The best walks and hikes around Tooele
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Hikes around Tooele Utah are set between the Oquirrh and Stansbury mountain ranges, offering a varied landscape for outdoor exploration. The region is characterized by forested canyons, high-elevation ridges, and access to the foothills of prominent peaks. This geography provides a network of trails with different elevation profiles, from gentle paths along creeks to more demanding mountain ascents.
Best hiking trails around Tooele
- The most popular hiking route is Dark Trail — Settlement Canyon Recreation Area, a 2.9 mile (4.6 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This is a family-friendly hike that follows a creek through a shaded canyon.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Butterfield Peaks loop via Butterfield Peaks Trail & Middle Canyon South Meadow Trail — Tooele, a moderate 7.0 mile (11.2 km) path. The route involves a significant climb through the Oquirrh Mountains, passing through aspen groves.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Kelsey Peak & White Pine Peak — Tooele, a 9.1 mile (14.7 km) trail leading to two peaks, often completed in about 5 hours 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Tooele is defined by ascents in the Stansbury and Oquirrh Mountains, routes through shaded canyons, and high-altitude ridge walks. The trail network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family-friendly hikes to challenging peak ascents.
- The routes in Tooele are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a small number of reviews. More than 10 hikers have used komoot to explore Tooele's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
1.43km
00:38
210m
0m
The T Trail offers a brisk, uphill hike that's perfect for a quick escape into nature in Tooele County, Utah. Despite its easy difficulty rating, you'll gain 699 feet (213 metres) in elevation over just 0.9 miles (1.4 km), meaning a consistent climb that rewards you with expanding views as you ascend. It's a fantastic way to get your heart rate up and enjoy the local scenery without dedicating hours to a longer route, making it a popular choice for those seeking a short but satisfying outdoor experience.
Planning your visit to the T Trail is straightforward, though it's always smart to check the weather forecast beforehand. While specific parking information isn't detailed, arriving earlier in the day, especially on busy weekends, is a good strategy to ensure you find a spot at the trailhead. The trail's short 37-minute duration means you don't need extensive planning, but bringing water is always recommended, particularly if you're hiking during warmer periods.
This T Trail stands out as an excellent option for a quick, accessible hike in the region, providing a concentrated dose of elevation gain that feels more substantial than its distance suggests. It's a great alternative for those who want a workout or a scenic overlook without the commitment of longer, more strenuous trails. Its compact nature makes it family-friendly and an ideal choice for fitting a dose of nature into a busy schedule.
4
hikers
2.90km
01:05
200m
200m
The Tooele 'T' Trail offers a fantastic, quick escape into the mountains, leading you through changing Great Basin vegetation from sagebrush to juniper. The path winds past a large butte and a small, picturesque creek, with the terrain becoming progressively steeper as you ascend. The highlight is undoubtedly the large white "T" monument, a local landmark that serves as your destination and offers incredible panoramic views of the Tooele Valley.
This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hike, despite its easy official difficulty, involves a significant 658 feet (201 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. The initial section is gradual, but the trail quickly becomes a challenging, steep climb, especially towards the top. The path can be gravelly and slippery, so good footwear is essential. The trailhead is easily accessible near the Tooele County Courthouse.
Beyond the natural beauty, the Tooele 'T' Trail provides a glimpse into the area's history with remnants of old mining operations. It's a popular choice for a quick but intense workout, perfect for lunch breaks or after-work hikes. Keep an eye out for wildlife like mule deer and hawks, but also be vigilant for rattlesnakes during warmer months.
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Embark on a moderate hike through the Oquirrh Mountains, a 7.0-mile (11.2 km) loop that takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. You will gain 1848 feet (563 metres) of elevation, traversing varied landscapes from dense evergreen and aspen forests to open ridgelines. As you ascend, you will discover alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers like Bluebells and Sego Lilies, especially vibrant in late June. The highlight of this route is reaching the peaks, where you are treated to expansive panoramic views of the Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah Valleys, often including the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake on clear days.
Before you set out, be aware that access to the trailhead via Butterfield Canyon Road is seasonal, typically open from June to October, so plan your visit accordingly. This route includes very steep sections, some of which are rated with a "black diamond difficulty." You may need to use your hands for stability in certain parts, so come prepared for a challenging ascent. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially regarding road access.
This loop offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of the Oquirrh Mountains. Beyond the forests and meadows, the trail's elevation gain provides a distinct perspective of the surrounding valleys and distant lakes. It is a notable route for its combination of challenging terrain and rewarding vistas, making it a standout option for hikers seeking both exercise and expansive scenery in the region.
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14.7km
05:45
1,080m
1,080m
Embark on a challenging hike to the twin summits of Kelsey Peak and White Pine Peak, a difficult route that takes you through the rugged Oquirrh Mountains. This trail spans 9.2 miles (14.7 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 3545 feet (1080 metres), typically requiring about 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete. As you climb, you will traverse steep canyon roads and single-track paths, passing through groves of aspen and pine. The ridgelines offer expansive, sweeping views of the Oquirrh Mountains and the valleys below, including Tooele, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties. In spring and summer, look for vibrant wildflowers such as Indian Paintbrush and Lupine along the way.
When planning your visit to Kelsey Peak & White Pine Peak, it is wise to start your hike early in the day, especially during warmer months, to avoid the midday heat. You should carry a minimum of 3 liters of water, as this is a strenuous climb. Be aware that you might encounter downed trees on the path during spring and summer, which can make some sections more difficult to navigate. Additionally, certain parts of the trail can be faint, so paying attention to your route, particularly by staying on the ridge, will help you stay on track.
This hike offers a unique opportunity to explore the Oquirrh Mountains, a range known for its distinct geology and rich mining history. The twin peaks provide a high vantage point, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the surrounding landscape and the diverse ecosystems supported by these mountains. It is a rewarding experience for hikers who enjoy a substantial climb and panoramic views, setting it apart as a notable challenge in the region.
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hikers
8.27km
02:39
360m
360m
Embark on the Copper Mine Overlook Road for a moderate hike offering expansive views across the Oquirrh Mountains. This route spans 5.1 miles (8.3 km) and involves a steady climb of 1195 feet (364 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you will encounter incredible 360-degree panoramas, with the vast Salt Lake Valley stretching to the east and the Tooele Valley visible to the west. The trail culminates at the Copper Mine Overlook and West Mountain Summit, providing a unique vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
Before you plan your visit, be aware that the road experiences annual closures from November 1st to June 1st due to winter conditions, so check local advisories. While the initial sections might be passable for two-wheel drive vehicles in good weather, the path directly leading to the overlook becomes significantly rougher. For a smoother and safer journey, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for the entire route, as low-suspension passenger cars are not advised. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for the terrain to avoid any difficulties.
The highlight of this trail is undoubtedly the panoramic sight of the Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, which stands as the world's largest open-pit mine. From the overlook, you can grasp the immense scale of this active mining operation, often observing trucks and excavators at work far below. This unique perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into industrial history and the sheer magnitude of human endeavor within the natural landscape, making it a distinctive experience in the region.
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Tips from the Community
White Pine Canyon Trail is a rough, challenging trail that quickly ascends White Pine Canyon, beneath White Pine Peak though pine forests and large aspen groves. It's a great trail to do on its own, or link with the Butterfield Peaks Trail, or with the trail up to Kelsey and White Pine Peaks, or Middle Canyon South Meadow Trail for a nice loop. This trail can be made even more challenging in the spring and summer by downed trees so be sure to check in with locals about the trails conditions before heading up here.
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The short, steep trail up to the giant white "T" for Tooele is a local favorite for getting in a quick challenging hike during a lunch break or after work. The grade of the trail is made a little harder by the gravelly, sometimes slippery nature of the path, but is a nice way to get the heart pumping. Once you reach the bottom of the "T" you get great views over the town and surrounding area. If you wish to scramble to the top of the "T" there is an unofficial series of short, steep switchbacks to the top that can be a little loose at spots. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes during the warmer months!
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White Pine Peak stands at 10,321 feet and is a great summit to do in addition to Kelsey Peak and the Butterfield Peaks for an epic day hike. This open summit is marked by a stone cairn and sign, and gives you sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
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Kelsey Peak is a 10,373-foot mountain on the boundary of Tooele and Utah Counties in Utah, making it the fourth-highest summit in the Oquirrh Mountains. This is a challenging, remote-feeling summit that is often completed in conjunction with White Pine Peak, which is just north of it. The trail up the steep ridge can be a little faint at times, but fortunately since you are ridge running, it's not hard to generally stay on the trail. In the summertime, especially after a wet spring, there are abundant wildflowers making Kelsey Peak a great place to rest, relax, and snap some photos of the flora and surrounding mountains.
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Butterfield Peaks are a twin set of summits in the Oquirrh Mountains, just west of Salt Lake City. These two summits sit across from each other and make for a great, challenging day hike. The eastern summit has a radio tower and an access road up to it, but the western peak has no man-made structures, making it perhaps the better of the two summits to pause at and snap some photos.
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Middle Canyon South Meadow Trail connects Butterfield Pass to White Pine Road along the south end of Middle Canyon. This scenic singletrack trail passes through a pine forests and aspen groves with a creek crossing at the confluence of two small streams below Butterfield Peaks.
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From this spot just past the true summit of West Mountain is a viewing area down into the impressive Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine. Regardless about how you might feel about mining, this spot really gives you a sense of the impressive scale of these huge mining operations. The Bingham Canyon mine is actually one of the largest and most efficient mines in the entire world! It accounts for more than 16% of total U.S. copper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in the Tooele area?
Yes, Tooele has several great options for families and casual walkers. Many trails are found in shaded canyons, making them pleasant even in warmer weather. For a short and easy outing, consider the T-Trail — Angels Grove, which is under 3 kilometers. The paved Copper Canyon Trail and England Acres Trail in Tooele City are also excellent, accessible choices.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around Tooele?
Many trails and parks in the Tooele area are dog-friendly, but rules can vary, especially in watershed areas like Settlement Canyon. It's always best to check for signage at the trailhead regarding leash laws and specific restrictions. Places like Skyline Park are known to be welcoming to pets. Remember to always carry waste bags and water for your dog.
What are the options for a challenging, advanced hike?
For experienced hikers seeking a strenuous challenge, the region's high peaks offer significant elevation gain and rewarding views. The Stansbury Mountains are particularly known for difficult ascents like the demanding Deseret Peak Loop. These routes often involve steep switchbacks and rocky ridges, requiring a high level of fitness and preparation.
Where can I find a good viewpoint or overlook trail?
The Copper Mine Overlook — Tooele hike is a great moderate option that rewards you with a unique view of the surrounding landscape. For more panoramic vistas, trails ascending into the Oquirrh and Stansbury mountains provide expansive views of the valley, the Great Salt Lake, and the West Desert.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, there are several loop trails that allow you to enjoy a varied hike without backtracking. The Oquirrh Mountains feature some excellent options, such as the Butterfield Peaks loop, which takes you through beautiful aspen groves and offers a comprehensive mountain experience.
What is the geology of the Tooele area like for hikers?
The hiking trails around Tooele showcase a fascinating geological history. The Stansbury Mountains are composed of ancient Paleozoic rocks. A prime example of the area's geological wonders is the Deseret Peak Cirque, a massive amphitheater-shaped basin carved by glaciers. You can learn more about the region's glacial history from Utah's Geological Survey publications, such as this one on Utah's Glacial Geology.
Where is a good place to start a hike in the Oquirrh Mountains?
The Butterfield Peaks Trailhead is a popular and highly-regarded starting point for exploring the Oquirrh Mountains. It provides access to several trails, including routes that lead up to Kelsey Peak and Butterfield Peaks, and is praised by local hikers for the variety of scenery, from aspen groves to high ridges.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Tooele?
While the Tooele area is more known for its dramatic peaks and desert landscapes, you can find water features along some canyon trails. Many routes, particularly in Settlement Canyon, follow creeks and streams, offering the pleasant sound of running water. However, large, dramatic waterfalls are not a prominent feature of the local hiking scene.
What kind of terrain should I expect on trails in the Stansbury Mountains?
Trails in the Stansbury Mountains vary significantly with elevation. Lower trails often wind through forested canyons with aspen and pine. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged, with rocky switchbacks leading to exposed ridges. The highest peaks, like Deseret Peak, feature alpine cirques and offer 360-degree views above the treeline.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Tooele?
The trail network around Tooele is well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the diversity of the landscape, from the shaded, family-friendly paths in Settlement Canyon to the challenging and rewarding ascents in the Stansbury and Oquirrh mountain ranges. The stunning panoramic views and the beautiful aspen groves are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Where can I find information on trail conditions?
For the most current trail conditions, it's best to check recent trail reports from other hikers on komoot or consult local outdoor groups. Conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations where snow can linger into the summer. Be aware of weather forecasts before you go, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
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