When the early Mormons founded Salt Lake City in the mid-1800s, they felt they had reached the promised land. Present day visitors that come to Utah for hiking feel pretty much the same way.

Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the desert, the area around Salt Lake City has hiking opportunities for every skill level in a variety of landscapes. From easy alpine walks to difficult desert climbs, Utah is truly a hikers' Eden.

Among the offerings is Antelope Island, a unique ecosystem thatsits in the middle of the Great Salt Lake has a high desert environment.

Also nearby, the Wasatch-Cache, Ashley, and Uinta National Forests contain hundreds of miles of hiking trails that can be linked together to create long expeditions or overnight trips. These scenic trails will lead you through scenic meadows to impressive mountain peaks aspen and oak forests, and cool freshwater lakes.

Because of Utah's utterly expansive wilderness, hikers often have the pleasure of hiking in solitude, without company on the trails.

Try these trips within three hours of Salt Lake City for a heavenly taste of soul-stirring hiking.

Move on to Mount Timpagonos

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