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Living Room Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
3.4 mi
Elevation Gain
1,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
2-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Good Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley, the Oquirrh Mountains, and Great Salt Lake
  • Rock outcrop 'living room' at the top with natural sitting stones
  • Starts within walking distance of the University of Utah campus
  • Dogs allowed on leash, one of the most dog-friendly Wasatch trails
  • Year-round access in most years due to low starting elevation
viewsrock formations

Overview

The Living Room Trail is Salt Lake City's most accessible mountain viewpoint, starting in a residential neighborhood above the University of Utah and climbing 1,100 feet to a rock formation with sweeping views of the entire valley. The name comes from the flat rock outcrop at the top where hikers have arranged stones into chairs and a sofa-like arrangement, a quirky local tradition that has persisted for decades.

The trail is part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail system that runs along the base of the Wasatch Range from Ogden to Provo. The Living Room spur is the most-used segment in the Salt Lake City section. Dogs on leash are welcome, making this a daily destination for east Bench residents.

The Wasatch National Forest manages the upper portions of the trail. The lower section passes through Bonneville Shoreline Trail land managed by Salt Lake City.

The Route

Miles 0 to 0.5: Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail starts on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which runs along the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville (the prehistoric lake that left the Great Salt Lake as a remnant). The singletrack climbs through scrub oak.

Miles 0.5 to 1.7: Living Room spur. The signed spur branches uphill from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and climbs steadily through rocky terrain to the rock formation viewpoint.

The Living Room: The rock outcrop offers bench-level views of the entire Salt Lake Valley. The arranged stone furniture is replaced regularly by hikers when wind or vandalism disturbs the arrangement.

When to Visit

March through November is typical, though the lower elevation means the trail is often accessible even in winter. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers to the scrub oak slopes. Evening hikes offer spectacular sunset views over the Great Salt Lake.

Practical Details

Street parking only; arrive early on weekends. No facilities at the trailhead. See the forest guide for more Salt Lake area hiking options. The 10 essentials apply even on this shorter hike given the rocky terrain and exposure.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Living Room Trailhead at the end of Colorow Drive in the Bonneville Shoreline area above the University of Utah. Street parking only; do not block driveways.

← Back to Wasatch National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Living Room Trail?
The Living Room Trail is a moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back with 1,100 feet of gain. The trail is rocky and eroded in places, but the distance and grade are manageable for most hikers. Many Salt Lake residents hike it year-round.
Where does the Living Room Trail start?
The trailhead is at the end of Colorow Drive, a residential street above the University of Utah. It connects to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Parking is street-only; be respectful of residents.
Are dogs allowed on the Living Room Trail?
Yes. The Living Room Trail and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail are outside the watershed protection areas and allow dogs on leash. It is one of the most popular dog-hiking destinations in the east Bench area.
What is the 'living room' on the trail?
The 'living room' refers to a flat rock outcrop at the top of the trail where large flat stones have been arranged as benches and chairs by previous hikers. The formation sits at roughly 5,700 feet with views sweeping across the Salt Lake Valley.