The Living Room

(Red Butte)

2.3 mi RT

1.5-2 hours

Easy to moderate, 980' elevation gain

Partial shade

No restrooms or water at trailhead

Spring, summer, fall

*popular sunset hike

*you can add on a scramble to an overlook of Red Butte garden (+0.4 mi RT, +360 elevation, +30-60 minutes)

The Living Room is a classic Salt Lake City hike to a scenic viewpoint above the city, complete with stone chairs to relax and take in the view. This hike is quite popular, particularly in the late afternoon and evening to see the sunset over the Great Salt Lake. The moderately strenuous trail begins on Colorow Road near the University of Utah and ascends nearly 1,000 feet in 1.25 miles before reaching The Living Room. There are some minor navigation difficulties near the start of the hike, but the trail is otherwise easy to follow. This trail is suitable for most healthy adults and children. Trailhead The Living Room hike has many access points from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, but the most direct route begins on Colorow Road in Salt Lake City (40.759301, -111.821300): Take Exit 129 on I-80 for Foothill Drive. Drive north on Foothill Drive for 3.3 miles. Turn right onto Wakara Way and continue 0.7 miles. Turn right onto Colorow Road and continue 0.3 miles. The trailhead is located on the east side of the street just north of the junction with Huntsman Way. Parking is available along the road. The Hike From the trailhead, begin hiking up the heavily wooded path heading east toward the mountains. After about two tenths of a mile, the trail climbs over a small rocky outcropping before it intersects with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This is the most difficult part of the hike in terms of navigation. Turn right onto the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and walk about 200 feet to a split in the trail. Bear left here, continue another 400 feet, and turn left again. From here, navigation is easy. Stay on the main trail as it follows the bottom of the canyon. Several junctions are encountered, but the trail stays straight and follows the bottom of the canyon. After about 0.75 miles, the trail begins to climb out of the bottom of the canyon, eventually arriving at a beautiful overlook of the Salt Lake Valley (40.763196, -111.811905). This is a great midway stop to take in the view and rest your legs before continuing. Continue hiking past the midway overlook as the trail climbs steeply up the ridge and into another canyon before reaching The Living Room, located on the adjacent ridgeline. Once at The Living Room, pick a chair and take in the panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley. Return the way you came. Round trip hiking distance is approximately 2.5 miles, with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Rules and Regulations Dogs allowed on leash. Clean up after pets. No littering. Special Considerations This hike can be hot with little shade available in the upper section. Bring plenty of water for all members of your group.