Little Mountain Snowshoe

From the top of Emigration Canyon, the aptly named Little Mountain is a small rolling hill above an otherwise jagged Wasatch profile. Mormon pioneers headed into Salt Lake Valley from this very spot to declare it a new settlement. What makes Little Mountain so great for local residents is a combination of factors such as ease of access, simple terrain, dog-friendly locals, and an elevation that is above the dreaded winter inversion.

The relatively easy trail starts off with a quick and steep ascent and levels out to a rolling ridge. There are a few more steep sections, but nothing very difficult. You get terrific views of Parleys Canyon, Emigration Canyon, Mount Aire, Little Dell Reservoir and Salt Lake City. You can see endless tracks and trails of cross-country and backcountry skiers along the way. Decent wildlife viewing opportunities and views of sunrise and sunset make this a local favorite.

The 1.7-mile trek each way is perfect for people looking to just get outside after work with their pets. Considering how pretty the surrounding scenery is, it's hard not to add Little Mountain the your normal routine.