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The canyons that ring the Salt Lake Valley hide some of the best waterfalls in Utah, and most sit a short drive from Sandy, Holladay, or downtown. Here are nine waterfall hikes worth the trip, from five-minute family strolls to steep canyon climbs.
One of the most loved hikes in the valley, and an easy one at that. The water pours through a hole in the rock that looks like the center of a donut, which is how it got the name. The short, family-friendly trail through pines and along the creek is why it stays packed all summer.
A real workout that pays off with a roaring waterfall tucked between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. You pass the lower reservoir early, then climb steep, rocky trail to the falls. Locals rate it because the effort earns you a powerful falls and quiet that the easy hikes do not have.
A tall waterfall hidden right behind a Sandy neighborhood, reached on a short uphill climb past a couple of small caves. It is hard to believe it sits this close to houses, which is exactly why locals love showing it off. Quick and rewarding without leaving town.
About the easiest waterfall in the valley to reach, a five-minute walk to a little falls and creek. You even pass an old closed-off mine on the way. The vibe is relaxed and great for little kids or anyone who wants a big payoff for almost no effort.
A short, rocky walk to a waterfall that cascades sideways down a rock face instead of straight down, which makes it different from the others. It is quick enough to pair with another stop up the canyon. A nice change of pace if you have already seen the big-name falls.
A wide, tiered curtain of water near the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, on a family-friendly trail just over two miles round trip. Plenty of hikers pass it on the way to the lakes without knowing it is there. The high-canyon setting and steady flow make it feel like a hidden bonus.
A different Hidden Falls than the Big Cottonwood one, this short walk in Mill Creek Canyon ends at a falls beside an old mine shaft. Roots and rocks but quick and easy. Locals like it because Mill Creek lets you bring the dog, which the Cottonwood canyons never do.
A shady, green canyon hike that follows a creek with several small waterfalls along the way, and a bigger falls about two miles round trip in. Keep climbing and you reach an overlook of the whole valley. It is a local favorite because it is one of the few nearby canyons that allows leashed dogs.
Up in Albion Basin above Alta, this under-a-mile trail leads to an alpine lake with water spilling out below it, set among the best wildflowers in the valley. The view is the reward more than the falls itself. In July the meadow goes full color and it becomes one of the prettiest short hikes in Utah.
A great waterfall hike near the Salt Lake Valley comes down to two things: how hard you want to work, and when you go. The valley canyons run the full range, from a five-minute walk to a roaring falls like Hidden Falls to a steep, rocky grind like Bells Canyon. Pick the effort that fits your group, and know that the short ones get crowded on weekends, so early morning is your friend.
Timing matters even more than distance. The falls run hardest in late spring and early summer when snowmelt fills the creeks, and many slow to a trickle by fall. Check which canyon you are entering too, since Big and Little Cottonwood are protected watershed with no dogs allowed, while Mill Creek and Ferguson Canyon welcome leashed dogs. Trailhead lots are small and fill fast, so have a backup spot in mind and go on a weekday when you can.
Keep exploring Salt Lake Valley: The Best Hikes Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Scenic Drives Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Hot Springs Near the Salt Lake Valley. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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