Here’s the conversation that followed, with names removed for privacy. Please add additional contributions in the comments below!

Note that NOT ALL RESPONSES are actually always avy-safe, so ask yourself this questions before accepting them:

1. Are there steepish slopes (30-45 degrees) at or above this area with enough snow to slide?
2. If it’s around or above 8,000 feet elevation, you can check the current risk level at UtahAvalancheCenter.org

118 comments

This list can help our newbies know where to go until they get avy-trained. And yes, I know you feel they should get training first, but in the meantime, let’s help them know which trails are TOTALLY SAFE right now.

Any section of the BST that does NOT HAVE a slope (30° or more) right next to the trail. There are safe sections in Pleasant Grove. The Y Trail is generally safe…sometimes there are falling rock hazards after a heavy rain. Alien Tower is safe. The Deer Creek Dam Trailhead is safe in winter. The Provo Canyon road starting at the Orem Gun Police Range is safe and beautiful. Many others and hopefully our hikers will list them below.

Yellow fork canyon trail system and Blackridge trail system in Herriman7

Thank you, these are great ideas!

Lambert Park in Alpine. Lots of trails. Please use snowshoes though so the trails don’t get post-holed and make travel super rough or impossible for the fatbikers. Same for the Corner Canyon trails network.6Excellent ideas! I love that area and it is SAFE!2

North Fork Loop in the Uintas.5

I LOVE that trail!

Friend from trail sisters sent me this resource DOCS.GOOGLE.COM Winter Trails4

Davis County (and north) 

• Antelope Island trails except Frary Peak. For Frary Peak stay on the ridge, and avoid in high risk/new snow conditions. Mountain View trail is good for long distances. White Rock Loop and Elephant Head are popular trails as well.
• Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve- all trails avvy safe and winter is the time to go!
• Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area- all trails safe and winter is the time to go!
• Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, auto tour route- all trails avvy safe and winter is the time to go! Good option for long distance.
• Golden Spike trails and auto tour roads – all trails avvy safe and winter is the time to go!. Good option for long distance. Note that the road is technically open to motorized vehicles, although once snow is on the road, you are unlikely to encounter any. This is another good option for long distance with lots of history! Note- NPS pass required.
• Ogden bay Loop (part of the Ogden Bay Waterfowl management area)
• Willard Bay state park
• Pineview West Trail
• Wild Rose Loop in low snow years. This year, caution is advised.
• Old Snowbasin Road & Maples Campground Loop. Note: nearby Sardine Loop is generally not safe until June, due to the north facing section mid-loop.
• Monte Cristo Road- this is open to snowmobiles and is an active snowmobile area. However, you can do a lot of miles here with low avalanche danger. Keep in mind snowmobiles will not be looking for you. They are not stealthy- give space.
• Farmington Canyon Road- note that this is open to snowmobiles. On high risk days, a snowmobile could trigger a dangerous avalanche above you. This is generally not a concern for the first 2-3 miles of road. On low risk days/years, I would not be concerned for about 6-7 miles. Where the road forks is where the danger changes, and additional skills are needed. There is a fire road by the winter parking area that is also generally safe and connects to the BST. Farmington Canyon is a great spring option when snow retreats from the valley.

Salt Lake County

• Dimple Dell
• Crestwood Park
• Quail Hollow
• Murray Canal Trail/Wheeler farm
• BST from Hidden Valley
• Corner canyon
• Millcreek Road
• Porter Fork Road
• Parley’s Trail- all road but can be extended by going up to Millcreek Canyon
• Pipeline
• Rattlesnake 
• Church Fork/Grandeur
• West Ridge Grandeur (if staying on trail this is always safe) 
• Olympus
• Bell’s Canyon- Lower reservoir always OK
• People frequently ask about Lake Blanche. That is considered backcountry, you should have an AVY 1 course under your belt. This applies to anything up the canyons. 

Summit County

• Round Valley- Lots of milage and trail options. Off Leash dogs allowed. (note- do NOT run in the ski tracks!)
• Beaver Creek trail (note- do NOT run in the ski tracks!)
• North Fork Loop. Note- do NOT go into Prover River Canyon! The loop is generally well marked (although markings can be buried or blown off during big storms)
• Deer Creek North Trailhead- just outside Midway, you can search for it on Google for parking. AllTrails has more details of the trails there. 
• Jeremy Ranch Road
• Any of the “main” Uintas roads: Hwy 150, Soapstone Road, or Hwy 35. Note that all of these are open to snowmobiles and they use them heavily. They will not be looking for you. 
• Shingle Creek- First 2 miles are generally safe. After that there is avalanche risk you should consider.
• Pine Valley Trail- Generally safe but use good judgment in high avalanche danger conditions.

Utah County

• Eagle Mountain- search this in AllTrails for details and numerous options

Other suggestions

• Stansbury Island. Kinda like Antelope Island but closer to Salt Lake. Note that this is a very popular outdoor shooting area, particularly on the east side of the island. Trails are poorly established. 
• Salt Flats- generally safe, not including island peaks. Be careful driving on frozen mud. Be sure you can get out on thawed mud. Tons of avy safe trail options (see Salt Flats 100 course for ideas, look a bit north towards Pilot Peak for 100+ more miles, or west towards the Newfoundlands)!
• Pony Express Route (see Pony Express 100 for ideas)
• Southern Utah, San Rafael Swell, and Moab- winter is the time for desert trips.

> I looked over this list and some of these trails have north-facing small slopes that could slump down onto a hiker, and the Lake Blanche is a definite “no” during conditions like these. As much as I would love to give our newbies a list, they are better off getting avalanche trained repeatedly and not just a one-hour presentation online. It takes time to learn how to assess well.

 yeah the gals are well trained that shared it.

> Yes, but our newbies are not…unfortunately. Thank you for the list and most of the stuff on that list is relatively safe during these conditions.

Anyone’s thoughts on Malans Peak? I know people do it everyday no matter, but always wondering if it’s actually safe. There are a few of the turns that seem steep enough but maybe since it’s below 7,000 over all it’s “ok”?3

I just saw that there was an avy in Taylor’s canyon (Utah avalanche site) but couldn’t find anymore info on it. I just try to use my judgment but it still seems high risk a lot being in such a narrow canyon 

I would guess where the rock slide is between malans turn and hidden valley

I have hiked Malans all throughout the winter for the past 5ish years since living in Utah with no issue. I typically need spikes and poles are helpful on the descent. With that said…if you are hiking in winter conditions on any trail, I… See more2

same, but snow seems more aggressive this year though lol I’ve never even thought about oh there would be one on Malans til this year. And I’ve done one avy awareness thing years ago and I have no gear or beacon ..I’m not a back country danger type so I figured I’m in the clear lol but maybe not! We might need the stuff for everywhere. We can only hope we keep gettin this much snow every year!

Ogden Nordic (North Fork Park) in Liberty.

Ogden Overlook

North/South Wheeler and Green Pond

BST from Coldwater to Willard.

how is the green pond parking lot?

never great. You’re better off parking at the old Snowbasin Road gate and hiking up wheeler from there.2

I kinda figured…but was hoping. Haha. Thanks Trever!

I say stay out of all canyons until you know how to read conditions and trails.Stick to the Bonneville Shoreline, valley parks and parkways (Dimple Dell and Jordan River Parkway in SL county are examples), Suncrest, etc….9

I agree, aside from ski traffic, the canyon slopes are all snow-loaded right now and not worth the risk.

What about Nobletts? I know that is a short trail that seems safe, but I’ve gone out there on my own in winter and seeing these avalanche posts makes me realize I need to educate myself more with the areas that I like.2

I am not familiar with that area…think through it and if there are any slopes 30° or more of inclination, then maybe not?

I wouldn’t do Nobletts in high danger because of the north facing slope the entire length.4

Round Valley in Park City!4

• I am with you on this one! However, we are only providing this list for the interim and HIGHLY encourage everyone to get avalanche awareness training.9
  • perhaps I will make this video. Would be helpful for many17
  • very cool. thank you!
  • that would be sooo helpful! I read all about the 30 degrees but have no idea what I’m looking at when I pull it up on a map.
  • I use Gaia gps. The premium membership is affordable and, imo, the definitive app for hikers/backcountry users. The membership includes access to just about any layer you could want.
  • that would be incredible! Thank you in advance if you’re able! I’m currently learning! Which app do you use for topo (or do you use paper map?) thank you!
•  great idea in addition to this list! imagine how valuable this would be in video format on this page!3
• I think that is partially helpful but the problem with the maps and shading is that it still doesn’t catch small terrain traps that occur even on mellow low-angle slopes. Recognizing those small terrain traps are important, and understanding best practices for uphill routes is also key. I think the shading helps to keep people from traveling below potential hang fire.3
• It still can help one to recognize these areas if you look for areas just under sharply pitched areas, such as the bottom of canyons.2
• eh, I think that’s ambitious. People will go hiking in the winter that don’t want to put in the time to learn about avalanches. This would at least guide them to safer trails. After they get more into hiking or want to venture out more, they can learn more about avalanche safety. I don’t think it has to be an all or nothing approach.6
• No, I wouldn’t trust new people to learn that and then just “assume they know they’re safe”. There is more to understanding avalanche risk than just looking at a map and slopes.

I think the Traverse Mountain Trails are generally considered safe because snow melts very quickly on the hills. Not the prettiest area but views are great and starting at sunrise or ending at sunset can be spectacular.3

These are excellent trails but as you said, not necessarily the most scenic however there are great views to be had at the top. The trails can be very muddy when transitioning but if there is snow and ice they are great.

Everyone venturing out should look through the attached info and take at least a Know Before You Go program. https://utahavalanchecenter.org/know-before-you-goUTAHAVALANCHECENTER.ORGKnow Before You Go – Utah Avalanche CenterKnow Before You Go – Utah Avalanche Center7

Little Mill picnic parking lot to the Ranger home and back. Snowshoe and crosscountry skiing only. Flat 2.25 miles RT. Granite Flats campground area above Tibble Fork reservoir. Around the campground roads and down through the trees to the sleddin… See more6

Well said!

Willow Lake bcc

I love doing this one, but the traffic has gotten so bad lately!3

foot traffic or road traffic?

road traffic

especially on Saturdays.

Sandy city has an avalanche training class on the 26th that I believe is free? Might be worth one’s time if you plan to hike in the winter.9

can you send me the link of the course or the address?

Rattlesnake Gulch and all of Pipeline Trail. Porter Fork road up 1.5 miles to the Wilderness sign. Millcreek road above the winter gate all the way to the Yurt. Neffs Canyon up to the Wilderness sign about 1.5-2 miles up. Mormon Pioneer Trail from Litt… See more13

• Grandeur has several avy areas on the south-facing slopes…not to be attempted right now.44 Replies
• I’ve seen slides come onto the porter fork cabin access road. Not often, but it happens.2
• I think the West ridge of Grandeur would qualify as safe here, as long as you stay true to the ridge.
  • Yes, as long as you keep to the top and don’t venture down the north-facing slopes on the left.
• Agreed. I actually intentionally triggered a decent little avalanche yesterday on the very north slopes you mentioned by kicking a cornice off with my ski. It might be a little too deep up there for anyone except the more sadistic hike… See more
• • too fun…

• I agree with the Draper and Corner Canyon assessment. The elevation is low enough and the slopes don’t have a lot of the extreme angles you get in the canyons.2
• I disagree with SEVERAL of these…Rattlesnake Gulch and the Pipeline have several risky slopes that could be dangerous on a risky day. Avalanches can definitely happen at lower elevations.Same with Neffs! About 5 years ago, a chunk of The Desol… See more2
• Agreed, that whole cirque up to Grandeur is unsafe during heavy snows and after fresh snowfalls. The pipeline trail runs along the bottom of several avy zones.
• Please leave the groomed Mtn Dell area for skis. It’s a tough year for grooming and the devo team needs those trails to learn. Mtn Dell is lovely and guaranteed turkey sighting and highly likely for moose!

What about Big Springs? I looked at the topographic map and there is a small section with a steep slope? (She says with a question because I’m still figuring out how to read slopes…)4

would like to know too.

• the beginning of big springs is pretty low risk however eventually you end up on the back of cascade so somewhere along the way you end up on higher risk areas
• Do not go beyond (west) of the springs as that is a huge avalanche runout zone that could come down lower since there is a ton of snow up in the cirque right now. I would avoid this area for a week after a storm because of th… See more3
• I think if you just go up to the spring and back it is safe. Definitely don’t go past the spring though.
• Thanks, all! I typically don’t go past the spring anyway.

what do you think about pinning this or a similar list of safe trails during the snow season?

Yes, once people give us their recommendations, we will put a list in the “Files” on this page.5

Excellent idea! Just had someone reach out to me this morning via text with help and recommendations

Thank you!!

Went to the Suspension Bridge in Draper this morning and it’s great right now!2

Ensign Peak?

City Creek Canyon

Thank you!

Antelope island and it is perfect in the winter….no killer Flys6

Bells canyon to the resivor.

Alien tower

Rock Canyon in Provo

I was wondering about rock canyon

I was just up today sledding with grandkids. Well travelled and safe.

Note that well-travelled does not necessarily mean safe. Perhaps this trail you reference is flat and truly is safe, but knowing before you go is better than well-travelled.

Even Rock Canyon has a few runout zones…two small ones on the right that can run out onto the trail under heavy snows, and a much larger one that comes down from the left into a ravine before you turn right and head up that hillside to the campground.

I’m going to dispute this one. At the lower ends this is true, but it doesn’t take long before you get into a few areas where I’ve seen avalanche damage across the main path.

there was slide before the first bridge recently that slid onto the trail. But overall, I’d say it’s a safe trail.

Herriman is a lot snow but no avalanches

I hiked today the alpine loop from pine hollow, so much snow and it doesn’t have avalanche risk 

Jacks Mountain and Mount Wire.

The Y

Is Bell Canyon safe?

Can I also request/recommend that when the list is posted…use the names of the trails that match the names used by All Trails? As a new UT resident and avid hiker/snowshoer, I sincerely appreciate you putting this list together. Unfortunately, in t… See more

 will do3

I’m having the same experience! Been here about a year and I’m still struggling to find areas referenced by locals. Thanks for everyone’s input!

All Trails has an excellent selection of trails…all of which we “locals” use all the time! I think it is a great app for a newbie to the Wasatch Front!

4bay at the bottom of Payson Canyon is great! 

Is Adam’s canyon safe? It’s not on the list, but I’m curious.

 has posted about a small avalanche that came down on her relatives in the canyon, but did not kill them. Message her privately.

wow thank you so much! I will message her.

Tunnel springs park through the Bonneville shoreline preserve. Short, easy nice.

All of the single track trails at North Fork Park near Ogden

Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map is an app that has a topographic map of the Wasatch. Anything that’s over 30 degrees (which is prone to avalanches) is highlighted in red. I’ve used it as a guide to stay off of and out from under potentially dangerous te… See more

Flag Rock in Farmington

Here is a post that Phil Clark made in Wasatch Mountain Wranglers a while back.

Best thing you can do is check the avalanche report before heading out. Any trail can have avalanche risk no trail is a 100% safe. Some trails are a low risk. There are also great avalanche safety classes that REI so I would recommend going to one they are very helpful.

Top of Suncrest Alien Peak, Draper Corner Canyon, Hog Hollow Highland, Tibble Lake Road up to Granite Flats 

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