Utah's diverse terrain offers some of the most spectacular trail running in the world. From technical singletrack in the Wasatch Mountains to slickrock adventures in Moab, there's a trail for every runner. Here are our top 10 must-run trails, complete with elevation profiles, difficulty ratings, and insider tips.
1. Bonneville Shoreline Trail (Salt Lake City)
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Location: Salt Lake City / Provo / Ogden
Distance: 100+ miles total (run any section)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Daily training runs, long runs, beginners
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is Utah's most accessible trail system, running along the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville. With multiple access points throughout the Wasatch Front, you can run 3 miles or 30 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the valley and is perfect for year-round running.
2. Millcreek Canyon Pipeline Trail (Salt Lake City)
Millcreek Pipeline Trail
Location: Millcreek Canyon, Salt Lake City
Distance: 6.8 miles one-way (13.6 miles out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Tempo runs, recovery runs, beginners
This relatively flat trail follows an old pipeline route through Millcreek Canyon. Perfect for faster trail running, the Pipeline offers shade in summer and is accessible year-round. Great for runners transitioning from roads to trails.
3. Wasatch Crest Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
Wasatch Crest Trail
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon to Millcreek Canyon
Distance: 10-12 miles (point-to-point)
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Advanced runners, elevation training, epic views
One of Utah's most iconic trails, the Wasatch Crest offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains. The trail climbs to over 10,000 feet and requires good fitness and navigation skills. Best done as a point-to-point with a shuttle.
4. Moab Slickrock Trail (Moab)
Moab Slickrock Trail
Location: Moab, Utah
Distance: 2-12 miles (multiple loop options)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best For: Unique terrain, technical running, desert running
Running on slickrock is a unique experience. The grippy sandstone offers incredible traction, but the constant ups and downs will test your quads. Start with the 2-mile practice loop before attempting longer routes. Bring extra waterMoab is HOT.
5. Timpanogos Summit Trail (Provo Canyon)
Mount Timpanogos Summit
Location: Provo Canyon, Utah
Distance: 14-16 miles round trip
Difficulty: Very Hard
Best For: Advanced runners, peak bagging, elevation training
Summiting Timpanogos (11,752 feet) is a Utah trail running rite of passage. The trail climbs 4,500 feet through alpine meadows, past Emerald Lake, and up to the summit. Start earlythis is a full-day adventure. Bring layers and plenty of water.
6. Corner Canyon Trails (Draper)
Corner Canyon
Location: Draper, Utah
Distance: 5-20+ miles (extensive trail network)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Long runs, speed work, year-round access
Corner Canyon offers one of the best trail networks in the Salt Lake Valley. With over 50 miles of interconnected trails, you can create routes of any distance. The trails are well-maintained and perfect for training runs.
7. Zion Narrows (Zion National Park)
Zion Narrows
Location: Zion National Park
Distance: 2-16 miles (depending on route)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best For: Unique experience, water running, adventure
Running through the Narrows is like nothing else. You'll be wading through the Virgin River, surrounded by 1,000-foot sandstone walls. Requires a permit for top-down routes. Wear water shoes and be prepared to get wet!
8. Antelope Island (Great Salt Lake)
Antelope Island Trails
Location: Antelope Island State Park
Distance: 3-20+ miles (multiple trails)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Flat trail running, wildlife viewing, unique scenery
Antelope Island offers flat, fast trails with stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. The Frary Peak Trail (6.5 miles, 2,000 ft gain) is the standout climb. Watch for bison and bring bug spray in summer!
9. Grandeur Peak (Millcreek Canyon)
Grandeur Peak
Location: Millcreek Canyon, Salt Lake City
Distance: 6-7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Hill repeats, elevation training, quick summit
Grandeur Peak is Salt Lake's most accessible summit run. The trail climbs 2,400 feet in just 3 miles, making it perfect for hill training. The views of the Salt Lake Valley are spectacular. Popular with localsexpect company on weekends.
10. Bryce Canyon Rim Trail (Bryce Canyon National Park)
Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 5.5 miles one-way (11 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Scenic running, high elevation training, unique geology
Running along the rim of Bryce Canyon at 8,000+ feet offers views of the famous hoodoos. The trail is relatively flat with some rolling sections. Start early to avoid crowds and catch sunrise over the canyon.
Trail Running Safety Tips
Essential Safety Reminders
1. Tell Someone: Always let someone know your route and expected return time.
2. Bring Water: Utah is drycarry more water than you think you need.
3. Check Weather: Mountain weather changes fast. Bring layers.
4. Navigation: Download offline maps (AllTrails, Gaia GPS) before heading out.
5. Right Shoes: Technical trails require proper trail shoes. Get fitted at UtahRUN for the perfect pair.
Trail Difficulty Ratings
- Easy: Smooth, relatively flat trails. Good for beginners.
- Moderate: Some elevation gain, occasional technical sections. Requires basic trail running experience.
- Hard: Significant elevation gain, technical terrain. Requires good fitness and trail experience.
- Very Hard: Extreme elevation, technical terrain, potential exposure. For experienced trail runners only.
Best Trail Running Gear for Utah
Utah's diverse terrain demands proper gear:
- Trail Shoes: Invest in quality trail shoes with good grip for rocky terrain
- Hydration Pack: Essential for longer runs in Utah's dry climate
- Layers: Mountain weather is unpredictablebring a light jacket
- Headlamp: If running early morning or evening
- Microspikes: For winter trail running in the Wasatch
Need help choosing the right trail gear? Visit UtahRUN for expert advice and gait analysis to ensure you're in the perfect shoes for Utah's trails.
Final Thoughts
Utah's trail system is world-class, offering everything from beginner-friendly paths to epic mountain adventures. Start with easier trails like Bonneville Shoreline or Corner Canyon, then work your way up to challenging summits like Timpanogos. Remember to respect trail etiquette, leave no trace, and always be prepared for changing conditions.
"The best trail is the one you haven't run yet. Utah has thousands of miles waiting to be exploredget out there and discover your new favorite route!" - UtahRUN Team
