SALT LAKE CITY — Hiking in the summer heat isn't always ideal. In the spring, many canyon trails are still covered with snow. Hiking in the fall can be cool, but by wearing a few layers, you will work up plenty of body heat. The trails are less crowded this time of year and the crisp mountain air is rejuvenating.

Here are five Northern Utah trails that all have a few things in common; The trailheads are all within minutes of a city and each trail will have some steep sections, perfect for a healthy workout. Each summit is absolutely gorgeous and will not disappoint.

LakeBlanche (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

This hike is an uphill climb most of the way. The trail is surrounded by rugged cliffs and aspens. Lake Blanche is flanked by stunning sheer mountain peaks, pines, aspens and scattered fields of multi-colored red and plum boulders.

Just below and to the left of the trail, (if you're facing the lake,) are two nearby sister lakes, Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. Plan on a couple of hours to relax and explore the three lakes. Pack a lunch and enjoy — you won't want to leave this heavenly spot too soon.

Directions: Mill B South trailhead/ Lake Blanche is about 4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Park in the lot right before the S-curve. The trail branches into two — one goes straight to Broadsfork Meadow. Go on the Mill B South Trail to Lake Blanche. Take the trail upwards through the trees and near the end it will go over a boulder field. When you get to the summit, keep right to reach the lake.

Distance: 6.1 miles round trip

Upper SilverLake (American Fork Canyon)

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6 family friendly hikes to waterfalls

The state of Utah has a bounty of natural wonders ranging from arches, slot canyons and salt flats to snow-capped mountains. Maybe you aren't an avid hiker yet or maybe you have a young family that you don't think you can do a long, hot hike. However, Utah offers something to quench that desire to experience the outdoors, while cooling you off at the same time — waterfalls.

Lower Silver Lake Reservoir is a beautiful spot, but Upper Silver Lake is more picturesque. It's located high in the mountains in a rocky glacial bowl filled with bright blue water.

The hike starts out easy as it winds through aspen groves, rounded boulders and near a large stream. Then the hike becomes increasingly steep until you reach the summit at the lake. The views of the canyon below are beautiful and hikers can catch a glimpse of the reservoir far below.

Directions: Drive up American Fork Canyon and take the fork to the left that takes you to Tibbblefork Reservoir. Drive past and above the lake. Just before Granite Flat Campground, take a right on to the dirt road leading to Silver Lake. Follow this until you reach Silver Lake Reservoir. Park in the lot on the far side of the lake by the stream. You will see the trailhead marker. Follow the trail until you reach the lake.

Distance: 4.4 miles round trip

CecretLake(Little Cottonwood Canyon)

This trail is very accessible and is often crowded because it's an easier hike. Hikers should go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. The hike is easy and flat until near the top where it gets a bit steep. The view of the mountain is gorgeous along the way.

The lake is surrounded by a curved cliff wall that is very striking. It's a quick walk around the entire lake shore and each side creates a new perspective that you'll want to see.

Directions: Drive up Little Cottonwood for 11 miles to a parking lot just below the Albion Basin Campground. Take the trail from there up the mountain.

Distance: 1.6 miles

Julie AndrewsMeadow (American Fork Canyon)

This meadow is spectacular and aptly named after "The Sound of Music." It's a grassy clearing with an amazing backdrop, the towering cliffs of Mt. Timpanogos. This place is accessible via a dirt road and a short trail, but you can take the longer route to enjoy scenery in the lower canyon. The longer trail also gives a good workout. Spend some time eating a picnic or relaxing with a good book in the senic area.

Directions: Drive up American Fork Canyon and continue straight up the Alpine Loop for 3.5 miles until you reach Timpooneke campground. Starting at the end of the campground road, park at the turnoff. Walk along the dirt path heading west, until you come to a trail going up the hill. The trail gains elevation steadily, but it's not too steep. Hikers will walk through the forest along the rim of the basin. At the summit, you will reach the meadow.

Distance: About 4 miles round trip

Bells Canyon Reservoir andwaterfall (near Sandy)

The Bells Canyon trail is beautiful. Hiking to the pristine mountain reservoir is a short, less strenous hike that's less than 1 mile. If you would enjoy a more challenging workout and grogeous scenery, continue on for approximately 2 more miles to view a stunning cliffside waterfall.

Directions: The trailhead is located at the intersection of Wasatch Boulevard and East Little Cottonwood Road. The Granite Head parking lot fills up fast so try to avoid this hike on the weekend. The trail starts out on a gradual incline with a few switchbacks. In less than a mile, you will reach the reservoir.

To hike on to the falls, stay to the left beyond the lake. Continue up a slope until you see the Bells Canyon trail sign on your left. Take that trail through a canyon near a stream, then cross the bridge and stay right when the trail forks.

Continue up the path and the trail will become very steep with scattered boulders to climb around. When you are nearing the top of the hill, you will see a small trail with a large pine on the left. Stay to the left when the trail forks at the top of the hill.

Just around the bend you will see a large waterfall spilling over a cliff with sheer gray cliffs towering over the falls. Hike down through the clearing below to enjoy a sweeping panorama of the city.

Distance: About 1.6 miles roundtrip to the reservoir and 5 miles roundtrip to the waterfall.

Make the most of this crisp autumn/early winter weather and get outside.

Amber is a KSL.com contributor and co-founder of the travel blog globecandy.com. She currently resides in Cedar Hills, Utah with her husband and three boys. Email: amber@sldestinations.com.

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