Let’s face it—hiking in Draper, Utah, is kind of a big deal. With over 100 miles of trails winding through the city and surrounding hills, it’s a paradise for people who love to lace up their boots and get moving. But before you head for Corner Canyon or aim for a sunrise trek at Ghost Falls, let’s talk trail smarts.
This guide is your friendly reminder that the best hikes don’t just happen. They’re planned. So if you want to enjoy Draper’s trails and live to tell the tale (with cool photos), here’s how to do it right.
Pack Like a Pro: What to Bring on Draper Trails
You don’t need to haul a mountain of gear, but you don’t want to be the person stuck on the trail without water or sunscreen. Here’s your basic must-bring list:
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Water: Don’t skimp. Even short hikes can leave you parched. One liter per hour is a good rule.
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Snacks: Trail mix, jerky, fruit—whatever fuels you. Hunger hits harder out there.
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Map or Trail App: AllTrails and Gaia GPS are great for tracking where you are (and where you’re going). Most Draper trails are well-marked, but the signal can fade fast in the backcountry.
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Sunscreen and Hat: Utah sun is no joke. Shade is rare on some routes.
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Small First Aid Kit: Blisters, scrapes, and surprise bee stings don’t wait for you to get back to your car.
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Flashlight or Headlamp: Because even locals lose track of time.
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Layers: Draper mornings start cool and warm up quickly. Bring a lightweight jacket or hoodie, even in summer.
Bonus item: A fully charged phone. But don’t rely on it for everything. Battery life goes fast when you’re snapping photos and using maps.
Know the Trail, Know Yourself
Draper offers trails for every skill level—from beginner strolls to sweat-heavy climbs. But don’t get overly confident. Even short trails can get tricky with sudden elevation gains or rocky patches.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Check the weather before you leave. Summer storms roll in quickly. Rain and exposed ridgelines? Not a great combo.
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Start early. Trails get crowded and hot later in the day. Morning hikes are cooler, calmer, and easier on your legs.
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Stay on marked paths. Sure, shortcuts might look tempting, but they can damage local habitats and lead you into terrain you’re not prepared for.
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Let someone know your plan, especially if you’re solo. A quick text saying, “I’m heading to Eagle Crest—back by 5” could make a big difference in an emergency.
Tech That Keeps You on Track
Your phone can be a trail buddy—but only if you’ve got the right tools. Try these apps to level up your hiking game:
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AllTrails: Offers detailed maps, elevation info, and trail reviews from other hikers in Draper. You can download maps for offline use (huge help if your signal drops).
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Gaia GPS: More advanced users love this for its deep mapping features.
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Cairn: A safety-focused app that lets others track your progress and alerts them if you’re overdue.
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WeatherBug: Gives live lightning and weather updates that are more localized than basic forecasts.
Don’t forget to download maps ahead of time and ensure your phone’s location services are enabled.
Trail Etiquette Is Part of Safety
No one likes a trail hog. In Draper, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders often share the same paths, especially in Corner Canyon. Be polite, alert, and patient.
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Yield to horses.
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Mountain bikers yield to hikers (though many are super speedy, so stay aware).
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Step off the trail if you need a break—don’t block the path.
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Dogs? Yes, but on-leash unless otherwise posted, and always clean up after them.
Keeping trails safe means keeping them respectful.
Why Draper Is a Great Place for Trail Lovers
Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trail veteran, Draper offers that perfect mix of accessibility and adventure. The city invests heavily in maintaining its outdoor spaces, with trailheads close to neighborhoods, schools, and parks. That means after-work hikes, weekend adventures, and peaceful Sunday morning walks are just a few minutes away.
Draper isn’t just a place where people hike—it’s a place where the trails are part of everyday life. With smart prep, the right gear, and a bit of trail sense, you can enjoy every step and feel right at home.
Get More Out of Every Hike in Draper
Staying safe and being prepared lets you focus on what matters most—fresh air, great views, and the kind of outdoor lifestyle that makes Draper one of the best places to live in Utah. So pack smart, hike safe, and explore often. Draper’s trails are waiting—and they’re worth every step.
Source: news.openspaceauthority.org
Header Image Source: Erik Mclean on Unsplash
