Photo: Marissa Dunn
Photo: Keyvan Oskooi
Photo: Keyvan Oskooi
Mount Olympus Trail
FreeAdventure
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on how far up the trail you venture with kids👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The lower trails are manageable for elementary-aged children who can handle moderate inclines and uneven terrain. Teens and tweens will appreciate the challenge of pushing further up the trail system for more dramatic viewpoints.
About
Mount Olympus Trail offers multiple hiking options in Millcreek Canyon, making it ideal for families who want to experience Utah's stunning mountain scenery without committing to extreme difficulty. The lower portions of the trail system provide accessible nature walks with rewarding views, perfect for introducing kids to mountain hiking while staying close to Salt Lake City.
Highlights
- ✓Stunning Wasatch Mountain views visible even from the lower trail sections
- ✓Opportunities to spot wildlife including deer, birds, and occasionally moose
- ✓Rocky terrain that makes kids feel like real adventurers
- ✓Shaded forest sections providing relief on warm days
- ✓Multiple stopping points with natural seating rocks for snack breaks
Pro Tips
- 1.Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and secure parking at the popular trailhead, which fills up quickly on weekends
- 2.Stick to the lower trail sections with young kids,the full Mount Olympus summit trail is extremely strenuous and not appropriate for children
- 3.Bring plenty of water (more than you think you'll need) as there are no facilities or water sources on the trail
- 4.Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip as the trail can be rocky and steep even on lower sections
- 5.Download an offline trail map before you go as cell service can be spotty in the canyon
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best conditions. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Summer mornings (before 9 AM) provide cooler temperatures, and early fall offers beautiful foliage without the intense heat.
What to Know
There is a small fee to enter Millcreek Canyon (currently $3 per vehicle). The trailhead has limited parking that fills quickly, and there are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly before arriving.
Seasonal Notes
Trail is typically snow-covered and icy from November through April, making it unsuitable for family hiking. Peak wildflower season is June-July. Fall colors appear in late September through October. Check canyon status before visiting as Millcreek occasionally closes due to fire danger in late summer.
Nearby Eats
Head to Millcreek Coffee Roasters (10 minutes away) for casual breakfast and lunch options, or visit Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon (15 minutes) for their famous mile-high biscuits and family-friendly patio dining.
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