This extended loop in North Salt Lake follows the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) from Tunnel Springs, past the May wildflower meadow, near the Radio Tower, through an area of the foothills that was burned in July of 2024 (Sandhurst Fire), down to Ensign Peak, and then back again. It is a moderate 6.6 mile loop. This is also the same trailhead as Meridian Peak.
Trailhead
Tunnel Springs is a park and nature area in North Salt Lake. Tunnel Springs has two parking lots. One paved next to the tennis courts and one off an improved dirt road, but any car should be able to do either.
Tunnel Springs is popular with photographers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Head along the trail to the south.
Within a few minutes you get some nice city views and depending on the season, some smaller flowers.
You can look towards up to the foothills or towards the Great Salt Lake.
Take the main trail that heads gradually up the hill around the corner.
You will see the radio tower up ahead.
In the image above, do you see the lighter colored section near the cyclist’s helmet? That is the flower field. So turn left at the junction and then you will arrive at the meadow that blooms in May.
Please don’t trample the flowers, but depending on where you stand you may get some nice views.
Continue up the hill with the radio tower aread to the right and a few of the valley as you get higher.
When you come up over the hill there is a broad view of the Salt Lake Valley.
That hill to the left is Ensign Peak.
The trail heads to the left through the burnt foothills.
It is so inspiring to see the new growth blooming beneath the ashes.
There were sections of yellow wildflowers.
Wherever the land was burned is flourishing now. It’s therapeutic and healing to see.
You can see the valley as you hike.
In May the wildflowers are plentiful!
There is a section where you climb up the hill through the scrub oak.
Periodically there are more views.
At the top you can see the mountains to the east beyond the foothills.
As you come over the hill you can look down on Ensign Peak. The traditional route connects near the reddish trail.
Follow the path up to the top.
The views of the surrounding valley are impressive.
After Ensign Peak you will return the way you came and then divert to the left. You will be winding back and forth along the pathways. Do you see the access dirt road on the far left? That is where you are headed.
Here are some of the views as you descend.
There is a little offshoot from the main trail that connects over to the access road.
The road isn’t the most beautiful part.
As you get higher, the views get better. Do you see the radio tower up above? That is where you are headed.
Here is one more of the spectacular view behind you.
There are kind of two paths back down the hill. The right one takes you below the May wildflower meadow the way you came.
The left trail goes to the top side of the meadow and has more city views.
Soon the two trails rejoin and you can return to Tunnel Springs.
Stats: Distance – 6.4 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 3-4 hours
Elevation gain – 1105 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Yes (near playground)
Seasons to hike – March – November (most wildflowers bloom in mid-late May)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other nearby hikes are
