Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, run clubs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Salt Lake City.

(Feature image: photo by iStock.com/Sean Pavone)

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The Salt Lake City Guide is developed in collaboration with Salt Lake Running Company (SLRC). Read more about the running specialty store in the Running Stores section below!

Salt Lake City is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find dozens of miles of running paths, both road and trail, within the city’s limits. Directly to the east are the Wasatch Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop and many more miles of trails to explore.

Most destination races in the area are scheduled during summer months and feature point-to-point downhill courses that start in the foothills and end in town centers. It’s a great place to race if you’re looking for a PR!

Just remember, you’re at altitude here. Salt Lake City sits at a little over 4,000 feet above sea level, meaning the starting elevations of the area’s trails and races are often much higher.

Before you go, check out what you should know about running at altitude.

After a run, settle in at one of many quaint patio breakfast spots. If you’re visiting a local brew pub later in the day, opt for a can over a draft pour to enjoy your post-run beverage at full strength (Utah has alcohol percentage laws for beers on draft).

Bookmark this City Guide for your next trip to Salt Lake City! If you’re looking for running gear expertise and more local recommendations while in town, swing by one of Salt Lake Running Company’s four locations (listed below).

• Running in Salt Lake City
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City?
• Where to Run in Salt Lake City
• Running Stores in Salt Lake City
• Run Clubs in Salt Lake City
• Destination Races in Salt Lake City
• Where to Eat in Salt Lake City After a Run

Planning your upcoming running vacations?
Find more destination running guides.

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Running in Salt Lake City

“Friendly, accessible, and beautiful” describes running in Salt Lake City. There are hundreds of trails within a 45-minute drive from downtown. You’ll also find plenty of paved paths along waterways and wide roads with good shoulders. And there’s no shortage of active outdoors people ready to share the best routes for running.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City?

Visit Salt Lake City year-round for great trail or road running, but most destination races are on the calendar from May through October. The fall colors are especially beautiful in late September and early October. You’ll usually enjoy golden sunlight and perfect temperatures during this time of year. In the winter, strap on a pair of microspikes and continue to enjoy the trails.

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Where to Run in Salt Lake City

City Creek Canyon
Located less than a mile from downtown Salt Lake City, City Creek Canyon provides a paved running route tucked away from urban congestion. It’s located in a pretty canyon setting along a creek. On the main path, you can get in more than 5 miles one way before returning the way you came. It is a fairly easy grade until the last 2 miles, where you’ll see more elevation gain. There are also several trail off-shoots if you’re looking to get off the pavement.

To get to City Creek Canyon, take Bonneville Boulevard, located at the corner of B Street and 11th Avenue. From Bonneville Boulevard (a one-way road that loops back), turn right onto Canyon Road and drive a short distance to the parking spots on the right. Find more information and a trail map here.

Jordan River Parkway
The Jordan River Parkway is a paved urban trail extending for nearly 50 miles. It runs north to south right through Salt Lake City, and it’s a great route for a long training run. There are trailheads at many east-west streets that cross over the Jordan River, including several with restroom facilities. Check out the trail on TrailLink, which includes a few parking suggestions, or view the detailed trail map here.

Liberty Park
The perimeter of the park has a flat 1.45-mile wood-chip running loop. The inside loop, which measures 1.4 miles, is paved. Liberty Park is a short distance from many downtown offices and hotels, and it’s the perfect location for a tempo run. More park information here. Liberty Park is located at 600 Harvey Milk Boulevard, Salt Lake City.

Porter Rockwell Trail
This wide, paved trail in Draper, just south of Salt Lake City, features mountain and valley views. There are several places to park your car along the path, including Draper City Park (12500 S 1300 E, Draper) — the trail is across the street on the corner of 1300 East and Constitution Avenue.

You’ll run behind neighborhoods and cross a few streets along the route. It’s a great path for an out-and-back long run, and it’s also kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. More trail information here. Fun fact: the Porter Rockwell Trail is named after Mormon settler Orrin Porter Rockwell who was a bodyguard for Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

Sugar House Park
The 110-acre Sugar House Park is located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Salt Lake City (1330 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City). There’s an inner paved loop that measures 1.4 miles — expect rolling hills. The perimeter grass loop is 1.82 miles. Just east of the park there is an outdoor all-weather high school track. Get in your intervals on the track, fartlek runs on the grass, hill workouts, or rolling tempo runs. More park information here.

Looking for more trails? Check out Utah’s extensive Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which runs through Salt Lake City and beyond, or The Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek Canyon ($5 car entry fee). For additional places to run in Salt Lake City, check out SLRC’s Run Map.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Read more in 11 Running Safety Tips Every Runner Should Follow.

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Running Stores in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Running Company
At Salt Lake Running Company, you’ll find running, trail, gym, and workout shoes. Staff members are trained to take you through a free custom shoe-fitting process to help you find your perfect fit. Plus, shop for apparel and gear to inspire you to move and reach your goals. SLRC also organizes local road and trail races.
Salt Lake City: 2454 S 700 E, Salt Lake City; 801-484-9144
Foothill Village: 1356 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City; 801-582-1919
Sandy: 8946 South State Street, Sandy; 801-566-8786
Centerville: 316 North Marketplace Drive, Centerville; 801-296-8786

RunGr8 Running Center
Founded in 2012, RunGr8 stocks gear and shoes for runners, walkers, and triathletes. Find Brooks, Hoka, Mizuno, On, Honey Stinger, Clif, and other top brands.
2608 W 12600 S, Riverton; 801-999-4466

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Run Clubs in Salt Lake City

We aim to keep this guide updated regularly, but things can change quickly! Before attending a group run on this list, check the group’s social media or website to confirm the date, time, and location.

Salt Lake City Running Club
When: Mondays at 7 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Varies; join on Strava or the cub’s Facebook Group

Salt Lake City Track Club’s Speed Workout Day
When: Tuesday at 6 p.m. (October-March); 6:30 a.m. (April-August)
Distance: Speed workout
Starting Point: Varies; check the club’s schedule

Salt Lake City Track Club’s Monthly Fun Run
When: First Wednesday of the month
Distance: 6 miles
Starting Point: At a local brewery; check the club’s schedule

Salt Lake City Running Club
When: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Varies; join on Strava or the cub’s Facebook Group

Salt Lake City Track Club’s Trail Run
When: Thursdays at 6:30 or 7 a.m.
Distance: Varies; trail run
Starting Point: Varies; check the club’s schedule

The Flying Irish Running Club
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Craft by Proper’s parking lot at 1053 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Track Club’s Saturday Long Run
When: Saturdays at 7-9 a.m. (season-dependent)
Distance: Varies (7:00-12:00 pace)
Starting Point: Varies; check the club’s schedule

Locomotion Running Club
When: Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Varies; check the club’s website

Larchmont Track Club
When: Sundays at 8 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Varies; check the club’s website

Park City Trail Club
When: Sundays at 8 a.m.
Distance: 4, 6, and 8 miles
Starting Point: Park City Coffee Roaster at 724 Division Street, Park City

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Destination Races in Salt Lake City

• Salt Lake City Marathon: April | Salt Lake City | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
• Ogden Marathon: May | Ogden | Marathon, Half Marathon, 12K, 5K, Relay,
• Drop13 Big Cottonwood Canyon: June | Holladay | Half Marathon, 5K
• Ragnar Road Wasatch Back: June | Utah | 200-Mile Relay
• Utah Valley Marathon: June | Provo | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
• Deseret News Marathon: July | Salt Lake City | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
• Jupiter Peak 25K: July | Park City | 25K
• Mid Mountain 50K: August | Park City | 50K
• St. George Marathon: October | St. George | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

Visit our Salt Lake City Race Guide for more race info.

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Where to Eat in Salt Lake City After a Run

Epic Brewing — Open every day of the week, stop by the “tapless tap room” for a 2-ounce pour of any beer on the list, or a canned or bottled beer. (Epic Brewing brews beers that are higher strength than what’s allowed to be served on draft in Utah.) Among regular brews are a Mexican-style lager, a Belgian golden ale, a cream ale, a few IPAs, and a coffee stout. There are plenty of rotating seasonals worth a return trip. While you’re in town, consider scheduling a brewery tour.
825 South State Street, Salt Lake City; 801-906-0123

Finn’s Cafe — Open daily and not far from Liberty Park, enjoy a European-inspired breakfast dish or lunch sandwich out on the patio. Finn’s Cafe is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team. Breads and danishes are all baked in-house from scratch.
1624 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City; 801-467-4000

Fisher Brewing Company — Visit the taproom of one of Utah’s first breweries and enjoy a post-run pint on the dog-friendly patio. There are more than two dozen beers to choose from, including lagers, pale ales, red ales, IPAs, a stout, and a porter. Check online for the food truck schedule.
320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City; 801-487-2337

Just Organic Juice — Stop in for a cold-pressed juice, smoothie, fruit-topped acai bowl, or avocado toast. If it’s chilly after your run, consider ordering the hot Cacao Recovery or Golden.
Sugar House: 2030 S 900 E, Salt Lake City; 801-953-0112
Draper: 438 E 12300 S, Draper; 801-613-9287

Loki Coffee — Just a few blocks west of Liberty Park, stop by for a latte, locally baked pastry, avocado toast, or smoked salmon and lox. The coffee shop is named after the husband-and-wife owners’ first pet together.
325 E 900 S, Salt Lake City

The Park Cafe — This quaint breakfast spot has been around since 1982 and is right across the street from Liberty Park. Fill up after a run with a breakfast burrito, vegan hash, pancake sandwich, or a Spanish omelet. Burgers, sandwiches, and salads round out the lunch menu.
604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City; 801-487-1670

Ruth’s Diner — Ruth’s Diner has been operating for nearly 100 years! Located in Emigration Canyon, the diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Settle outside on the patio after a nearby morning trail run and order from a menu that includes several versions of eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros, and more. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are noted.
4160 Emigration Canyon Road, Emigration Canyon; 801-582-5807

Straw Market SLC — Not far from the City Creek Canyon trailhead, stop by after a morning run for a classic fresh-baked cinnamon roll. You’ll also find plenty of breakfast and brunch options on the menu.
390 4th Avenue, Salt Lake City

Urban Sailor Coffee — Small-batch specialty roasted coffee is served here. It’s the perfect place to caffeinate after a run at Sugar House Park. Order a cortado, cappuccino, or a nitro cold brew. If you’re more of a tea drinker, Smith Teamaker tea is available. Pair your beverage with a croissant, muffin, or danish.
Sugar House: 1327 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City; 385-227-8978
Post District: 570 S 300 W, Salt Lake City

Vertical Diner — A favorite among vegans, most menu items are also gluten-free. Breakfast is served all day. Plus, you’ll find nachos, salads, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, bowls, pasta, and more. Depending on the time of day, opt for a coffee, tea, beer, cocktail, or mocktail. Also on the menu: milkshakes made with local non-dairy ice cream! Vertical Diner is located along the 9 Line Trail, a wide pedestrian-friendly path that extends to the west along W 900 S, connecting with Jordan River Parkway.
234 W 900 S, Salt Lake City; 801-484-8378

Wasatch Brew Pub — The outdoor patio at this Sugar House-area brewpub is a great place to relax after a late afternoon run. Choose from a selection of local beers on tap and by the can. Seltzer, cider, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic beer are also available. The food menu includes a hearty bison burger, a pulled pork sandwich, a roasted veggie sandwich, and gluten-free and vegan rice bowls and salads.
2110 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City; 801-783-1127

More travel plans? Check out our other City Guides.

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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SALT LAKE CITY

Destination Races in Salt Lake City

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