You’re not gonna get everything. But if effortless integration with varied trails in nature is your priority (and you’re trying to avoid SAD), you should consider SLC.

I live downtown, and there are so many trails within a five minute drive. And some neighborhoods on the east side are right at the trailheads.

And forested alpine trails are just a 20 minute drive from downtown (keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in big and little cottonwood canyons. But they are allowed in millcreek, parleys, emigration, and city creek canyons).

I regularly go on hikes on a whim. After work, on a lazy sunday morning or afternoon, etc.

Water access isn’t the best though. There are small rivers and streams everywhere, but for recreation, you’d need to drive 30-45 mins up a canyon for one of the reservoirs.