This week's Utah hiking adventure Little Black Mountain - Salt Lake County

Little Black Mountain seems so close, yet so far away as you daydream on the ridgeline to it. This relaxing section gives you time to set your mind free and just be with nature. At the trailhead, take the trail stairs up for Perry's Hollow. At one-quarter mile, look for a smaller trail going up a steep hill and take it. This side trail will take you out of Perry's Hollow and onto a ridgeline overlooking the Great Salt Lake. You will see power poles on the ridge, and the trail turns north. When you arrive at the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, go right. Scrub oaks offer shade as you make your way to the City Creek Canyon junction at 1.10 miles. At the junction, take the trail going up to the ridgeline heading northeast. On the ridgeline, the trail splits at 1.94 miles for Avenues Twin Peaks; stay left. After the split, the trail smooths out to the base of Little Black Mountain. This relaxing section ends at 3.3 miles into the hike. At the base, the trail becomes steep to the peak. Take a long break on top and enjoy the fantastic view. To find the shortcut return, watch for a 4x4 road trail going uphill and take it. On top, the trail heads straight downhill toward a water tank. At the bottom and before the trail turns south, look for a smaller trail heading west in the trees. This connects you back to the Perry's Hollow trail.

Directions: From 11th Avenue in Salt Lake City, turn north onto Terrace Hills Drive. Turn right onto North Bonneville Drive and drive to the "T." Turn left onto Richland Drive and park near the trailhead.Destination Valley views

Difficulty: Strenuous

Round trip miles: 8.1 miles

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Elevation gain: 2,625 ft.

Trailhead restrooms: No

Dogs allowed: Yes