City Creek Canyon Trailhead

Name: City Creek Canyon Trailhead
Address: City Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA, Salt Lake City, UT, US
Telephone: (801) 972-7800
Rating: 4.7

4.7(344) Salt Lake City, UT

Directions Website

About City Creek Canyon Trailhead

City Creek Canyon Trailhead offers an easily accessible urban nature escape, providing a paved trail that follows a creek, ideal for family walks, runs, and bike rides. Its unique value lies in the blend of natural serenity with city proximity, offering a beautiful setting, especially known for autumn foliage and monarch butterflies.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Family bike rides, especially with younger children in trailers or on e-bikes.Easy walks and runs with children of varying ages.A peaceful nature escape for families wanting to get away from the city without a long drive.Autumn outings to enjoy beautiful foliage and butterfly sightings.Parents seeking a long walk, run, or hike in a serene environment.

Why families love it

Fully paved, easy (gradual incline) trail, suitable for bikes, strollers, and walkers.
Follows a picturesque creek, providing pleasant sounds throughout the journey.
Features public restrooms and picnic areas conveniently located along the path.
Very shaded for most parts, offering respite from the sun.
Known for beautiful autumn foliage and sightings of monarch butterflies.
No cars are allowed on the trail after October 1st, enhancing safety and tranquility.

Insider tips

Be prepared for shared trail use; bikers should be mindful of runners/walkers, and all users should watch for incoming traffic.
Check current construction updates before visiting to confirm open trail length, as sections are closed until 2027.
If biking, be aware of the steady uphill climb on the way in, and enjoy a breezy downhill return.
Bring an extra layer, especially if biking downhill, as shaded areas can be chilly.
Exercise caution for potholes and small stones on the paved path, particularly if biking.
Consider parking along Bonneville Blvd if the main trailhead parking is full.

Good to know before you go

If you seek complete solitude, as it can be busy with various users, especially on weekend mornings.
If expecting a flat, entirely leisure bike ride due to the continuous uphill incline.
If sensitive to horse flies and planning an extended picnic without bug repellent.
If your primary goal requires access beyond the current construction closure point.
Significant construction closure is in effect until 2027, closing the path beyond Barney's Hollow (around 2.8 miles from the start).

Crowds: Can be moderately crowded, especially on Sunday mornings, with many bikers, runners, and walkers.
Value: Excellent value as access to the trail is free, including free parking and public restrooms, offering a high-quality outdoor experience at no cost.
Food: Outside food is permitted, with multiple picnic spots available along the trail for family meals or snacks.
Accessibility: The paved trail is suitable for strollers and likely wheelchairs, making it accessible for families with diverse needs along the open sections.
Safety: Bikers are expected to adhere to a 15 mph speed limit.

What parents say

Meg

4.0

"Many bikers on the trail. Some runners and walkers. The trail is an easy (gradual incline) paved trail that follows the creek. Parking is free, and there are public restrooms available. The path is open until just beyond Barney's Hollow, where it is closed for construction."

3 weeks ago

Yang Song

4.0

"I’m new to SLC and still in awe of how accessible nature is living in the middle of the city. I came to bike city creek canyon (fully paved) in mid October. Road at around 2.8 mile to the end was closed due to water treatment plant reconstruction until 2027. Quite a lot of walkers runners and bikers on a Sunday morning. No more day restrictions for bikers in October though. Very shaded along the trail for the most part and sun won’t peak over the mountains into parts of the canyon even after 10 am so it was actually a little chilly for me on a bike when going down hill. Also, I did not know go"

6 months ago

Tori Dumke Hillyard

5.0

"Gorgeous spot for a paved autumn bike ride! The beautiful foliage and ease of access make this a must-see for my fall bike-rides. Added bonus: so many monarch butterflies! Took my e-bike + 2 kids in trailer up the 5.5 mile trail that has a steady incline, especially at the end. It follows the creek so you’re accompanied by the pleasant sound of flowing water the whole way. Public restrooms and picnic areas are available all along the path. The gate closes October 1, so no cars to worry about! Lots of walkers and joggers. From my understanding the protocol is uphill traffic right, downhill tr"

a year ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.