Easy Walking Trails in Utah

Utah is known for its stunning and rugged landscape. Since nearly the dawn of time, people have been exploring its nooks and crannies and enjoying all of the natural beauty it has to offer. However, sometimes this rugged beauty is only thought of as the provenance of the young. This is not true.

Utah offers many gentle, senior-friendly trails with wide, paved paths and minimal elevation gain. These trails are perfect for leisurely strolls for seniors or those with young children. They’re also great places to connect, or re-connect, with nature, a time-proven strategy for good health, especially in old age. 

Senior-friendly trails offer exercise to just about everyone at any age or fitness level. Most of these trails boast well-maintained surfaces, like paved paths that minimize trip hazards, wide walkways, so you can walk with a partner, shade from the hot Utah sun, and are easily accessible by car. 

Utah’s parks, nature reserves, and urban settings provide peaceful surroundings for exercise, creating relaxing and safe experiences for all of Utah’s seniors. Take a trip this week with a little help from today’s post. 

What Makes a Trail Senior-Friendly?

A couple of features can turn our local trails from difficult adventures to senior-friendly outings. However, don’t worry, even if some trails may be less-challanging for fit, young hikers, it doesn’t mean the natural beauty is diminished or opportunities for exercise, connecting with nature, and peace are any less abundant. 

Some factors that might make trails in Utah more senior-friendly include:

• Accessibility: Look for paved or well-packed surfaces that are wide enough for side-by-side walking. This ensures your partner can help you along if you may stumble and makes conversation easier. 
• Ease: You should also look for trails or paths that have a flat or gentle slope and a short-to-moderate distance. This helps ensure seniors won’t get too tired and the experience remains pleasurable. Hiking entire mountains can be fun, but you want to understand what you’re getting into. 
• Comfort: Explore trails that have benches, shaded areas, and nearby restrooms. Benches and shade help when it’s time for rest, and nearby restrooms offer respite when nature calls. 
• Safety: Try to prioritize trails with clearly marked paths that have good visibility and low traffic from bikes. In some places, certain trails are only for pedestrians, and these are the best as bikes can create a dangerous or unpleasant experience. 
• Consider loop trails: Loop trails are trails that form a complete loop, so you don’t have to double back. These trails can be especially good for seniors because it takes the guesswork out of their length, so you don’t walk too far unintentionally. They can also be more pleasant because you’ll see new things at every step of the way. 

Easy and Elderly-Friendly Trails by Utah Region

Salt Lake City Trails for Seniors

1. Memory Grove Trail: This trail in Salt Lake City is perfect for a leisurely walk. It consists of a paved loop near downtown, shaded with benches.
2. Liberty Park Loop: This flat, paved 1.5-mile loop boasts rest areas and restrooms for seniors as well as the general population. A great choice on a cool afternoon. 
3. Sugar House Park Loop: This wide, paved loop around a scenic park has some of the best mountain views Salt Lake City has to offer. It’s a great place to take relatives or friends from out of town. 

Ogden and Weber County Trails for Seniors

1. Ogden River Parkway: This paved riverside path offers easy access from downtown and a chance to visit with wildlife and enjoy the calming sensation of the water. Highly recommended for seniors and those with young children. 
2. Beus Pond Loop Trail: This short, flat loop with benches and water views offers a nice place to rest and take it all in after getting some exercise. Great for nature lovers and those searching for peace.  

Provo/Utah Valley Trails for Seniors

1. Provo River Parkway (Lower Section): The lower section of this trail is a flat, paved, and shaded trail along the river. The entire trail is much more challenging and might be a good opportunity to go with some younger family members or friends to do a split hike, where one group walks faster and farther, and the other takes it a bit easier. 
2. Nielsen’s Grove Park Loop: This trail is a small park loop. It’s ideal for a quick, relaxing walk when you don’t want to take the trouble to drive way out into the wilderness. It’s especially nice because it’s a loop trail. 

Logan and Cache Valley Trails for Seniors

1. Logan River Trail: The Logan River Trail offers seniors paved sections, nice, flat terrain, and scenic river views. For those who can’t get enough of the water, this is a great choice. It’s also an excellent place to take people from out of town. 
2. Merlin Olsen Park Path: Want all of the natural beauty and peace without having to drive too far? This trail offers a gentle loop around a beautiful city park. Great for an early morning or late afternoon exploration. 

St. George and Southern Utah Trails for Seniors

1. Vernon Worthen Park Loop: Enjoy this little park that has a wide, paved loop with desert landscaping. Relax on the benches or in the gazebo, visit with wildlife, and take the whole family. Just remember to bring some water with you, so you don’t get dehydrated. 
2. Pioneer Park Walkways: These short, paved paths with benches and shade structures are great for a quick walk or an afternoon in the sun (or the shade). Just remember to bring sunscreen, loose fitting clothes, and explore in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. 

Tips for Seniors on Utah Trails

Always remember: safety first. This doubles when hiking. A few tips can make your day much more enjoyable: 

• Wear supportive walking shoes: You will obviously be walking a lot (a great exercise for seniors), so it’s important to have decent shoes. You might be surprised at just how much good shoes reduce pain in the legs, muscles, and joints. Make sure to change them every 300 miles or so. 
• Bring water and sunscreen: Especially in the Utah heat, water and sunscreen are essential. You should also note, senior citizens are often at a higher risk for dehydration due to aging. Always bring plenty of water. 
• Walk during cooler morning or evening hours: Walks during the morning are best, when it isn’t so hot. 
• Use hiking poles for balance: Hiking poles can be great for just about anyone. They help with balance and can also take pressure off the knees, especially on declined slopes. 

For All of Your Senior Care Needs, Call Monument Health Group

If you’re not just looking for easy walking trails near you and want the best senior and skilled nursing care in Utah, contact Monument Health Group today. Our mission is to stand as an unwavering monument to professionalism, exceptional care, and superior healthcare outcomes for all of our patients, and especially for our Utah seniors. 

We are dedicated to those we serve and recognize that our skilled and empowered staff creates that success and is essential to our quality.

We’re looking forward to caring for you and your loved ones, no matter the challenges or the care needed. Call us today and make the best decision of your life. 

Sources:

Memory Grove Trail. (2025). 

Provo River Parkway. (2025). 

Vernon Worthen Park Loop. (2025).