Living Room Trail

When Salt Lake Citians want a quick, social, and scenic hike in the lower foothills, they head to the Living Room Trail. The Living Room Trail, named for the slabs of sandstone arranged into the shapes of furniture at the overlook at its end, is one of the most popular trails in the city for both locals and tourists. It never feels crowded but you will seldom hike alone. The Living Room is accessible year-round directly from the University of Utah campus, though winter conditions vary. While the trail features something that not a lot of trails in the foothills can boast – shade – it is still exposed enough at the top that summer afternoons are fairly uncomfortable. However, due to its length, its aspect, and its fairly unique geology for the area, the Living Room makes for a great hike under the full moon. Hikers can expect a beautiful array of geological features, green vegetation in the spring, the possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife, and a beautiful overlook of the Salt Lake Valley from the comfort of a sandstone couch.

The Living Room will quickly become a favorite "quickie hike." At only 2.5-ish miles car-to-car and with just under a thousand feet of elevation gain, the Living Room ranks as one of the easier hikes in the Wasatch Mountains. While some sections feature steep grades and loose shale and gravel, the trail is short enough that young children can easily make the hike. Parking and amenities are the same for the Living Room as for the longer Mt. Wire via the Living Room. Park on Colorow Rd. below the Utah Museum of Natural History and then feel free to use the museum’s clean and air-conditioned bathrooms guilt-free during business hours. There is also a café for post-hike snacks. Mid-summer hikers will definitely appreciate the air conditioning and iced beverages.