Hiking Dry Creek Trail: Out & Back

This section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a long, though easy, route that runs above the northern edge of Salt Lake City’s Avenues neighborhood. The trail offers spectacular views of the city below as it meanders along the bench. With the valley laid out below like a toy model, you can count the streets as you move east and locate yourself on the city’s orderly grid below. 

Start at City Creek Canyon, at the horseshoe bend on City Creek Canyon Road. There is a pull-out and parking there. Here, the trail starts with a stiff climb up to the bench where most of the hike takes place. Emerge into a surprising meadow of amber grasses and begin the main section of the hike. Stop and look down at the valley often. At the end, descend into Dry Canyon on a winding singletrack trail emerging in the I.J. & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center (JCC) parking lot. 

The trail is best hiked in spring, when wildflowers bloom in a riot, and in fall, when the leaves are changing. Because the trail is highly exposed and offers no shade, summer can be a hot slog. The trail’s low elevation and popularity cause snow to melt quickly, making Dry Creek Trail a great winter hike.

No Car? No Problem. Take TRAX to Dry Creek Trail.

1. Take TRAX to the City Creek Center stop near Temple Square.

2. Walk up Memory Grove to the back of City Creek Canyon.

3. Access the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead and begin the hike toward Dry Creek Canyon.

4. Descend into the JCC parking lot at trail's end.

5. Walk to the University Medical Center TRAX stop.

6. Transfer at Courthouse Station to the Blue or Green line back to City Creek Center.

Pro Tip: If you decide to connect via public transit, be sure to bring fare money for the train ride. Tickets are available at all stops along the way and credit cards are accepted.

Nearest Destinations: Utah Capitol, JCC and University of Utah

The Dry Creek Trailhead sits close to the Utah Capitol Building, I.J. & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center (JCC), and the University of Utah Medical Center and campus.

Trailhead parking: Available on the City Creek side

Trailhead GPS coordinates: 

City Creek Side
40.7898490, -111.8786679

Popperton Park/I.J. & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center
40.7777062, -111.8373324