Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CITY CREEK CANYON — If you’re looking for a nice fall hike with a grand view, without slipping too far out of the Salt Lake City area, the Smugglers Gap Trail offers hikers that and more.
The relatively unassuming trailhead is located roughly 1/2 mile into the off-road area of City Creek Canyon, where bikes and motor vehicles are prohibited. There is a small parking area at the end of a 6-mile stretch of paved road in City Creek Canyon that cars may park at — thus saving time and energy for the hike.
However, cars are only allowed in the canyon on even-numbered days from Memorial Day through Sept. 30, and there is a $3 entrance fee. Cars are not allowed in the canyon after 8 p.m. Otherwise hikers may walk up the road to reach this trail.
While a typical day may bring dozens of runners and bikers to the canyon, the area beyond this small parking lot is often quiet. There are signs warning of all types of wildlife one may encounter in the canyon, including cougars, moose, bears and rattlesnakes, and the wildlife seemingly outnumbers the amount of hikers found in this area.
Finding the trailhead isn’t difficult at all, as it is marked by a sign. The trail itself isn’t too difficult either in the sense that there aren’t many obstacles other than a couple 2-foot or so steps at the trailhead and near the summit.
The uphill hike is a bit of cardio-kicker for someone with an average workout regime and perhaps average for those with stronger physique, as it is almost all uphill for about 2.5 miles. Either way, staying hydrated and bringing water is recommended since unlike the canyon, there aren’t areas to find water.
Luckily on a warm sunny day, the trail is amassed in shade and the cool, stiff breeze soothes any sweat from the workout.
While it is almost all uphill heading toward the summit, the trail features many twists and turns that provide a great view of the foliage. As fall creeps in, the trees blend from forest green to crimson and Indian yellow, fitting the likes of colors seen on Bob Ross’s painting palette.
The solitude from the city offers an added touch to the trail. Aside from an occasional plane overhead, the rustling of the trees and a faint cackle of a distant songbird is all that's heard in this quaint area. The trail is just another example of how one is able to exchange Salt Lake City noise for the tranquil comforts of isolated nature in a matter of minutes.
Upon reaching the summit, one is subject to a picturesque view of several other peaks within the Wasatch Range. It’s a great place to absorb the beauty while cooling down from the at-times-tiring hike.
The hike back to the trailhead is much easier as it is all downhill, though hikers should be aware of loose rocks on the trail to avoid slipping off to the side.
Though Smugglers Gap may not be as popular or revered as other hikes near the Salt Lake area, it still offers a good workout and great views.
Directions: Take Bonneville Boulevard (which begins at "B" Street at 11th Avenue) to City Creek Canyon Canyon Road. Park at the City Creek Canyon gate or continue past the gate 6 miles to the end of the paved road.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard; not recommended for young children.
Length: About 5 miles round-trip (17 miles if beginning on foot at City Creek Canyon)
Time: About 2-3 hours (4-7 hours if beginning on foot at City Creek Canyon)
