The Ensign Peak Hiking Trail in Salt Lake City, Utah, will give you amazing views of downtown Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, and the Ochre Mountains.
This hike is very easy with an awesome reward. I recommend coming at sunrise or sunset on a weekday. The weekends can be packed and parking will definitely be scarce on those days.
- Trail Difficulty – Easy
- Length – 1 mile (round trip)
- Duration – 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Condition – Paved/dirt trail, will vary by season but easily done throughout the year, no shade
History of Ensign Peak
On July 26, 1847, Brigham Young and other early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) climbed this hill and gave the peak its present name.
From Ensign Peak, Young and his advisors could rough out a plan for where to begin to execute his directive to “make the desert bloom like a rose.”
The hill has religious significance in LDS Church history and in its symbolism. Ensign Peak is possibly the most historically significant peak in the entire Wasatch Range.
As you hike along the trail, take some time to stop and read the many signs to learn more about the history, geology, and plant life of the area. The summit features a plaza and monument, as well as a sign that identifies many of the landmarks that can be seen in the valley.
Getting to the Ensign Peak Hiking Trail
The Ensign Peak Hiking Trail starts just up the hill behind the Capitol Building at the Ensign Peak Nature Park. The trail ascends just 350 feet over about half a mile (0.5 miles) to the top on a well marked trail.
Approximate address to start of trail: 1002 N. Ensign Vista Drive, Salt Lake City
It’s definitely a family-friendly trail hence the difficulty being “easy”. Parking is all along a residential street and can be tricky to find a spot on a really busy weekend day, which is why I recommended to come here on a weekday.. also the parking is free.
Keep in mind this is a quiet residential neighborhood, so please be courteous of the local residents.
What to bring
- Hat and sunglasses (no shade)
- Sunscreen?
- Shoes with good grip and support or hiking boots
- Water
- Camera (you’re going to want to the amazing views of Salt Lake City!)
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