Trail Running in Salt Lake City: Foothills or City Creek?
Where should you start trail running in Salt Lake City? Choose the Foothills for a natural-surface run with route choices, or City Creek Canyon for a gentler out-and-back on a paved canyon road. Check the city's current trail access before you go: sections of City Creek have been affected by infrastructure work, and the Foothills have shared-use routes and distinct trail rules.
The city sits beside an extensive trail network, but the best first run is often the one whose surface and return are easy to understand. A road runner moving onto dirt will get a more useful workout by controlling effort and footing than by trying to match a familiar mile pace.
For natural surface: the Salt Lake City Foothills
Salt Lake City's Foothills Trail System covers designated open space along the city's northern and eastern edge. It includes connections with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The city's East City Creek and Upper Avenues route page lists several possible loops, including Avenues Ridge and Bonneville Shoreline connections. Choose one named loop, open its map and identify each junction rather than assuming every visible track is part of the same route.
Use the first climb to set an easy conversational effort. On a descent, shorten your stride where rock or loose ground reduces grip. Slow before blind bends, and leave room for hikers and cyclists on shared sections. Check the city's trail status and any route-specific direction or use rules on the day you run.
For a predictable return: City Creek Canyon
The city describes City Creek Canyon as a place where runners, walkers, cyclists and service vehicles share the canyon road. Pedestrians should use the creek-side lane in either direction. A posted closure can affect access, and the road beyond Site 16 is closed to all traffic. The city's route page notes that trail access has been limited by utility work, so check current project notices before relying on it.
City Creek is useful for an out-and-back because you can set a turnaround time without solving several trail junctions. Keep to the correct side of the road and expect other users even when public cars are restricted. It is a canyon run, not a promise of solitude.
| Your goal | Start with | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt, views and hill practice | A mapped Foothills loop | Junctions, trail status and shared-use rules |
| A measured out-and-back | Open City Creek Canyon access | Current utility project restrictions and road rules |
| A low-stress first visit | The shorter option that matches today's conditions | Weather, water and a return time |
Before you leave
- Open the city's official map or route page and save it for offline use.
- Check the weather, trail status and any City Creek project closure.
- Carry water and a layer suited to your chosen elevation and duration.
- Set a turnaround time, especially if you are exploring a new Foothills connection.
- Follow posted directions and yield with care on shared trails.
Local-source note: The city manages these routes and may change access or rules. Its current notices override this planning guide.
Image: Bonneville Shoreline Trail overlooking Salt Lake City by Michlaovic, released by the creator into the public domain.