Hiking Ensign Peak at 60+ (And Slightly Out of Shape)

There comes a point in life when you look at a trailhead sign and think, “Well… this could either be inspiring or embarrassing.”

For me, that moment happened at the base of Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I’m in my sixties.  I’m carrying a few extra pounds.  And I’m not exactly what Instagram would call “trail ready.”  But I wanted to see if this popular Salt Lake City hike was something an ordinary guy like me could handle.

So I pointed the camera at myself and started walking.

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What Is Ensign Peak?

Ensign Peak is one of the most accessible hikes in Salt Lake City.  It’s short — less than a mile to the top — but it climbs steadily and gives you panoramic views of:

• Downtown Salt Lake City

• The Wasatch Mountains

• The Great Salt Lake

• And the Salt Lake Valley

It’s one of those “big reward for small effort” hikes… assuming you define “small effort” correctly.

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The Real Question: Can a 60+ Guy Do This?

Let’s be honest.

When you search “Ensign Peak hike,” you mostly see young, athletic hikers bounding uphill like gazelles. That’s not me.  

I filmed my climb in essentially one take — no dramatic music, well maybe a little, no jump cuts hiding heavy breathing, no pretending it was effortless.

Here’s what I learned:

• The trail is short, but it is uphill the whole way.

• The elevation gain will get your heart pumping.

• There are benches along the way (thankfully).  But I didn't use them.

• You do not need to be an elite athlete to finish it.

You do, however, need to pace yourself.

I didn’t keel over. I didn’t need medical attention. I did breathe harder than I’d like to admit.

And that’s okay.

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Trail Conditions and Difficulty

The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow. It’s a dirt and gravel path with some rocky sections. Nothing technical, but enough incline to make you respect it.

If you’re:

• Over 50

• Carrying extra weight

• Just getting back into hiking

• Or simply honest about your current fitness

You can do this hike — just don’t race it.

Take your time. Stop when you need to. Enjoy the view as an excuse to catch your breath.

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The View at the Top

This is where Ensign Peak delivers.

Once you reach the summit monument, you get a sweeping view over Salt Lake City that honestly makes the climb worth it. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Standing there, slightly winded but upright, I had one of those quiet moments where you think:

“Well… I guess I can still do hard things.”

That feeling is worth more than the steps.

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Should You Hike Ensign Peak?

If you’re visiting Salt Lake City and want:

• A short hike

• Big city and mountain views

• Something doable in under an hour

• A confidence boost

Then yes — put Ensign Peak on your list.

If you’re expecting a flat stroll? No. It earns its views.

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Final Thoughts from an Ordinary Hiker

I’m not a fitness influencer.
I’m not a marathon runner.
I’m just a guy in his sixties who didn’t want to sit at the bottom and wonder.

And if I can do it, chances are you probably can too.

Sometimes travel isn’t about exotic destinations. Sometimes it’s about proving to yourself that you’re not done yet.

And Ensign Peak was a good reminder of that.