5 Great Trails And Taverns In The Wasatch Range
Similar to a sommelier, a good cicerone pairs the right beer with tasty food. We put together some fun hikes and paired them with favorite eateries in the Wasatch Range of Utah.
1. Hike to the Living Room
Photo: Hannah Weaver
First on our flight of trail-to-tavern hikes is the Living Room. The trailhead for The Living Room starts at Utah's Natural History Museum and is a 2.5-mile round-trip that brings you to a sofa made of sandstone overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. Kickback and relax as you watch the sunset, then head on over to East Liberty Tap House located in the hip neighborhood of 9th & 9th. If you can, grab a table on the patio to enjoy the cooler evening temps during the summer! Learn more.
2. Hike to Willow Lake
Photo: Colton Marsala
Next up on the flight of trail-to-tavern hikes is Willow Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Willow Lake is a hidden gem. It's a short 2-mile hike with around 200 feet of elevation gain. During the fall, the yellow aspens pop in contrast to green pine trees providing breathtaking views. Located just down the road from the Willow Lake Trailhead is the Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant. They've been operating since 1947, and the building contains original wood beams from the old Cardiff Fork Mine. Silver Fork Restaurant is a popular spot on the weekends, but it's worth the wait for a table on the deck out back to enjoy the views of Silver Fork. Learn more.
3. Hike to Maybird Lakes
Photo: Rebecca Stubbs
Moving south over the ridge from Big Cottonwood Canyon is Little Cottonwood Canyon. Maybird Lakes is another gorgeous trail and sees less foot traffic than either Red or White Pine Lakes, but starts at the same trailhead. Maybird Lakes is a 7.5-mile round trip with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Pfeifferhorn Peak towers above in the distance and provides majestic views. After this hike, you'll need to treat yourself, and there's no better place than the Porcupine Pub & Grille. This neighborhood restaurant is a favorite in Cottonwood Heights and offers a vibrant, fun atmosphere with 24 beers on tap. I recommend the calamari for starters, and their homemade soups are always excellent. Learn more.
4. Explore Scenic Cascade Springs
Photo: Eric Bennett
Our cicerone brings our flight of trail-to-tavern adventures further south to Cascade Springs near Sundance Resort. The fall colors at Cascade Springs are delightful and ideal for photography, with magnificent yellow aspen groves galore. Cap off your excursion with a visit to The Owl Bar at Robert Redford's resort, Sundance. The patio out back is beautiful. If it's a bit chilly, they'll have fire pits going to keep you warm. Learn more.
5. Hike Iron Mountain
The final adventure is on the Wasatch Back in Park City. This combo trail is a nice 6-mile hike starting from the Iron Mtn Trailhead and provides sweeping views of Park City and beyond. The first 1.5 miles are a good climb, but then it's smooth sailing once you connect with the mid-mountain trail, and then take Anderson's down to Silver Star Cafe where beer and nachos await. Treat yourself with a seat on the patio overlooking Park City and relax. If you opt to do this early in the day, look forward to one of the best breakfasts (bloody mary's, anyone?) in town. Learn more.
This flight of the trail-to-tavern hikes in the Wasatch Range is over, but no worries, head on over to your local Toad&Co store for some functional clothes to hike in, and still be fashionable for the tavern and your next adventure!
