millcreek Canyon, this is another trail that dogs can be on or off- leash depending on if it is an odd or even-numbered day. The Desolation Trail is 18 miles roundtrip so most day-hikers turn around at the Salt Lake Overlook. This trail does have some steep drop-offs so keep that in mind for your pup. While there are lots of switchbacks, the climb is well worth the views of the Salt Lake valley.

Z Trail to Bonneville Shoreline Trail– Salt Lake City, Utah

Distance: 4.0 miles, Elevation Gain: 977 ft., Difficulty: Moderate, Type: Out & Back, Season: April-September, Dogs: On-leash

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a 100-mile network of trails at the base of the Wasatch Range just east of Salt Lake City. Currently there are plans extend the trail from the Utah/Idaho border to Nephi, UT.

There are several sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail but I would recommend the Z trail to Bonneville Shoreline Trail portion. The trail is initially steep but then transitions to a rolling path with views of the valley below. There is little shade on this trail so wear a hat or hike in the early morning.

Ferguson Canyon Trail– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 3.2 miles, Elevation Gain: 1,459 ft., Difficulty: Moderate, Type: Out & Back, Season: April-November, Dogs: On-leash only

The trailhead is located in a neighborhood but AllTrails can easily guide you to the small parking lot. The tree canopy provides ample shade for hikers and the canyon walls are a popular destination for climbers. There are also fun spots for your dog to cool off in the stream and waterfall.

Mt. Olympus– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 8.0 miles, Elevation Gain: 4,192 ft., Difficulty: Hard, Type: Out & Back, Season: March-October, Dogs: On and off-leash

This trail is nearly a constant incline but it would be a great workout if you have an energetic adult dog. I would recommend that only dogs who are experienced with this kind of terrain tackle this trail. Be sure to bring lots of water. There is a class 3 scramble to the peak so you will need to skip this if you bring your pup. I think you’ll find that the views from the saddle are still worth the climb.

Grandeur Peak East Trail– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 6.0 miles, Elevation Gain: 2,627 ft., Difficulty: Hard, Type: Out & Back, Season: Year-Round, Dogs: On-leash on even-numbered days and off-leash on odd-numbered days

This beautiful hike is one of our favorites in the Salt Lake area- especially in the fall. It’s hard to beat the views of Salt Lake from Grandeur Peak. If you choose to hike in the winter, you should consider microspikes and trekking poles.

There is a $3 fee as you leave Millcreek Canyon. The trailhead is located at the top of Church Fork picnic area. If the area is closed, you have to hike through the picnic area which adds an additional 0.2 miles each way.

Neffs Canyon Trail– Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 7.0 miles, Elevation Gain: 3,559 ft., Difficulty: Hard, Type: Out & Back, Season: Year-round, Dogs: On-leash

Located just south of Millcreek Canyon, Neffs Canyon Trail is a great trek for the seasoned hiker and their doggo. With 3,559 ft. of elevation gain over 3.5 miles, you may both be feeling the incline of this trail.

There is a stream that runs along the trial where your dog can cool off and romp around in the mud. You need to keep an eye out for snakes on this trail so be sure to keep your dog on-leash.

Happy Hiking!

Kris, Julia & Gus