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The Living Room Lookout

4.6
·491k reviews·Salt Lake City, United States

Iconic hike with unique rock 'furniture' offering breathtaking sunrise views over Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light show

CrowdHigh
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View from the top

The Living Room Lookout

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light show

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic hike with unique rock 'furniture' offering breathtaking sunrise views over Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is THE quintessential SLC hike! Incredible views of the Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City, AND the Great Salt Lake."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go for Sunrise!

An early start is rewarded with stunning views and fewer people. :sunriseovermountains:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail is short but can be steep; good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise Spectacle

Sunrise Spectacle

Summit

Witness the breathtaking sunrise paint the sky with vibrant colors over Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.

TikTok
Iconic 'Living Room' Furniture

Iconic 'Living Room' Furniture

Summit

Relax on the unique rock 'furniture' that gives this spot its name, offering unparalleled panoramic views.

Instagram
Panoramic City & Lake Views

Panoramic City & Lake Views

Summit

Take in sweeping vistas of the Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City, and the expansive Great Salt Lake.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for That Perfect Sunrise

Catching the sunrise at The Living Room Lookout is a must-do, but requires an early start. Aim to arrive before dawn to secure a good spot and witness the magical light show over the city and mountains. TikTok

Trail Prep for a Rewarding Hike

This popular hike is relatively short but can be steep in parts. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water, especially if you're going for sunrise. Check the weather forecast as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Instagram

Best Times

When
Sunrise
Why
Magical light show
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

if you’re in the calgary area, and want to do an easy sunrise hike, definitely check out the barrier lake lookout trail! ⛰️ at only around 1km, it’s an easy hike for a great reward. we were SO lucky to even catch a morning rainbow in the mountains. would you go here?! #kananaskis #albertahikes #yycliving #calgaryliving
@hayleynoellexoxo
60.7K likes • 664K views

🎯 Go for Sunrise!

An early start is rewarded with stunning views and fewer people. TikTok :sunriseovermountains:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail is short but can be steep; good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

The Living Room Lookout hike was such a perfect first hike of the season! Trail Details 🥾2.35 miles 🥾984ft of elevation gain 🥾took me an hour to complete! In my opinion, this is THE quintessential SLC hike! If your friends are in town and want to hike with incredible views of the Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City, AND the Great Salt Lake, I recommend this one. I began at 7 p.m. to watch the sun...
sendymcsendersonn
51 likes • 2.8K views
reddit.com

I took this picture a couple weeks ago from the “Living Room” hike. What hikes do you guys recommend for great views of SLC?

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days or during your early morning ascent. :droplet:

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early for sunrise to snag a parking spot, as it fills up quickly. Reddit :car:

reddit.com

looking for a good first peak to hike to

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go for Sunrise!

An early start is rewarded with stunning views and fewer people. TikTok :sunriseovermountains:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail is short but can be steep; good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days or during your early morning ascent. :droplet:

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early for sunrise to snag a parking spot, as it fills up quickly. Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The Living Room Lookout for its breathtaking sunrise views and unique summit rock formations, calling it a quintessential Salt Lake City hike. While the trail is short, it offers a rewarding challenge with stunning panoramic vistas. Some find parking difficult during peak times, and the steep sections can be demanding for some.

What People Like

Spectacular sunrise views
Unique rock furniture
Panoramic city & lake vistas

What People Dislike

Crowded parking
Steep trail sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead is located off Suncrest Drive in Sandy, Utah. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it fills up very quickly, especially for sunrise. Consider carpooling or arriving extra early. Reddit

While there isn't direct public transport to the trailhead, you can take a UTA bus to a nearby stop and then walk or arrange a ride-share for the final approach. Reddit

Use GPS navigation to 'The Living Room Lookout Trailhead' or 'Suncrest Drive Trailhead' in Sandy, Utah. Many hikers recommend using apps like AllTrails for detailed directions. Instagram

The drive up Suncrest Drive is paved and generally well-maintained, but can be winding. Be mindful of other vehicles and cyclists. TikTok

Currently, there are no parking fees associated with The Living Room Lookout trailhead. However, always check for any updated local regulations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Living Room Lookout is a public hiking trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees. Instagram

The trail is accessible 24/7, but it's highly recommended to visit during daylight hours or for sunrise/sunset for safety and the best experience. TikTok

While technically accessible, hiking at night is not recommended for beginners due to potential hazards and lack of visibility. Stick to sunrise or daytime for safety. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other hikers and clean up after your pet. Instagram

The hike is relatively short and manageable for most fitness levels, but the steep sections might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike is approximately 2.35 miles roundtrip and typically takes about an hour to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. Instagram

The trail has an elevation gain of about 984 feet, making it a good workout with rewarding views. Instagram

At the summit, you'll find unique rock formations that resemble living room furniture, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. Instagram

There are no restrooms available at the trailhead or along the trail. Please plan accordingly. Reddit

You might encounter common desert and mountain wildlife such as squirrels, various birds, and possibly deer. Always maintain a safe distance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise offers incredible light for capturing the city and mountains. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful, soft lighting for photos. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be helpful for sunrise/sunset shots, but be mindful of space at crowded times. Instagram

The 'living room' furniture itself is a popular spot. Also, look for vantage points that capture the full sweep of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or by local regulations. It's best to check with local authorities before flying a drone. Reddit

Utilize your phone's HDR mode for balanced exposures. Tap to focus on your subject and adjust exposure manually for better results, especially during sunrise. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Living Room Lookout can be a fun adventure for families, but it requires some planning. The hike is relatively short, making it manageable for older children who are accustomed to walking. Reddit However, the steep sections might be challenging for very young children or toddlers, so consider using a child carrier if needed. The unique rock 'furniture' at the summit is a great incentive for kids to reach the top, and the expansive views offer a sense of wonder. Instagram

Key tips for families:
* Go early: Beat the crowds and the heat by aiming for a morning hike. TikTok
* Pack snacks and water: Ensure everyone stays energized and hydrated. Instagram
* Wear appropriate shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for everyone. Instagram
* Supervise closely: Keep a close eye on children, especially near the edge of the summit. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, The Living Room Lookout offers a prime location for capturing stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset. The panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake provide a dramatic backdrop. TikTokInstagram The unique rock formations at the summit also offer creative opportunities for framing shots. Instagram

Photography tips:
* Sunrise is prime time: The soft, colorful light is ideal for landscape photography. TikTok
* Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the vastness of the scenery. Instagram
* Tripod: Useful for low-light conditions and long exposures, but be mindful of space. Instagram
* Experiment with compositions: Use the rock furniture as foreground elements or find unique angles of the city and lake. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Sunrise Hikes

The Living Room Lookout is renowned for its spectacular sunrise views, drawing hikers eager to witness the dawn break over the Salt Lake Valley. The short, accessible trail makes it a popular choice for an early morning adventure. Many visitors emphasize the reward of seeing the city lights twinkle below as the sun begins to illuminate the Wasatch Front. TikTok It's an experience that many describe as 'quintessential' for anyone visiting the Salt Lake City area. Instagram

To make the most of your sunrise hike, plan to arrive at the trailhead at least 30-45 minutes before the actual sunrise time. This allows ample time for parking, the hike itself, and finding a comfortable spot at the summit. Remember to bring a headlamp or flashlight for the ascent in the dark. Reddit The early start also means fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene and personal experience with the stunning natural beauty. TikTok

Navigating the Trail and Summit Experience

The trail to The Living Room Lookout is approximately 2.35 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of around 984 feet. While not overly strenuous, it does involve some steep sections that require sturdy footwear. Instagram The path is generally well-defined, but it's always wise to have a reliable navigation app or map handy, especially if hiking in low light conditions. Reddit

Upon reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by the unique 'living room' furniture made of natural rock formations. This quirky and iconic feature provides a perfect place to sit, rest, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. Instagram Visitors often spend time here taking photos, enjoying a snack, or simply marveling at the expansive vistas of Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Instagram Be prepared for potential wind at the summit, and consider bringing layers of clothing. Reddit

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