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What Are The Outdoor Activities To Engage In Salt Lake City?
Look, let’s be honest—Salt Lake City absolutely spoils you when it comes to outdoor activities. Whether you're living here, passing through as a digital nomad, or just visiting for a week, you're going to have a hard time staying indoors. The Wasatch Mountains are literally right there, and the variety of trails, parks, and adventure spots is kind of ridiculous.
A Bit of Background
Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers who picked this spot for good reason—mountains, fresh water, and fertile land. What's cool is that even as the city grew into Utah's economic and cultural center, people here never forgot about protecting the natural landscape. That pioneer appreciation for the outdoors has turned into a modern culture where hitting the trails before work is just... normal. And honestly? It's one of the best things about living or working remotely here.
Hiking: From "I'm Just Testing Out These New Shoes" to "Why Did I Sign Up For This?"
Easy Wins
Ensign Peak Trail is your go-to when you want to feel accomplished without destroying your legs. It's short, accessible, and gives you these stunning views of downtown and the Great Salt Lake. Perfect for a morning hike before your first Zoom call or when you're trying to convince your non-outdoorsy friend that hiking isn't scary.
The Sweet Spot
Lake Blanche Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon is where things get real. It's moderate-to-difficult, but you're rewarded with this gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by peaks that make you feel like you're in a postcard. Plan for a few hours and bring snacks—you'll want to sit there for a while.
For the Overachievers
Grandeur Peak Trail is no joke. Challenging terrain, serious elevation gain, but those panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley? Worth every heavy breath. This is the trail experienced hikers brag about at parties.
When You Want Nature Without the Workout
Not every outdoor experience needs to be a cardio session, and Salt Lake City gets that.
Red Butte Garden sits on the University of Utah campus and is basically the antidote to city stress. Botanical gardens, easy walking paths, and seasonal events make it the perfect spot when you need nature but also want to, you know, still feel like a functional human. It's one of those things to do in Salt Lake City that feels restorative rather than exhausting.
Liberty Park is that urban park everyone needs—open green spaces, walking trails, a little lake. Great for families, perfect for digital nomads who want to work outside without actually being in the wilderness. I've taken plenty of client calls while watching ducks. It works.
Canyon Hopping (Because One Canyon Isn't Enough)
Big Cottonwood Canyon
This canyon has everything—hiking, rock climbing, views that make your Instagram followers jealous. Donut Falls is the crowd favorite (the waterfall literally goes through a donut-shaped hole in the rock), and Mill B South Fork gives you that alpine experience without requiring mountaineering skills.
Little Cottonwood Canyon
For when Big Cottonwood isn't quite alpine enough. Cecret Lake and Albion Basin are the standouts here. The wildflowers in summer are legitimately stunning, and it's definitely one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City if you're into photography or just want to feel small in the best way possible.
Mill Creek Canyon
This is the family-friendly option—gentler trails, picnic spots, and you can basically do it on a lunch break if you're efficient. It's that quick nature fix when you don't have time for a full adventure.
For the "I Work Remotely So I Can Actually Exercise" Crowd
Trail Running and Biking
The trail network around Salt Lake City is perfect for runners and mountain bikers. There are group fitness events too if you're into that community vibe. It's a great way to meet other active professionals who also think 6 AM trail runs are a reasonable life choice.
Rock Climbing
The sandstone cliffs near the city are legit. If you're new to climbing, there are guided tours. If you're experienced, you probably already know about these spots and have opinions about them.
Winter Sports (Because Utah Powder Is a Real Thing)
Come winter, Snowbird and Alta turn into playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders. The powder here is famous for a reason. Snowshoeing is also huge if you want the winter experience without the speed. Honestly, winter sports are such a big part of the outdoor things to do in Salt Lake City that some people plan their entire remote work schedule around ski season.
Networking, But Make It Outdoors
Here's where Salt Lake City gets interesting for digital nomads and remote workers:
Outdoor Co-Working Meetups are exactly what they sound like—work from scenic trails, fresh air, no fluorescent lighting. You meet other professionals who also value vitamin D.
Startup and Tech Networking Hikes combine business with nature. There's something about hiking that makes networking feel less forced and more like actual conversation. It's one of the more unique things to do in Salt Lake City for professional growth.
Environmental Volunteering—park cleanups, trail maintenance, tree planting. You give back to the community, get outside, and meet people who care about the same things. Win-win-win.
Scenic Drives for When Your Legs Need a Break
Not everything has to be a physical challenge.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is breathtaking—alpine lakes, pine forests, mountain views. Bring your camera. Or just drive and stare. Both are valid.
Bonneville Salt Flats west of the city is this surreal, otherworldly landscape. It's one of those things to do in Salt Lake City that doesn't feel like anything else. The expanse is almost unnerving in the best way.
City Overlooks like Ensign Peak give you those panoramic views that show how the city and nature blend together. It's the perfect spot for those "I can't believe this is my office view" moments.
Family-Friendly Options (Because Not Everyone Is Here Solo)
Hogle Zoo has great outdoor sections where you can learn about animals in naturalistic settings. Kids love it, adults tolerate it, everyone gets outside.
Tracy Aviary and Botanical Gardens is another solid family option—native bird species, interactive exhibits, educational but not boring.
Jordan River Parkway offers trails, playgrounds, and open spaces that work for all ages. It's one of the most accessible things to do in Salt Lake City when you've got kids in tow.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City is kind of perfect for outdoor people. Whether you're here to hike every weekend, want to work from a park occasionally, or just need to remember what fresh air smells like between meetings, there's something here for you.
The combination of serious mountain access, well-maintained trails, and a culture that actually values outdoor time makes it stand out. You're not driving hours to find nature—it's right there. And for digital nomads and remote workers, that proximity means you can actually maintain a healthy work-life balance instead of just talking about it.
From beginner trails to expert-level climbs, from quiet parks to adventure sports, the things to do in Salt Lake City cover the full spectrum of outdoor experiences. You could spend years here and still find new trails to explore.
