Utah has many different options for getting out into nature and going on a stroll. These options are not hikes, instead just flat walks with maybe a few steps. Here are my current favorites…

• 5. Layton Commons Park
  

Growing up, this was always my favorite park around. As I have gotten old, the hidden trail has continued to make my list. I park at the Layton city library. Pull in and park at the west side of the building, near the garbage bins.

There is a small trail that starts with a few steps down. Then there is a board walk. Follow this until it ends at the road. Walk across the street and continue on the paved trail. This paved trail will wind down to creek that flows through the park.

There are many different trails that you could pick; however, my favorite is to go across the bridge and head north along the sidewalk. Continue walking on this until you can turn left between the fence. Then continue on this trail until it deadends in a parking lot.

This walk will take you across multiple bridges and through the tress all while following the creek. Keep an eye out for the otter! Once you make it to the parking lot, you can head south and walk around the Vietnam War memorial.

When you are done, head back the way you came!

• 4. Ogden Nature Center

This option is one of my favorites. Right off of 12th street in Ogden, you can quickly escape the feeling of a city.

The first 0.5 miles is a quiet walk under trees with beautiful hand made birdhouses on display.

Once you reach the visitor center, you pay a small ~$5 fee to see the rest of the park. The Ogden nature center rescues injured birds that must stay in captivity. Their mission is to give the birds the support needed to eventually leave; however, for a select few this is not possible. I loved being able to see these beautiful birds up close.

In addition to provide health support for birds, the land is also protected for birds to fly to. They have trails, look-outs and a playground for people of all ages to enjoy

• 3. Utah State Capitol Cherry Blossoms

Utah State Capitol, located at the top of Capitol Hill has a beautiful paved trail that circles the entire capitol. The trail is lined on both sides with well established cherry trees. While this walk is beautiful at any time of year, it is especially beautiful in mid to late April when the cherry trees are covered in blossoms.

In addition to the cherry trees, it is also fun to walk around and explore the capitol. Feel free to climb the steps and explore!

• 2. City Creek Trail

*warning- this is the only one on this list that has a hill and some stairs at the beginning*

After exploring the Utah State Capitol this may be one of your new favorite places to explore. Park on the east side of the capitol in the street parking. Then begin to look for a path. There are a few different entrances but they all go to the same place. The beginning part of this walk is a little step but once you get to the bottom it is flat.

At the bottom, there are many different war memorials that you can walk around. Additionally, city creek flows through this area. You are allowed to walk all over and explore. There’s also plenty of grassy spaces for a picnic.

This walk turns into more of a hike after about 0.5 miles so come prepared if you are interested in continuing on.

• 1. Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

This may be my favorite walk in all of Utah. Similar to the other options on this list, this walk transports you out of the feel of a city. It is about 1 mile round trip boardwalk trail. The boardwalk suspends you over the Great Salt Lake wetlands. Depending on the time of year, there may be grasses towering over you or water flowing beneath your feet. This is my go-to for a quick nature escape. Here are a few pics at different times of the year…

This was taken during the middle of June. My boyfriend and I went on a late morning walk.

This was taken during the end of April during in the late evening.

I hope that this gave you a few ideas of quick and easy ways to get out into nature! These are some of my favorite places, but please let me know yours by commenting on this post!