The cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol are a highlight every spring and enhance the Memorial Walkway around the capitol building.
Utah Capitol Cherry Trees
There were some cherry trees planted on the grounds in 1931 and additional trees donated by Japanese Americans during the 1930s. Unfortunately some were vandalized during World War II. After the war Japan sent Kwanazan Cherry Trees as a symbol of friendship.
The cherry blossoms or “Sakura” are especially meaningful in Japan, where they symbolize the cycle of life and how it can be fleeting.
In 1999 a tornado damaged the Capitol grounds, including many of the trees.
During a restoration project, Utah ordered 433 Yoshino Cherry Trees that were specially grafted to have a straight trunk and branches that came out of the top to cover the path. They were planted in 2007 and the result is beautiful!
While you walk around you can appreciate some of the statues and memorials around the Capitol grounds.
You can easily walk across the street to the east and see more memorials in Memory Grove.
Our beautiful state capitol building looks even more elegant while framed by cherry blossoms.
It is still great in other seasons.
If you have time you can also enter the capitol building.
If you are a little past peak, don’t despair. Here are a few from a few years ago after some of the blossoms had faded. It actually makes them look more pink.
Here are a few more photos of the blossoms in their peak.
Stats: Distance – 0.7 mile loop (can see the blossoms without making the full loop)
Approximate hiking time – 15-45 minutes
Elevation gain – 20 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – Packed dirt and sidewalk
Bathrooms – Yes
Seasons to hike – Year Round (blossoms are only about two weeks in spring, usually April)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Ensign Peak, Memory Grove, Living Room Lookout, Miller Park and Bonneville Glen Loop, International Peace Gardens, Thaynes Canyon / Desolation Loop, Rattlesnake Gulch, and Salt Lake Overlook are other nearby trails.Â
