The best waterfall hikes and walks in Salt Lake County

Embark on the Mill B North Fork Trail to Overlook, an easy hiking route spanning 1.3 miles (2.0 km) with an elevation gain of 783 feet (239 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 48 minutes. The trail begins with stairs and switchbacks, leading you through shaded areas filled with pines and aspens. A short distance in, you will discover Hidden Falls, a beautiful waterfall, before the path opens up to offer glimpses of the canyon and the wider Salt Lake Valley.

This trail is accessible year-round from the S-curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon, making it a convenient option for a quick outdoor escape. While the path is generally well-maintained, be aware that winter conditions can bring slush and deeper snow. If you plan to visit during colder months, consider bringing snowshoes or microspikes to navigate the terrain safely.

The Mill B North Fork Trail is nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a rewarding experience for its relatively short length. The highlight is the Mill B Overlook, which provides panoramic vistas down into Big Cottonwood Canyon. This route is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and enjoy impressive views without committing to a full-day excursion.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Ghost Falls via Lower Corner Canyon Trail, a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route that winds through shaded trees and scrub oak forests. You will gain 987 feet (301 metres) in elevation, and the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. As you follow the dirt path, you will cross several small bridges over a stream, leading you to the trail's highlight: Ghost Falls, a beautiful waterfall nestled within a grotto of boulders and diverse plant life.

When planning your visit, be aware that this is a popular multi-use trail, so you will likely share the path with mountain bikers, especially on weekends. For the best experience of Ghost Falls with strong water flow, aim to hike in early spring when the snowmelt feeds the falls. Remember that much of this trail is within a watershed area, which means dogs are generally not permitted on the route.

This trail offers a pleasant escape within Corner Canyon Regional Park, providing a mild climb with rewarding scenery. Keep an eye out for views of the valley and the LDS Draper Temple during the initial parts of your hike. The unique setting of Ghost Falls, tucked away in its grotto, makes this a distinctive and enjoyable outdoor experience in the Draper, Utah area.

The North Dry Creek Trail is a difficult hike, spanning 2.3 miles (3.6 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1619 feet (493 metres). You will face a strenuous ascent on steep, rocky terrain, often rated like a Black Diamond ski run for its demanding nature. This challenging route, estimated to take 1 hour and 34 minutes, requires careful navigation as the path can be hard to follow in places. As you climb, you can anticipate a rugged atmosphere and the potential for expansive views over the Utah County landscape from higher elevations. The sheer effort of this climb is its own reward.

Planning your visit to this unsanctioned trail means you should expect minimal amenities and no official parking at the trailhead. Since the route is very steep and rocky, come prepared with appropriate footwear to handle the rugged experience. Always check local conditions before you head out, as the trail can be intermittent and challenging to navigate. Be ready for a demanding climb that tests your endurance.

This route is known as an old river hike trail, reflecting its natural and untamed character within the Lone Peak Wilderness. Its unsanctioned status means it offers a raw, unfiltered outdoor experience, distinct from more developed trails. The demanding nature of the climb and the need for careful navigation make it a notable challenge in the region. It stands out for those seeking a strenuous adventure away from marked paths.

Embark on the Gloria Falls Trail, an easy hike that leads you through mostly shaded forested areas, where aspens and firs create a beautiful canopy. The terrain can be rocky and uneven in spots, but the journey offers outstanding views of Mount Superior and Little Cottonwood Canyon. The main attraction is Gloria Falls, a stunning 50-foot tiered waterfall that can be quite powerful during high water flow. This route is a manageable 1.2 miles (1.9 km) long, with an elevation gain of 566 feet (172 metres), and you can typically complete it in about 39 minutes.

The trailhead for Gloria Falls Trail is shared with the routes to Red Pine Lake and White Pine Lake. Be aware that the specific turn-off for Gloria Falls can be less clearly marked, so pay attention to signage. If you plan to hike in early spring or when snow is still present, be prepared for snowy and slick conditions, which might require microspikes or snowshoes. The optimal time to experience this trail is generally from late May through mid-October, when conditions are most favorable.

This trail is nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a classic mountain environment. Beyond the waterfall, you will find a diverse natural setting, with wildflowers blooming in summer and vibrant fall foliage transforming the landscape in autumn. The presence of aspens and firs throughout the hike contributes to a serene forest atmosphere, making it a refreshing escape into nature.