Running in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a trail runner's dream. The Wasatch Mountains rise directly behind the city, offering world-class trail running minutes from downtown. The Jordan River Parkway and city parks provide flat, paved options for road runners. At 4,226 feet of elevation, SLC offers altitude benefits similar to Denver. The dry climate and over 200 days of sunshine make it a great year-round running city, and the local trail running community is one of the most passionate in the country.
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Terrain
Salt Lake City has remarkable terrain variety
Top Race
Salt Lake City Marathon
Country
US
Climate and Weather
Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures in the 90s. Winters bring cold temperatures and snow, with valley temperatures in the 30s and mountain trails buried under snow. Spring and fall offer ideal running weather in the 50s to 70s. The dry air and altitude mean you need to hydrate more than usual.
Terrain and Landscape
Salt Lake City has remarkable terrain variety. The Jordan River Parkway is flat and paved. City parks offer flat, easy loops. The Wasatch Mountains provide steep, technical trails with significant elevation gain. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers moderate rolling terrain along the mountain bench. Trail access is exceptional for a city this size.
Top Running Routes
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
15+ milesModerateA dirt trail running along the bench of the Wasatch Front above the city. The trail offers incredible views of the Salt Lake Valley and connects to multiple canyon trails. The best urban trail running route in the city.
Jordan River Parkway
45 milesEasyA paved trail following the Jordan River through the Salt Lake Valley. The path is flat and well-maintained, connecting multiple cities and parks. The longest continuous trail in the metro area.
City Creek Canyon
5.5 milesModerateA paved road closed to most traffic running up a canyon directly behind the Utah State Capitol. The route is shaded and climbs steadily with a peaceful, natural atmosphere. A favorite for local runners.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
VariousChallengingTrail running in Big Cottonwood Canyon east of the city, with access to alpine trails at higher elevations. Routes range from moderate canyon runs to steep mountain trails. Summer only due to snow in winter.
Liberty Park Loop
1.5 milesEasyA flat, paved loop through Salt Lake City's most popular urban park. The path circles the park with shade, a pond, and open green spaces. Great for easy runs and speed work.
Popular Races
Salt Lake City Marathon
A scenic marathon that starts in the mountains east of the city and finishes downtown. The net downhill course offers stunning views and fast times. The April timing can bring variable spring weather.
Wasatch 100
One of the most prestigious 100-mile trail races in the country, running through the Wasatch Mountains. The course features over 26,000 feet of climbing and is a bucket-list ultramarathon event.
Deseret News Marathon
Utah's oldest marathon, running from the mountains above Salt Lake City down to downtown. The point-to-point course is net downhill with beautiful canyon scenery.
Running Culture
Salt Lake City has a passionate running community with a strong trail running focus. The Wasatch 100 and other ultramarathons are major events in the local scene. The Salt Lake Track Club and Wasatch Running Center organize group runs and training programs. The proximity to world-class mountain trails attracts serious trail and ultrarunners. Road racing is also strong, with the SLC Marathon and Deseret News Marathon anchoring the calendar.
Local Runner Tips
Hydrate aggressively due to altitude and dry air
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is the best daily trail running option
City Creek Canyon is closed to odd-day traffic, making it peaceful for running
Join the Wasatch Running Center group runs or the Salt Lake Track Club for community
Safety Tips
Carry extra water on all runs due to altitude and dry conditions
Watch for mountain wildlife including moose and the occasional mountain lion on canyon trails
Tell someone your route and expected return time for mountain trail runs
Check avalanche conditions before running in canyons during winter and spring
Be aware of air quality alerts, especially in winter when inversions trap pollution in the valley
Make Running in Salt Lake City a Game
Salt Lake City's dramatic terrain makes it a unique Motera experience. Capture flat territory along the Jordan River, then push up into the mountains along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The altitude and mountain access give SLC runners a distinct advantage. Compete against a trail-savvy community on the leaderboard while exploring one of the most scenic running cities in the US.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running route in Salt Lake City?
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is the top trail running option with 15 miles of dirt path along the Wasatch Front. For flat, paved running, the Jordan River Parkway extends 45 miles through the valley.
Does altitude affect running in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Salt Lake City sits at 4,226 feet. Visitors should allow a few days to acclimate and start slower than usual. The altitude provides training benefits for runners who adapt, and the dry air requires extra hydration.
Is there good trail running in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has some of the best trail running access of any US city. The Wasatch Mountains are minutes from downtown, offering everything from moderate dirt trails to extreme alpine routes. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is the most accessible daily option.
When is the Salt Lake City Marathon?
The Salt Lake City Marathon takes place in April. The course starts in the mountains and finishes downtown, providing a net downhill route with mountain views. Spring weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations.
What running clubs are in Salt Lake City?
The Salt Lake Track Club is the largest organized group. The Wasatch Running Center hosts group runs, and trail running groups regularly organize outings in the Wasatch canyons. Running culture here skews strongly toward trails.
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