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Routes
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United States
Utah
Salt Lake County

Emigration Canyon

The best walks and hikes around Emigration Canyon

4.7

(47)

1,865

hikers

151

hikes

Hiking around Emigration Canyon offers a diverse network of trails situated just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. The region is characterized by varied landscapes, including mountain views, extensive woodlands, and areas within the Red-Butte Wilderness. Hikers can explore routes that feature significant elevation changes, scenic vistas, and historical sites, providing a range of experiences from easy walks to more strenuous treks.

Best hiking trails around Emigration Canyon

  • The most popular hiking route is Mount Wire and Red Butte loop…

Last updated: April 24, 2026

14

hikers

#1.

Red Butte and Mount Wire Trail

7.06km

03:11

620m

610m

Embark on a moderate hike along the Red Butte and Mount Wire Trail, a 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route that challenges you with 2041 feet (622 metres) of elevation gain. This…

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Moderate

1

hikers

4.07km

02:00

630m

20m

Hike the Mount Wire Trail for a challenging climb, gaining 2055 feet over 2.5 miles, with panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley.

Moderate
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1.44km

00:49

230m

0m

A difficult 0.9-mile hike in Salt Lake City with 748 feet of gain, leading to unique rock "furniture" and panoramic valley views.

Hard

Hike the easy 3.3-mile Little Mountain Ridge Trail in Emigration Canyon for panoramic views of Salt Lake City and diverse terrain.

Easy

20

hikers

Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Mount Wire and Living Room Loop for panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the unique Living Room rock formations.

Moderate
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Popular around Emigration Canyon

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Tips from the Community

Nils
August 14, 2025, Little Mountain Summit

Spectacular.

Translated by Google

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Wonderful viewpoint on the Mount Wire trail

Translated by Google

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Mount Wire (also known as Wire Mountain or Big Beacon[3]) is a mountain located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah with an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). The mountain is named after Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who in 1912 developed the first red-green electric traffic light.[4] Mount Wire is a common spot for adventurous hikers and has many access trails, some created by nearby Red Butte Gardens. The east side of the University of Utah offers direct access to trails to the summit. Mount Wire formerly could be identified from other nearby mountains by its two passive microwave repeaters near the summit. These billboard like structures were used to bounce microwave signals over the mountain to the north-eastern parts of Utah. Mount Wire also houses an old airway beacon directly on the summit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wire

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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.

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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.

2

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Lisa
December 20, 2023, Living Room Viewpoint

This lookout gets its name from a series of rock formations shaped rather like living room furniture — but it's also a fantastic, quick (and very popular) destination for overlooks of Salt Lake City. Heads up: there is no shade at all on this run, so you're better off doing it in the early morning before things heat up.

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Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, especially around dusk.

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Will
December 20, 2023, Mount Wire

This small summit is home to an old airway beacon. You can climb the ladder to the top to get a great view of the Salt Lake area!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of hiking trails can I find in Emigration Canyon?

Emigration Canyon offers a diverse network of trails, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous treks. You'll find routes with significant elevation changes, scenic vistas, and historical sites. The area features mountain views, extensive woodlands, and parts of the Red-Butte Wilderness. In total, there are over 110 hiking routes available.

Are there any easy or family-friendly hiking options in Emigration Canyon?

Yes, Emigration Canyon has several easy trails suitable for families or those seeking a less strenuous experience. For example, the Emigration Canyon Viewpoint loop — Foothills Natural Area is an easy 1.2-mile path that offers varied terrain to a scenic viewpoint. Overall, there are 36 easy routes in the area.

Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Emigration Canyon?

Many trails in Emigration Canyon are dog-friendly, making it a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. The Emigration Canyon Miners Trail, located in the Red-Butte Wilderness area, is a notable dog-friendly option that follows an old mining road and offers gorgeous views.

What kind of views or natural features can I expect to see while hiking?

Emigration Canyon is renowned for its picturesque scenery. Hikers can enjoy stunning mountain views, vibrant fall foliage, and diverse landscapes. Notable viewpoints include the Living Room (Viewpoint), which offers rewarding vistas, and the View of Salt Lake City from Mount Wire. You can also find the This Is The Place Heritage Park, adding a historical dimension to your visit.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Emigration Canyon?

Yes, Emigration Canyon offers several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Mount Wire and Red Butte loop — Foothills Natural Area, a moderate 5.5-mile trail providing panoramic views. Another option is the Emigration Canyon Viewpoint and Mount Wire Loop — Salt Lake City, Utah, which is a 4.5-mile moderate hike.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Emigration Canyon?

Emigration Canyon is beautiful year-round, but it's particularly renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, making autumn a spectacular time to visit. Spring and summer also offer pleasant hiking conditions. For winter hikes, be prepared for snow and check trail conditions beforehand.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Emigration Canyon?

The trails in Emigration Canyon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse trail systems, stunning mountain views, and the vibrant fall colors. Over 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain here.

Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?

Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, Emigration Canyon offers several difficult routes. The Lookout Peak — Emigration Canyon is a difficult 8.3-mile route with significant elevation gain. More strenuous options like Dry Creek to City Creek Out-and-back, Deso-Crest-Dog Loop, and Jacob's Ladder Trail are also available for experienced trekkers.

Where can I find parking for Emigration Canyon trails?

Emigration Canyon is easily accessible from Salt Lake City, with many trailheads starting near the University of Utah. Specific parking information can vary by trailhead, so it's advisable to check the details for your chosen route on komoot before you go.

Are there any historical sites or points of interest along the trails?

Yes, Emigration Canyon holds historical importance. It was named after the Mormon Pioneer emigration in 1847. On trails like the Emigration Canyon Miners Trail, you can encounter sites of old mines, adding a historical dimension to your outdoor adventure. The This Is The Place Heritage Park is also a notable historical site nearby.

What is the general difficulty level of hikes in Emigration Canyon?

The trails in Emigration Canyon cater to a wide range of abilities. Out of over 110 routes, you'll find approximately 36 easy trails, 70 moderate trails, and 10 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Are there any 'hidden gem' trails in Emigration Canyon?

While many trails are well-known, the Emigration Canyon Ridgeline Trail is often described as a hidden gem. It offers scenic ridge hiking between Parley's Canyon and Emigration Canyon, providing a unique perspective and a quieter experience.

Most popular routes around Emigration Canyon

Easy hikes around Emigration Canyon

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