Scrambling up sun-warmed granite, I paused to catch my breath and look back at the peaks of the Wasatch Range sprawling behind me. The east face of Mount Baldy at Snowbird is steep, scrambly, and exposed in all the right ways. This short section of trail between Alta Ski Area and Snowbird is a mix of hiking trail and rock climbing that rewards you with sweat, endorphins, and high alpine views. Hiking Baldy in the summer has long been one of my favorite traditions: swapping ski boots for hiking shoes in one of my favorite zones in the Wasatch. Best of all, if you time it properly, you can ride the Tram down and find yourself in the heart of Oktoberfest after your hike.
With snow melt in full swing, now is the time to start planning your summer hiking objectives. After the last lifts spin, Utah’s ski resorts transform into some of the most accessible and scenic summer getaways. Whether you're chasing wildflowers, listening for the yellow-bellied marmot’s call, taking in crisp mountain air, or planning your winter ski lines, these resort-based hikes offer high-altitude adventure without the backcountry logistics.
Snowbird & Alta Ski Area:
Highlight Hikes:
- Albion Basin → Cecret Lake → Mount Baldy → Snowbird Tram: This modified loop has long been my favorite way to spend time at both Snowbird and Alta Ski Area in the summer. I recommend parking at the Snowbird base area and walking the road up to Alta Ski Area. Once you arrive at Alta Ski Area, you can take Albion Basin Road up through the campsites until you pass Cecret Lake. After a quick break at Cecret Lake (note: do not swim in the lake!), continue up the Sugarloaf Access Trail to the steep section of the Mount Baldy Trail East (note, this section does require a slight amount of rock scrambling and trail finding skills to navigate). Once you have made your way to the top of Baldy, it’s all downhill from there. You can walk down to the tram, get a snack at The Summit, and then either take the tram down or walk down Big Mountain Trail. If you do the hike from Snowbird up to Alta Ski Area and take the tram down, it’s about 6 miles long with just under 3,000 feet of elevation gain. This All Trails link includes how to do the loop in the opposite direction, utilizing the tram to help with the big, steep climb initially and walking down to Alta Ski Area. Either direction, you won’t regret the incredible views, wildflowers, and marmot sightings.
- Dick Bass highway → Rotham Way → Peruvian Gluch Road: This out and back from the Snowbird Base Area offers just under 3,000 feet of climbing with beautiful views, cooler temperatures, and moderate terrain. This trail is great for seeing wildflowers (if you’re curious about wildflowers in the Wasatch check out this blog before you head out on your next hike) and wildlife alike. If the tram is running, you can always take it down to save your legs for your next big hike. Here is the All Trails map.
- Catherine Pass Trail → Lake Catherine: If you’re looking for incredible views of the Wasatch with a little bit of a shorter trail ending in a high alpine lake, definitely check out Lake Catherine. You can park at the top of the Albion Basin Road to start this lollipop loop. While hiking, you can scope out some of our favorite winter backcountry ski lines to start planning for next season! Once you’ve finished your hike, make sure to refuel with Alta Lodge - Alta Ski Area Sunday Brunch. Check out the All Trails map here.
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Why Go: Access to high alpine terrain without backpacking. Beautiful in July for wildflower season. If planned well, you can always tack on an Oktoberfest beer at Snowbird or spa day at The Snowpine Lodge to top off your hike.
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Insider Tip: Bring layers because it can be chilly and windy at 10,000 feet even in the heat of summer! Note: No dogs allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Brighton & Solitude Mountain Resort:
Highlight Hikes:
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Lake Mary via Catherine’s Pass Trail: This moderate out-and-back to Lake Mary provides incredible views and wildflowers. It can easily be turned into a loop by connecting Catherine’s Pass trail → Brighton Lakes SolBright Connection → Twin Lakes → Brighton Silver Lake Loop. Making it a loop allows you to visit three lakes on one hike! Reminder: do not swim in these lakes either! Learn more about the watershed here. Check out a map here.
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Sunset Peak via Brighton Lakes Trail: This 6-mile out-and-back takes you to the top of Sunset Peak for some of the best views in the Wasatch! Access a map here.
- Why Go: Amazing wildflowers and wildlife sightings. Technical hiking terrain without too much exposure. So many lakes!
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Insider Tip: If you plan well, you can hit the Sunset Cinema at Solitude Mountain Resort after your hike for a fun evening in the mountains watching a movie! Note: No dogs allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Park City Mountain & Deer Valley Resort:
Highlight Hikes:
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Mid Mountain Trail: Park City has a lot of trails, so it can be a bit confusing when you’re trying to plan your day hike. I recommend always tacking on a portion of the Mid Mountain Trail into your plans. Mid Mountain Trail is a Park City classic, it connects all of Park City from the Canyon’s Base Area all the way to Deer Valley Resort. In the fall, it’s one of the best trails for consistent aspen leaves. One of my favorite ways to hike/run Mid Mountain Trail is to park at the base of Park City Mountain, hike up Dawn’s trail → Armostrong → Mid Mountain trail and continue along Mid Mountain Trail until it ends at Silver Lake in the Deer Valley Resort Base area. From here, you can grab a milkshake at Royal Street Cafe and hop on the city bus back to the Park City Base Area. Check out a map here to get you started!
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Wasatch Crest Trail: Skirting along the ridgeline above Park City Mountain, this epic Wasatch trail takes you on the ridge directly between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon. From the top of Guardsman's Pass Road, you can do this hike as an out-and-back heading west. It has amazing views of Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort, and Brighton. July is peak time for wildflowers up high, and you might even get lucky enough to find a late-season snow patch to chill out in during your hike! View a map here.
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Why Go: Friendly dogs are welcome to join you on leash! Several trail options with a lot of ways to get creative on how to connect them. Some of the best après food and drink options are out of all the hikes in Utah.
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Insider Tip: Use the free transit system to link trails together or catch a lift ride down to switch up the descent.
Snowbasin Resort:
Highlight Hikes:
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Needles trail → Ridge Trail and Cirque Loop: This trail can be done three ways: 1) Full out and back from the base provides with big climbs, descents, and beautiful views, 2) Hike up from the base area to the top then take the gondola down, 3) Take the Snowbasin Scenic Gondola Rides both directions and add the small hike at the end. Anyway you cut it, Needles Trail is a great way to see Snowbasin Resort, and if you add the Ridge Trail, you can get some amazing views of the Ogden Valley too! Check out the route here.
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Green Pond Trail: As you approach Snowbasin Resort by car, you can take a pit stop to explore the Green Pond Trail. This scenic trail winds through the trees, over bridges, eventually wrapping up at the Snowbasin Resort base area. It’s a great addition to a less intense hiking day and is perfect for kids and friendly dogs! Find your way here.
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Why Go: High elevation with fewer people, ridge views, and well-maintained trails.
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Insider Tip: Sunday afternoons are a great time to hike and check out live music at Snowbasin Resort!
Sundance Mountain Resort:
Highlight Hikes:
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Stewart Falls: Looking to check out some amazing waterfalls? Look no further than Stewart Falls at Sundance Mountain Resort! Stewart falls can be approached by a few different directions but I highly recommend making it an out and back hike from the base of Sundance Mountain Resort, taking the Stewart Falls Lower trail up to the base of the falls. This gradual trail offers shady aspen groves and a treat of seeing the falls. Plan your day here!
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Why Go: Sundance Mountain Resort tends to be quieter than some of the other resorts near Salt Lake City while still offering all of the resort amenities you could want!
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Insider Tip: Make a weekend out of it by renting a dog-friendly room, taking an art class, and listening to live music at the historic Sundance Owl Bar
Eagle Point:
Highlight Hikes:
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Skyline Puffer Lake Trail: This high alpine trail can be started either from the road off of Big John’s Flat or from Eagle Point. It is a moderate grade throughout with high elevation. Friendly dogs are welcome! Check out a map here.
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Why Go: An off-the-beaten-path gem in Beaver, Utah.
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Insider Tip: Combine your hike with a family weekend camping trip. Eagle Point is remote enough to feel like a wilderness escape.
Brian Head Resort:
Highlight Hikes:
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Brian Head Resort Peak Overlook Trail: Red Rocks? High alpine ridgelines? Yellow-bellied Marmots? What more could you want? The Brian Head Resort Peak Overlook trail offers amazing views in the unique environment of Brian Head. This trail is perfect for those looking to escape the heat of Southern Utah with high alpine ridgelines and incredible desert views. Explore Southern Utah here!
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Why Go: Incredible landscape where alpine meadows meet red rock cliffs. Cooler temperatures than many other Southern Utah hikes.
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Insider Tip: Bring a lot of layers! You never know what weather you might encounter in the high alpine desert landscape!
Beaver Mountain:
Highlight Hikes:
- Beaver Mountain Loop: Just over three miles with the start right at the base of Beaver Mountain, this loop is great for families with small kids! Plan your family-friendly hike here.
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Why Go: Local vibes, easy to access from Logan, and family-friendly terrain.
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Insider Tip: Make a weekend out of your trip by renting a yurt or camping!
Packing-Up
Whether you're chasing wildflowers, summits, furry friends, or just a cooler place to stretch your legs, Utah’s ski resorts are full of summer hiking surprises. Grab your boots, fill your pack, and see your favorite mountains in a whole new season.
