Salt Lake City is a year-round hiking destination with each season showcasing spectacular views. Winter is a special time of year to be on the trails with your dog for fewer crowds, bluebird skies, snow covered surroundings and frozen waterfalls.
Winter Hiking Safety
While winter can be a wonderful time to hike with your dog, there are a few things you will want to watch out for to help keep you and your dog safe.
Avalanches are a looming threat in the nearby canyons and trails throughout the Salt Lake winter season. AllTrails will usually tell you if a particular trail crosses through Avalanche terrain, but it is best to be extra cautious by checking the Utah Avalanche Center’s current reports to see potential areas that may be affected by avalanche conditions. They will also provide further details into the current level of avalanche danger that you should refer to before going out on a hike.
Microspikes and/or Snowshoes
To ensure that you aren’t slipping and sliding on winter hikes, it is important to wear or carry gear to protect yourself from any potential injuries. The more popular trails are generally packed down in the wintertime, so investing in a pair of microspikes is essential for traction. Even if you do not see snow at the start of the trail, there may be patches of snow or ice further along and it is best to always have a pair with you just in case. Snowshoes are recommended for when there has been recent and heavy snowfall, or you are planning on trekking a less-traveled trail that is most likely not packed down.
A few options we like:
Paw Protection
During the winter-time, dogs are prone to getting snow and ice between their paws which can lead to uncomfortable walking. There are a couple of options to help protect your dog’s paws from winter conditions on trails. The most common methods are to either apply balm between paws before each hike or have your pup wear dog booties. For longer haired dogs, it is also helpful to have their paw hair trimmed regularly during the winter time to minimize ice accumulation there.
A few options we like:
Wasatch Foothills
Hiking in the foothills above Salt Lake City is perfect for those looking for nearby hikes or a quick outing during the shorter daylight hours of winter. The foothills are completely open and provide spectacular views of the snowy Wasatch range in the wintertime. While there are endless trails to take your dog on, below are a few of our favorites.
Carling Edgcomb, @saltlakecharles
Morris Reservoir and Terrace Trail Loop
Length: 2.7 mile loopElevation: 534 ft
This hike is newer to the foothill area and has a more open landscape for the first portion of the trail that allows dogs freedom to play and run around in the snow. This loop can be short and easy, or you can combine with the Avenue Twin Peaks trail featured below as well as the Bonneville Shoreline trail for a longer hike.
Avenue Twin Peaks
Length: 3.6 miles out and back Elevation: 984 ft
Located just above downtown in the upper Avenues, these two small peaks provide stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding foothills and Wasatch Mountain range. It’s important to note that about .8 miles from this trailhead, you will come across an intersection with various trail paths. You will want to continue straight to follow a short uphill path that will take you to a not so narrow ridgeline section of this trail.
Millcreek Canyon
A great year-round destination for dogs with off-leash hiking on odd numbered days! The north facing side of the canyon has numerous evergreens that are frosted with snowfall during the wintertime. Not only can you partake in winter hiking here, but you can also join many others in cross country skiing with your dog.
Carling Edgcomb, @saltlakecharles
Bowman Fork to White Fur Pass
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Length: 3.5 miles out and backElevation: 1,312 ft
During the winter time, the gate to the trailhead is closed, so you will need to park across the street and walk about an additional ½ mile to reach the trailhead. You will see some folks sledding or hiking on the snow-covered road portion, but once you reach the actual trailhead, you will find more solitude. The majority of this hike is a steady incline.
Millcreek Canyon Road
The upper gate is about 4.5 miles from the entrance to Millcreek Canyon and closes during the wintertime (typically November 1st), becoming a multi-use trail for hikers, cross country skiers and fat tire bikes. This upper portion of the canyon road is generally groomed about once a week for cross country skiers and provides a nice wide trail through the beautiful snow covered canyon.
Winter Waterfalls
If you haven’t already been on a winter waterfall hike, this is a must-do experience! There is nothing more magical than hiking to a snowy ice-covered waterfall cascading down a cliff! Luckily there are many options north and south of the Salt Lake area for you to choose from.
Carling Edgcomb, @saltlakecharles
Adams Canyon
Length: 3.8 miles out and backElevation: 1,430 ft
Just 20 min north of Salt Lake City, this is a popular winter-time hike that can get quite busy on the weekends. Regardless of the crowds, this hike is the definition of a winter wonderland, traversing through a snowy canyon before ending at one of the most majestic winter waterfalls in the state of Utah!
Waterfall Canyon
Length: 2.4 miles out and backElevation: 1,105 ft
Located in Ogden, the best place to park for the shortest route to this waterfall is on 29th street. While this trail is short and steep (particularly the last section), it is absolutely worth the effort to get to this incredible 200 ft frozen waterfall at the end. Another perk of hiking here in the wintertime, is the lack of rattlesnakes that are often found on this trail during the summer months!
Stewart Falls
Length: 3.4 miles out and backElevation: 646 ft
A favorite year round hiking destination, this trail does not disappoint during the winter time. Stewart Falls is another stunning 200 ft multi-tiered waterfall featured in Utah that is worth the longer drive from Salt Lake! Located at the Aspen grove parking lot just past Sundance Resort, you will want to be mindful of ski traffic when choosing the time of day for this hike.
Battle Creek Falls
Length: 4.1 miles out and backElevation: 1,847 ft
The majority of this trail is usually packed down, but when you start to reach the final third, there is potential for post-holing based on recent snowfall and foot traffic. If you do make it to the top, you are rewarded with a sparkling snowy meadow that overlooks Utah lake. However, if your main goal is to see the falls, you only have to hike a little over a half mile in from the trailhead for views of the beautiful frozen falls.
Happy Hiking!
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This post may contain affiliate links which result in Dog Friendly SLC making a small commission. By shopping products we recommend, you ensure that we can keep finding dog friendly places in Salt Lake City and Utah. We appreciate your support!
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