Three Spring Hiking Trails to Watch the Mountain Come Alive

Spring, the season of abundance, brings many gifts to the Wasatch Back – like watching new life unfurl under the radiant golden sun. The natural world’s warmth, color, and buzzing culminate in a season that begs for outdoor exploration. While the temperature and the heart’s desire to wander bid us from our winter cocoons, the melting snow and copious mud can lead to challenges in choosing ideal spring hiking trails. 

These three hikes are perfect for spring because they aim to avoid trekking through mud and offer a variety of surfaces, difficulty levels, and views.

Here are a few of the most important things to remember:

• Hikers should be familiar with trail etiquette before embarking on an adventure.
• To ensure trails maintain integrity and quality, if you encounter mud, turn around. 
• Practice Leave No Trace.
• If you are hiking with a dog, pick up their waste and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. 
• Bring appropriate layers, water, and food. 
• Be respectful of wildlife and keep animals in control. 
• Be courteous and kind. 

Trail 1 – Easiest

A go-to paved trail in Park City is the best way to avoid endless mud and is accessible in any weather. The Rail Trail is a multi-use pedestrian byway built on the old Union Pacific Railroad that goes 26 miles from Prospector to Echo Reservoir. This section begins at the trailhead near White Pine Touring and continues 2 miles east to Richardson Flat Road. The trail gradually loses 165 feet and gains the elevation on the way back. 

For the first mile, the trail follows Silver Creek as it flows through backyard gardens. Look to the rolling hills on either side of the Rail Trail for bursts of color from high desert foliage: gamble oaks, Utah Juniper, and big sage. After the first mile, Silver Creek expands into a robust riparian environment teaming with marshes and bogs—an ideal place to witness incoming migrating birds. 

Trail 2 – Moderate 

This well-marked trail system is part of Swaner Preserve, and its lower portions amble along the riparian habitats of East Canyon Creek. One of the journey’s highlights is the sweeping panoramic view of the Wasatch Back and Park City ski areas. This trail is primarily south-facing and should dry out quickly when other areas are still muddy. The natural and interpretive signs along the way showcase local flora and fauna. Look amidst the big sage and Gamble oaks for blooming flowers like Indian Paintbrush, Wasatch Beardtongue (endemic), and Sego Lily (state flower). 

Start at Spring Creek Trail Head parking area, cross a bridge, and turn right to follow signs for Blackhawk Trail. The first half mile traverses along East Canyon Creek before beginning a series of switchbacks to gain over 300 feet in 0.75 miles. When Blackhawk Trail splits, veer right, then turn left onto Glenwild Loop and cross Glenwild Drive. The path gently gains elevation over the next 0.5 miles until it veers west-facing and reaches a gully 1.8 miles from the start. If mud is on the trail, this is the perfect turnaround spot for a 3.6 out and back. If the trail is dry, continue on Glenwild Loop, following the path to gain another couple hundred feet of elevation. At 1.2 miles, go left when it intersects the Stealth Trail and begin the 1.8-mile descent back to the trailhead. 

Trail 3 – Moderate +

During this hike, the slopes of Deer Valley, Park City, and the Canyons crown the skyline. The foreground is teaming with big sage, Gamble oak, and spring flowers like arrow leaf balsam root. Detailed trail maps and signs make navigating the area fun and approachable. 

Locate the trailhead and map at the junction of Ability Way and Gillmor Way. Start a gentle climb up Quinn’s Connect for 0.3 miles to the Practice Loops junction, then turn left for 0.3 miles to reach Round Valley Express and turn right. Follow Round Valley Express for just over a mile as it gains about 300 feet of elevation to reach a five-way junction. This is a perfect turnaround for a hike just under 4 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain. To continue, turn right to stay on Round Valley Express for 0.8 miles, losing 450 feet of elevation you will gain on the way back. The hike description ends just over 2.5 miles from the start when Round Valley Express comes to a four-way junction with Rambler. There are countless trail options and excellent signage to get creative on routes.