Utah Hiking Info

Welcome to Utahhikinginfo.com!

2011-06-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Are you a hiker looking for your next trail? Haven't you ever wanted to escape from the mundane life to the pastoral unblemished surroundings of the Mountains or Desert? Do you ever get the itch to adventure out to some distant peak or explore a canyon you see as you drive down the road? Trust me I have been there. I have a passion for hiking. It doesn't matter what you see or what you do, anyone can enjoy the outdoors in one form or another. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, every single one of us can enjoy what Utah has to offer. Utah Hiking offers hiking year round from the tops of the Uinta Mountains to the depths of Zion's Canyon.

This is all why I have created this site. Take a look what Utahhikinginfo.com has to offer:

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Hikes by Location

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Mt. Nebo

2010-10-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

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St. George Narrows ("The Red Crack")

2010-09-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

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River Trail (Zion National Park)

2010-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Overview:
The Riverside Walk is a wonderful stroll up the canyon past cottonwood trees and along the bubbling Virgin River. You can expect a gentle walk along a paved path with gentle inclines now and again. Along with the plethora of squirrels and tourists, there are plenty of hanging gardens decorating the canyon walls on this hike. Interestingly, along this hike you'll also encounter Zion's swamp alongside the trail - an actual swamp created by the water which trickles out of the Navajo Sandstone. This hike is sometimes called the "Gateway to the Narrows" because where the River Walk ends, the canyon walls narrow out, and the Zion Narrows trail begins. You can access this trail by taking the shuttle to the farthest stop up the canyon, and there are many places along the way where you can take a break and play in the river. At the end of this walk, there is a great place to have lunch.

Trailhead:

From St. George:

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the correct stop

GPS: 37°17'7.00"N 112°56'51.71"W
Distance: 2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Paved and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Maps:

Pictures:

Spanish Fork Peak

2010-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

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Kings Peak via Henry’s Fork (Uinta Mountains)

2010-09-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

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Dry Mountain (Wasatch)

2010-09-14T20:52:00.001-07:00

Overview:
Dry Mountain is located in the south Wasatch Range with the city of Santaquin at its base. This is one of the two mountains directly north of Mt. Nebo, with Bald Mountain being the other . What the trail lacks in mileage, it makes up in steepness, so it can be done quickly as long as you're in good shape and used to steep climbs. The trail is generally easy to follow, and in good condition until you reach the saddle, when the trail disappears, and the bushwhacking begins. There are no restrooms or water access from this trail.

GPS: 39°55'26.33"N 111°43'15.59"W
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: 4
Hike Time: 3-5 hours
Trail Condition: Rough, rocky dirt until saddle - no trail after saddle.
Season: Early Spring to late Fall.

Trailhead:

From I-15, take exit 244 for US-6 West, and take a left under the freeway

Take the very next right at Highland Drive

After 1.1 miles, take a left at Canyon Rd

Follow this road for 7.7 miles, past Tinney Flat Campground, and around a few hairpin turns to Santaquin Meadows

At Santaquin Meadows, take a left onto what appears to be an ATV road, and this will take you to the trailhead

Detailed Description:
This hike can be best described in two sections. The first part of the trail takes you from the area near Santaquin Meadows up to the saddle of Dry Mountain, and the second part of the trail takes you from the saddle, along the ridge, to the peak.

Section 1 - Initially, the trail is comprised of fairly loose rock and gravel, and it appears as though erosion has created a crevasse along the center. There are a few large rocks and trees to hop over as the trail leads through a coniferous/aspen forest. Shortly after the trailhead, you'll come to a fork in the trail, and you'll want to take the left branch, the route that looks like it heads towards Dry Mountain. From there, goes through sections of extreme steepness, and relatively flat sections through alpine meadows. You may also notice traces of cattle, from cow pies to the occasional cow smell. After two such meadows, the trail switches back twice in its ascent to the saddle, and gains in steepness. Once you reach the saddle, head off to your right up the ridge, rather than walking straight into the saddle as the trail may suggest. This is where the official trail ends.

Section 2 - When looking up the ridge to your right, you'll see the first false summit, which is by far the steepest part of the trail. From this point, just do your best to head towards the first summit, always keeping it in view. If you always head towards the highest point you can see, and never lose sight of it, you really can't go wrong. After passing through a large field of scrub oak and other vegetation, and a few small groves of burned coniferous trees, you'll have to scramble over some loose rock to finally reach the first false summit. From this false summit onwards, the ridge becomes far less steep, and a little more interesting. Just follow the ridge, staying as close as you can to the top, and eventually you'll reach the summit. From the summit, the views of Utah Valley are amazing, as are the views of West Mountain to your west, Loafer Mountain and the rest of the Wasatch Range to the north, and Bald Mountain obscuring all but the peak of Mt. Nebo to the south.

Maps:

Pictures:

Sand Dune Arch (Arches National Park)

2010-09-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Overview:
Sand Dune Arch lies nestled between two sandstone fins, and is surrounded by a beach-like area of deep, soft sand. Visitors find this a great area to relax in the sand, and let the kids play. There are many areas around this arch to safely explore (although climbing on arches themselves is not allowed or safe), and because of its location between the fins, it remains much cooler than other areas of Arches National Park, making it a great place to come to cool off. Often, there is a breeze blowing by Sand Dune Arch, which can become quite strong on occasions. Visitors who play at Sand Dune Arch often continue on the trail to Broken Arch, which is a short distance beyond the turn off to Sand Dune Arch.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

GPS: 38°45'53.71"N 109°35'1.04"W
Distance: 0.2 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15 - 30 minutes (depends how long you stay and play)
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Sand Dune Arch trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

Detailed Description:
The trailhead to Sand Dune Arch is located towards the end of Arches National Park, near the Devil's Garden trailhead. There is parking available at the Sand Dune Arch trailhead, but no restrooms or water access; the nearest being a little further down the road at the Devil's Garden trailhead. The journey to Sand Dune Arch is a very short one, less than a mile, and the terrain is flat and open. After about 0.2 of a mile, the trail will fork. Off to your left is the path to Broken Arch, and to your right is the path to Sand Dune Arch. You'll notice that the trail leads into a slot canyon comprised of two sandstone fins. The path through the slot canyon may require climbing up and over some rocks, but this is by no means challenging, but easily transversed by children, and even the most amateur hiker. As always, on a hot summer day, be sure to have plenty of water with you, and be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. Be sure to respect the beauty of the park by picking up and carting out any trash you may have with you.

Maps:

Pictures:

Sand Dunes Trail (Snow Canyon State Park)

2010-09-08T18:18:00.001-07:00

Overview:
The Sand Dunes are a fantastic place for children to play in the sand, and for hikers to take a leisurely walk, and are consequently one of the main attractions of Snow Canyon State Park. Located not far away from a picnic area and restrooms, a trip to the Sand Dunes is great for lunch with the family. Children will enjoy burying themselves in the sand, and even rolling down the steep slopes of the dunes surrounded by the stunningly beautiful sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. A trip to the Sand Dunes is a great addition to a day at Snow Canyon State Park due to its close proximity to other kid-friendly areas of interest including Jenny's Canyon Trail. On hot summer days, the dunes can be toasty, so be sure to have plenty of water with you, and keep the sunscreen handy.

Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

GPS: 37°11'33.69"N 113°38'52.14"W
Distance: 0.15 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15 - 30 minutes (but it depends how long you stay and play)

Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

Maps:

Pictures:

Pine Valley Mountain

2010-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Overview:
The trail up Pine Valley Mountain is very steep - one of the steepest trails around, and quite a contrast to the relatively flat trails of Zion National Park and Snow Canyon. The scenery is also quite distinct from the red rock and desert of the surrounding area, with scrub oak, wildflowers and evergreen trees. In fact, this hike is more characteristic of a Wasatch or Northern Utah hike than a Southern Utah one. This is an all day hike, and not particularly kid-friendly, unless your kid is accustomed to long, grueling trails. The temperature is usually about 20 degrees cooler than St. George at the trailhead, and the breeze is quite cool on the way up. In wet years, expect to see snow on the north side of the ridge on the top until mid-July. Did we mention this is a steep hike?

This is also the trail that takes you to Signal Peak, the high point of Pine Valley Mountain and Washington County. Since the hike to the ridgeline at the top of the mountain is a full hike in its own right, the trail that goes on to Signal Peak will have its own page.

Note: You'll definitely want to bring a jacket on this hike - if not for the cool breeze along the way up, for the top of the mountain where the wind can be strong and cold.

GPS: 37°18'59.67"N 113°27'16.30"W
Distance: 1.9 miles to saddle
Difficulty: 5
Hike Time: 5-7 hours

Trailhead:
From I-15 South (St. George)

Take exit 16 for St Hwy 9 towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

About 2 miles later, turn left at 6300 West (Hwy 91)

About 5 miles later, this road becomes Leeds Main St.

Take a left on Silver Reef road about 1 mile later taking you under the freeway - eventually this road will become a dirt road

2 miles later, the road forks. Take the right fork towards Pine Valley Mountain

Follow this road for about 5.4 more miles, to the Pine Valley Mountain trailhead at Oak Grove Campground

From I-15 North

Take exit 23 for Silver Reef towards Leeds

Coming off the freeway, take a right at Silver Reef Rd - eventually this road will become a dirt road

2 miles later, the road forks. Take the right fork towards Pine Valley Mountain

Follow this road for about 5.4 more miles, to the Pine Valley Mountain trailhead at Oak Grove Campground

Detailed Description:
It's easy to follow this trail up to the ridgeline on the top of the mountain (if you're continuing on to Signal Peak, the trail is more obscure and marked by cairns, so a topo map or GPS is helpful). This trail can be divided up into sections where the scenery and trail conditions differ slightly:

Section 1: From the trailhead to the ridge that you follow up to the top of the mountain. Here the trail is the least steep, and you'll see an outcrop of red rock, and a sign that announces the start of the wilderness boundary. Also, the switchbacks are oriented in a north/south direction.

Section 2: The switchbacks bring you to the ridge that leads up the mountain. The trail during this section is steeper than section 1 and has patches of loose sand. There's not much shade in this section, and this, combined with the wind, will dry out a hiker, so water is especially important here. As far as vegetation in this section is concerned, scrub oak, and wildflowers cover the landscape. In the middle of this section, there is a large rock with a dead pine tree trunk propped up against it. This rock provides some good shade, and is a good place to stop for a snack- thus we have dubbed it, "Snack Rock." Just beyond Snack Rock is a grove of evergreens that the trail passes through before returning to the scrub oak landscape.

Section 3: Gradually the scrub oak will give way to evergreens, and here starts section 3. The air in this section becomes much cooler as the amount of shade increases. The abundance of evergreens and rocks makes the experience of this section feel more like a quintessential mountain hike. This section carries you to the top of the mountain, and you'll know you're there when the trail stops going up. From here, the views of the surrounding terrain is unparalleled. Off to the south you can see the Virgin River Gorge; to the east you can see Zion and Kolob canyons, the Grand Staircase, and even the distant Kaibab Plateau. (Where the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located). From this point, you can search for the Summit Trail which takes you to Signal Peak, or you can have lunch, and make the voyage back to the trailhead.

Maps:

Pictures:

Cascade Springs

2010-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

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2010 Top Hiking Blog Award

2010-09-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Utahhikinginfo.com achieves the 2010 Top Hiking Blog Award

The award winners for this category were announced on July 26, 2010.

Nominations for next year's 2011 award have already begun.

This award highlights the very best blogs to learn about hiking on the internet that were nominated by the internet community, and is designed to thank the authors for their contribution toward the world wide web we all use & enjoy.

Awards candidates are found by one method:
- Anonymous nominations that are open to the internet community

This allows us to generate a candidate list that is based upon what the internet determines as being good, original content. We stay away from a voting system because the only information that gives us is how well a site's readership can click a button.

After a list of candidates is compiled, we then filter the list to ensure that each site qualifies for the category. We then give the list to be scored by our panel of 5 judges. Each judge rates each blog across 20 different attributes, including content, frequency of updates, amount of advertising, length of posts, and readibility. This then provides the site with a ‘subjective’ score. These ratings are combined into an aggregate total for the 5 judges. The amount of nominations are also converted into a score, and this score combined with the aggregate score gives the blog its final rating.

The ratings are then compared for each site within a category and awards are given out to blogs in the 99% percentile (meaning the top 1% of blogs receive awards).

If you have any questions regarding the award or the awards process, please feel free to contact Jeff Adams at jeff (at) onlineschools (dot) org.

Upper Emerald Pools - Kayenta Trail (Zion National Park)

2010-08-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Upper Emerald Pools - Kayenta Trail

Overview:
Upper Emerald Pools poses a bit more of a challenge than the Lower or Upper Pools with a 250 foot elevation gain in 1.5 miles. Once you reach the Middle Pools, the trail becomes quite a bit more rocky and steep; in fact, making it to the top is a bit more like scrambling or climbing than hiking. Despite this, I saw many children there, who apparently really enjoyed climbing to the Upper Pools. Another perk of visiting this destination is the views of Cathedral Mountain, Lady Mountain, and Red Arch Mountain.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Difficulty: 2 until Upper Pools junction, 3 from junction to Upper Pools
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
There are two routes to take to reach the Upper Emerald Pools: the trailhead at Zion Lodge, or the Kayenta trailhead at the Grotto shuttle station. This post will describe the Kayenta trail, since from the Zion Lodge, you take the Middle Emerald Pools trail to arrive at the Upper Pools. (See the Middle Emerald Pools description). The Kayenta Trail begins as a slight uphill trek up Mount Moroni, but then levels off as it enters the Canyon where the Emerald Pools are located. During the summer months, this trail can be hot and dry, so it's very important to take plenty of water and sunscreen with you. The Kayenta trail is relatively flat until the junction with the Emerald Pools trail. This junction is well-signed, and if you continue on up to the Upper Emerald Pools, that's where the trail becomes more of a climb. The Upper Emerald Pools is a very spectacular sight, and well worth the climb, but don't expect a solitary destination. There are a lot of tourists that visit this destination, especially so on free national park weekend, when I was there.

Maps:

Pictures:

Middle Emerald Pools (Zion National Park)

2010-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Middle Emerald Pools

Overview:
The Middle Emerald Pools is the second in a series of three pools in this canyon, and from which flows a waterfall into the Lower Pools. If you look hard enough, you'll notice many varieties of aquatic animals, including minnows, tadpoles, toads, dragonflies, and damselflies. This 2-mile hike can be strenuous for children because of the 150 foot elevation gain and rocky terrain, but if your children can make it, they'll love these beautiful pools.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 1 - 2 hours
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
A short distance after the trailhead at Zion Lodge, after travelling across the bridge over the river, the trail forks. To the right is the trail to the Lower Emerald Pools, and to the left is the trail to the Middle Emerald Pools and Upper Emerald Pools. There is only one way to get to the Lower Emerald Pools, and you cannot access the Middle and Upper from the Lower. There are two ways to access the Middle and Upper Pools: One way is from the trailhead at the Zion Lodge, and the other is from the Kayenta Trail.

Once you cross over the bridge and reach the junction from the trailhead at Zion Lodge, and head left to the Middle and Upper Pools, the trail begins its steep ascent, gaining a lot of elevation fairly quickly. Once the trail veers left and begins to head up into the canyon, you can look to your right, and on the other side of the canyon see the Kayenta trail leading into the canyon. The two trails meet at the Middle Emerald Pools, and from there, a separate trail joins which takes you to the Upper Pools. In the afternoon of the Spring and Summer, this trail can be very hot and dry, and because of the harmful bacteria, you can't drink the water in the pools, so it is necessary to bring your own. Fortunately, there are many stops in Zion National Park where you can refill your water bottles, Zion Lodge being one of them.

Maps:

Pictures:

Mill Canyon Peak

2010-08-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mill Canyon Peak

Overview:
The trail to Mill Canyon peak is mostly a loose dirt trail that is well marked due to the number of dirt bikes that traverse it on a regular basis. It can be steep in places, and it is mostly uphill the whole way. It is a very pleasant hike, and the views of the surrounding mountains are quite breathtaking, as are the forests of aspens you'll encounter. At an elevation of 10,349 feet, Mill Canyon Peak is comparable to Loafer Mountain near Santaquin, Utah Valley.

GPS: 40.2947N 111.3433W
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: 4
Hike Time: 2-4 hours

Trailhead:

From the I-15, take Exit 272 (800 N in Orem)

Follow this for 3.6 miles, then veer left into Provo Canyon

After 7 miles, turn left at UT-92 to Sundance

After 8.5 miles, turn right at the three-way intersection of UT-92 (Alpine Highway)

3.4 miles later, you'll see your first left turn onto a dirt road. Turn left here.

Follow this dirt road for 2.4 miles until you reach the trailhead. You'll see a "parking lot" which is basically an open field of grass where cars park. The trailhead is marked as trail #157.

Detailed Description:
Trail #157 is actually a common road for dirt bikers, and after some distance, you need to turn off this trail to make it to the peak. It's easy to tell when you need to head off this trail though; once you come to the junction where the trail forks (near a rockslide) take the right trail, marked by the sign that reads "East Ridge Tr. No. 038." (shown in the pictures below) This part of the trail will take you over what looks like an old wire fence, which actually follows the trail in many places. Once you reach the ridge, you'll have a view of Deer Creek Reservior, Heber and Waltsburg. At this point, look for a trail that heads up the ridge. (also shown in the pictures below) This isn't an official trail, and there are times when it nearly disappears, but keep heading up the ridge with the summit (or one of the three false summits) in site, and you can't go wrong. This trail passes over a few terraces built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and through many fields of wildflowers.

Note: We hiked this the first weekend in August 2010, and we were passed by not one, not two, not even three dirt bikers, but 16! Not exactly the solitude we were hoping for.

Maps:

Pictures:

One of the 16 dirt bikers we saw along this trail.

When you come to this sign and rockslide, take a right onto trail #038.

This is what the trail along the ridge looks like. Take a left here to catch the ridge trail.

Petrified Dunes (Snow Canyon State Park)

2010-08-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Petrified Dunes Trail

Overview:
If you are a fan of scrambling over slickrock, you will love the Petrified Dunes Trail! This trail is relatively short but sweet, but can get a bit rugged as it approaches the Three Ponds Trail. Snow Canyon State Park gets hot during most of the hiking season, so make sure you are equipped for the heat with plenty of water and sunscreen.

Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

GPS: 37.215624, -113.643948
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hours
Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

Detailed Description:
From the trailhead, the trail markers indicate the Butterfly Trail off to the right, and the Petrified Dunes Trail to the left. The trail is easy to follow to the dunes themselves, but once on the dunes, it can be difficult to navigate the trail. Just head in a south-westerly direction and follow the nook in between the dunes down out of the slickrock and look for the trail. Once the Petrified Dunes trail comes to an end, you pick up the Three Ponds Trail. Turn around and come back for a one mile out and back experience, or, add another 15 - 30 minutes to your hike time and head left on the Three Ponds Trail and up to the nearby Hidden Pinyon Overlook for some fabulous pictures!

Maps;

Pictures:

Lower Emerald Pools (Zion National Park)

2010-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Lower Emerald Pools

Overview:
The trail to the Lower Emerald Pools is a beautiful trail offering views of the Virgin River and the stunning cottonwoods along the river banks. Though the Lower Pools are just farther than one mile from the trailhead, this is an easy hike because it's a relatively flat trail with only a 70 foot elevation gain. This journey mimics that of Weeping Rock owing to the many places along the way where water flows through the Navajo Sandstone and under the trail. Don't try and drink any of the water along the way because it contains a harmful bacteria, and don't try to feed or play with the squirrels as they are wild animals prone to bite anyone who gets too close.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
The easiest way to access the Lower Emerald Pools is via the trailhead at Zion Lodge. Cross over the bridge, and follow the signs. Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Utah, so expect to run into crowds, especially on this hike, because being across the street from the lodge, and being a relatively easy hike to a very beautiful destination makes it one of the more popular hikes in Zion. The crowds are even more prevalent if you come on free national park weekend like I did.

When you arrive at Lower Emerald Pools, you can walk under a small waterfall caused by the Middle Pools, so be prepared for a slight soaking. There also is quite a bit of vegetation growing in the area under the falls reminiscent of a desert oasis. Swimming is prohibited in the pools, but you can still cool off under the waterfall if you need to. If you have time, visit the Middle Emerald Pool and Upper Emerald Pool. Thsee hikes are a bit more challenging because of the added elevation gains, but if you can make it, you'll discover more natural beauty you won't want to miss!

Maps:

Pictures:

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Weeping Rock (Zion National Park)

2010-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Weeping Rock

Overview:
This short hike ends at an overhang covered with mossy vegetation called the "Hanging Gardens" of Zion, and with a steady stream of water flowing over the edge. The name "Weeping Rock" refers to the Navajo Sandstone which, because of its porous nature, allows water to flow through it. This hike is relatively short, less than half a mile, and it is a paved trail, but it is a fairly steep one.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Weeping Rock stop

GPS: N37 16.255 W112 56.308
Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15-30 minutes
Trail Condition: Paved and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
From the shuttle stop, head around into the parking lot and over the bridge, where the trail starts. There will be a sign marking the way. You'll have no problem following the trail, and while you're enjoying the hike, notice the little mini-waterfalls along the trailside. It is also common to see squirrels along the path, but don't feed them! They can be dangerous if you get to close.

As you approach the overhang, expect to get wet as you'll have to walk through the falling water to get underneath. The water is a cool refresher in the heat of Zion National Park. You'll have to bring water to this hike because there is no water available at the trailhead, although there is a restroom facility. Do not attempt to drink the water that flows from the rocks as the water contains harmful bacteria.

Maps:

Pictures:

Tunnel Arch (Arches National Park)

2010-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tunnel Arch

Overview:
Tunnel Arch is one of many arches that can be accessed from the Devil's Garden trailhead in Arches National Park. It is only about a quarter of a mile from Pine Tree Arch, which makes it convenient to see these two Arches on the same trip. The close proximity is a bonus for families with small children who may not be able to hike long distances, making it possible for them to see more of nature's wonders. Tunnel Arch is actually a double arch comprised of a larger hole towards the center of the fin, and a smaller hole on the upper-left. The fin in which this arch was formed is relatively thick, which creates the illusion that it is more of a tunnel than an arch, hence the name.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: N38 47.132 W109 35.782
Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
The trails in Arches National Park are very well marked and well maintained, and there are a lot of people who enjoy these trails. Begin at the Devil's Garden trailhead and continue along the path, following the signs as you go. There are two forks in the trail as you approach Tunnel Arch. The first branches off the main path to the right taking you to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. At the next fork, you'll see that Tunnel Arch is to your right, and Pine Tree Arch is to your left. Follow the signs and you can't go wrong. Plus, you'll receive a park map when you enter Arches National Park which will help you find these arches.

Be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

In the summer months, the temperature in Arches National Park can get fairly hot, so be prepared with extra water and sun protection, especially if attempting these hikes during midday. However, the best time to photograph Tunnel Arch is in the morning.

Maps:

Pictures:

Pine Tree Arch (Arches National Park)

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pine Tree Arch

Overview:
Pine Tree Arch is one of two arches in very close proximity; the other is Tunnel Arch. It is very easy to visit both in the same trip as the distance between them is only a quarter of a mile or so. The trail is very well marked and well maintained, which makes this an excellent hike for families with children. Also, there are other arches of interest in this area, including the formidable Landscape Arch, the largest natural arch in the world.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.787306°, -109.598772°
Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 min - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
You can access Pine Tree arch from the Devil's Garden trailhead, the farthest point of interest on the paved Arches Entrance Road. The trail is well marked by signs, and lined with rocks, making the route very easy to follow. When you arrive at the arches, the sight of them towering over you is quite amazing. Take a moment to stand underneath Pine Tree Arch and take it all in.

As you can tell from the photos, be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

Maps:

Pictures:

Lava Flow Trail (Snow Canyon)

2010-08-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Lava Flow Trail (Snow Canyon)

Overview:
The Lava Flow trail transverses fields of ancient lava, travelling through some picturesque view points, and ends at West Canyon Road. The trail itself is well-marked at the junction with the Whiterocks Trail and the Butterfly Trail, so it is easy to stay on track. Since it is relatively flat, this is a trail that provides a nice, easy chance to see some of the stunning features of Snow Canyon State Park.
Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead after 3.25 miles on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

GPS: 37.223357, -113.642661
Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 1-2 Hours
Trail Condition: well-maintained and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
Near the trailhead, where the fields of ancient lava are more concentrated, there are a few very deep lava caves that are worth exploring. Be sure to bring head-lamps, and be smart when you're exploring the caves, because it can be easy to get lost or stuck while spelunking. During the Summer months, it can get hot in Snow Canyon, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Shade is sparse along this trail, so sunscreen is a must if this hike is attempted during mid-day. The wildlife you may see here is similar to that of the Butterfly Trail, you may see lizards, chipmunks, and plenty of wildflowers.

Maps:

Pictures:

Donut Falls

2010-08-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

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Navajo Loop Trail

2010-07-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Overview:
The Navajo Loop Trail is a relatively short, but very scenic hike. It's a fantastic way to explore the beauties of the Bryce Canyon National Park's hoodoos with your entire family, and see quite a lot of scenery in just a short distance. A short distance from the trailhead of Navajo Loop Trail, you will arrive at the hoodoo formation called Wall Street, which is an area of the canyon where the canyon walls and a few impressive Ponderosa Pine tower above you as if they were skyscrapers, hence the name.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Bryce Canyon National Park.

Trailhead:

From the I-15

Take exit 95 for UT-20 toward US-89/Panguitch/Kanab

After 20.5 miles, turn right at the T-junction of HWY 89

After 10.1 miles, when you arrive at Pangutich, take a left on center street to continue on HWY 89

After 6.9 miles, take a left on UT-12 towards Red Canyon

After 13.5 miles, take a right on UT-63 towards Bryce Canyon National Park

You'll receive a park map at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park which will help you locate the Navajo Loop trailhead at Sunset Point

GPS: 37.623763, -112.167763
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 1-1.5 hours
Trail Condition: Well-maintained and easy to follow.
Season: Late Spring to Late Fall

Detailed Description:
From the entrance of Bryce National Park, head to Sunset Point, which is one of the first turn-outs of Bryce National Park. You can access the Navajo Loop Trailhead from the parking lot there. A very short distance after the trail begins, the trail forks as the loop begins. You can take either path, but Wall Street is to the right. Shortly after the fork, the trail begins to descend very steeply, through a series of many switchbacks, 521 feet into Bryce Canyon. The switchbacks are some of the steepest I've seen on a hike, but they're very short, so it's not so bad. In fact, on a normal day in the Spring/Summer, you're bound to see several families with children undertaking these switchbacks. Once you've descended, the next half-mile or so is a relatively flat, gentle walk until the trail starts heading back up towards Sunset Point. As you're coming back up out of the canyon (assuming you've come by way of Wall Street) you'll see another famous rock formation called Thor's Hammer, which is a prominent hoodoo with a large boulder on top (see photos).

Maps:

Pictures:

A gigantic Ponderosa pine towers above the trail in Wall Street.

The magnificent Thor's Hammer can be seen on the right side of this photo.

Double O Arch (Arches National Park)

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Double O Arch

Overview:
Less than a mile beyond Landscape Arch lies the second biggest Arch in Arches National Park, Double O Arch, with the larger of the two arches comprising this double arch at 71 feet, and the smaller at 21 feet. Double O Arch is a spectacular site along the Devil's Garden trail, as is the hike that takes you there. From Landscape Arch, the trail becomes less apparent and more primitive, and therefore, more fun. This hike is, of course, very crowded, and best undertaken in the morning hours when the lighting is good for photography, and the crowds haven't become overwhelming.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.799257, -109.621136
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: 3
Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Trail Condition: Well maintained and well marked until primitive trail, more rugged until destination
Season: Early Spring until late Fall

Detailed Description:
The Devil's Garden trail is very well-marked, well-maintained, and well-travelled until Landscape Arch where the Primitive Trail Loop begins. When you arrive at the Primitive Loop sign-post, take the left fork for the most direct route to Double O Arch. We arrived at the Primitive Loop at around 3:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday in June, and although the Devil's Garden parking lot was packed beyond capacity, we were one of the only groups we saw who ventured beyond Landscape Arch, and remained fairly isolated our entire voyage until we returned to Landscape.

After trekking over and around sandstone fin after sandstone fin, and seeing beautiful views of the valley to the north and the La Sal mountains to the east, you'll arrive at Double O Arch. Be sure to take plenty of water because you won't find any along the way, and during the right time of day it can get pretty hot. The trail itself is mostly flat, so the only uphill hiking you'll have to do is up and over the fins. Also, be on the lookout for cairns to mark the way when the trail leaves the sand and heads up and over the fins. You'll see signposts along the way, like the one shown in the pictures below, so it's easy to tell when you arrive.

Maps:

Pictures:

Title image taken by Flicka

Landscape Arch (Arches National Park)

2010-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Landscape Arch

Overview:
Landscape Arch was declared in 2004 as the largest national arch in the world at approximately 290 feet long. It can be accessed in Arches National Park from the Devil's Garden Trailhead, which is the furthest trailhead accessible by motorized vehicle from the park entrance. The trail is very well marked and well maintained, which makes this an excellent hike for families with children. Also, there are two other arches if interest on the way to Landscape Arch: Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch, and two arches just after Landscape Arch: Navajo Arch and Partition Arch. Seeing all these arches in the same trip makes this hike very worthwhile.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.783166, -109.595171
Distance: 1.56 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30-45 minutes
Trail Condition: Well maintained and well marked
Season: Early Spring until late Fall

Detailed Description:
There are two advantages to visiting Landscape Arch early in the morning - as early as you can stand. First, you beat the crowds, which usually hit the trails closest to the park entrance first. By arriving at the Devil's Garden Trailhead first and working your way towards the park entrance, you're working your way from the back of the park towards the front, when most people work their way from the entrance to the back of the park. Second, in the morning, the light from the sun shines behind you as you're facing Landscape Arch, which makes the lighting ideal for beautiful pictures.

As you can tell from the photos, be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

Maps:

Pictures:

Deseret Peak – Stansbury Mountains

2010-07-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

Deseret Peak – Stansbury Mountains

Overview: A great less crowded but strenuous day hike or overnighter to the highest point in the Stansbury Mountains. This hike gives you outstanding views of The Great Salt Lake, Skull Valley, and both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountains. On a clear day you can even see Mt. Nebo to the South

Trail Head: Take I-80 West from Salt Lake for about 20 miles. Take exit 99 (HWY 36) towards Tooele. After about 4 miles turn right (West) on HWY 138. Continue 10 miles to Grantsville. In the town center (West Street), find the Forest Service sign on the right side of the street stating "South Willow Canyon". Turn left and drive about 5 miles to the South Willow Canyon fork. Take the right fork and go past the campgrounds to the trailhead (about 7 miles).
- Coordinates: 40°28'58.26"N 112°36'25.55"W
Distance: 8 Mile Loop
Difficulty: 4
Hike Time: 7-8 Hours
Trail Condition: Well maintained until ridge, rocky and steep to summit
Season: Summer to early Autumn

Detailed Description: The Deseret Peak loop starts with a 3600 foot ascent through a lush stand of aspen trees with runoff fed streams that last through the beginning of summer. After about half a mile the trail will fork. When you come to the Mill Fork Trail fork, take the left trail (you will come back via the Dry Fork Trail on the right). As you follow the fork you will climb to an elevation of 9500 feet in about 1 ½ miles. While hiking, you will pass some beautiful mountain meadows but will also cross some rockslides from the occasional winter avalanches. As the trail wanders up you will cross over a northwest facing cirque and start to see the Great Salt Lake to the north. On top of the ridge you will continue north and climb the last 1,000 feet over ½ mile to reach the summit.

On a clear day at the summit you will see The Great Salt Lake, Stansbury Island, and the Salt Flats to the North. To the East you will see the Tooele Valley, and the Oquirrh and Wasatch Ranges. To the West you will see Skull Valley and even Pilot Peak in Nevada. To the South you will see Mt. Nebo in the distance.

After you have spent time at the summit, follow the trail down to the North which will turn west after about half a mile which overlooks South Lost Creek and Big Creek Canyons. The trail is not as used and can easily be lost at this point, especially in the early season where there is still standing snow. After a little over 1 ½ miles from the top, the trail drops down over the ridge into Pockets Fork. From here, head down the upper bowl and then follow the streambed to the east. After another half mile you will intersect the Willow Lakes Trail near a stand of aspen trees and then on through a meadow with a stream that has water most of the year. You will see the same fork you passed on the way up after another 1 ½ miles. Follow the trail another ¾ mile to the trailhead.

Additional information: Though this is considered a Desert Mountain range, this peak gets quite a lot of snow during the winter. After getting information that there was no snow on this trail from the Forest Service, one family with small kids encountered waist deep snow and nearly froze trying to get back down.

Maps:

©Google Earth

Pictures:

View of the Peak

View from the Saddle

Great Salt Lake from the Peak

Butterfly Trail (Snow Canyon)

2010-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Trail (Snow Canyon)

Overview:
The Butterfly Trail is a gentle, kid-friendly hike with some gorgeous views of Snow Canyon and of the Petrified Dunes. The trail itself starts at the parking lot off of the main road in Snow Canyon (SR 300) and 2 miles later ends at the Lava Flow Trail. If you're looking for a nice walk in a park, and a chance to experience the beauties of sandstone canyons, this trail is for you.

Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: 1

Hike Time: 1-2 hours

Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

Detailed Description:
From the parking lot you can head left to the Petrified Dunes or head right to the Butterfly Trail. This trail is very well marked and well signed. Just follow the signs and you can't go wrong.

The Butterfly Trail starts off leading through a patch of red/pink sand until you reach a large mound of slickrock. After passing over the slickrock, the terrain starts to become more volcanic, and eventually T's at the Lava Flow Trail. Along the way, you may see lizards, chipmunks, and plenty of wildflowers.

Maps:

Pictures:

Mt Timpanogos Summit via Aspen Grove

2010-07-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

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White Baldy (from Silver Lake)

2010-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Overview:
The hike to the top of White Baldy from Silver Lake is one of the most breathtaking hikes with unique and stunning views a hiker could want. The scenery seems so much like a different world, that it inspires stories, or myths, in some hikers, stories like The Hall of the Mountain King. There is barely a worn path for the first part of this hike - after that, the adventurous hiker is on their own to find the best way to the top. But, these maps and this description provide a good guideline.

Note: You'll need to be in good physical condition to attempt this hike as it involves scrambling up steep slopes and climbing over giant boulders. Also, bring plenty of water as there is none to be found after the departure from Silver Lake.

Distance: 1.6 miles from Silver Lake, 3.8 miles from Silver Lake Flats trailhead

Difficulty: 5

Hike Time: 3-5 hours to the top

Trailhead from I-15 to mouth of American Fork Canyon:

Take exit 284 and head East on SR 92 towards the mouth of American Fork Canyon

After 7.5 miles you'll arrive at American Fork Canyon

From the mouth of American Fork Canyon:

After 5.1 miles, veer left onto N American Fork Canyon Rd (SR 144) towards Tibble Fork Reservior

Drive through the parking lot, and then take the very sharp left hairpin turn

Just before Granite Flat Campground, take a right onto Silver Lake Road (a primitive dirt road, best taken with a high-profile vehicle

Follow this road to the Silver Lake Flat parking lot - just before the road crosses Silver Creek

The trailhead is at the parking lot for Silver Lake Flat.

Detailed Description:
From the east side of Silver Lake, there is a somewhat worn path which turns north and begins to head up the north wall of the bowl in which the lake resides. As the path gradually disappears, so too does the thick brush, and you're on your own to find the best route for you. To take the path that we deemed best, Keep heading north until you are well out of the lake bowl where the walls become more shallow. Once the ground isn't too steep, head west towards a large rock outcropping. If you keep heading west around the base of this rock outcropping, it will lead you to a natural chute.

Carry on up this chute, and it will lead you to a massive field of boulders, which requires a nimble step to cross. One option to get to the next phase is to head straight through the full length of this bolder field, veering slightly to the right (north), however, we opted to head west into a side canyon to bypass this enormous and steep boulder field. If you follow this side canyon, you'll see some very interesting meadows that are so dwarfed by the huge white boulders, they appear to be green oases in a sea of lifeless granite.

As this side canyon approaches the peak, head up to the ridge keeping the dark green patch of vegetation which clings to the mountainside on your right. You should find another chute which takes you to the ridge, and when you make it through this chute, head north towards the summit. You don't need to boulder hop across the ridge for very long before arriving at the summit, which is simply the highest boulder on this ridge.

Maps:

Pictures:

Silver Lake (American Fork Canyon)

2010-07-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Overview:
Hikers travelling to Silver Lake will encounter a luscious forested canyon, a bubbling brook (Silver Creek), and a stunning alpine lake at the end. This trail gains 1450 feet over 2.2 miles, so it is an uphill hike, but the steepness isn't anything extreme. The Silver Lake trail can easily be completed in one day, and the lake makes a great lunch spot for families with children. From Silver Lake, hikers have an awe inspiring panorama of towering limestone mountains, including White Baldy.

Distance: 4.4 miles round trip

Difficulty: 3

Hike Time: 2-5 hours round trip

Trailhead from I-15 to mouth of American Fork Canyon:

Take exit 284 and head East on SR 92 towards the mouth of American Fork Canyon

After 7.5 miles you'll arrive at American Fork Canyon

From the mouth of American Fork Canyon:

After 5.1 miles, veer left onto N American Fork Canyon Rd (SR 144) towards Tibble Fork Reservior

Drive through the parking lot, and then take the very sharp left hairpin turn

Just before Granite Flat Campground, take a right onto Silver Lake Road (a primitive dirt road, best taken with a high-profile vehicle

Follow this road to the Silver Lake Flat parking lot - just before the road crosses Silver Creek

The trailhead is at the parking lot for Silver Lake Flat.

Detailed Description:
The trail to Silver Lake leads immediately into a relatively thick alpine forest. Gradually, the trail will head left into a small canyon through which flows Silver Creek. There are at least two places where the trail crosses Silver Creek, the first of which occurs while the trail follows this canyon as the trail is nearly parallel with the creek. Soon thereafter, the trail makes a right turn, and crosses the creek once more.

At this point, the trail begins to move up the east side of the canyon, and and continues after a sharp switchback to the left. About halfway between this switchback and the next one, there is a point in the trail where it passes over a section of scree, caused by a local landslide.

At the next switchback, the final approach to the lake begins, characterized by several more switchbacks and a steep ascent. As the trail meets the lake, it splits, and circumvents the lake, making it accessible at any location. From here, you can continue up to White Baldy, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery at Silver Lake.

From this trail, you can see unique views of Mt. Timpanogos and other mountains to the south, just above the west rim of the canyon.

Maps:

Pictures:

Provo Peak

2010-06-30T19:16:00.001-07:00

Overview:
Provo Peak is on the ridge behind Y-Mountain, and therefore often overlooked, although it is much higher from the valley floor than the surrounding mountains and can easily be seen from West Provo. The summit is 11,061 feet from sea level, and you'll gain over 2,700 feet from the trailhead to the peak itself. Be prepared for a very steep hike, but well worth it considering the spectacular views of Utah Valley from the top. As a note of interest, keep your eyes open for deep marine fossils in the limestone near the top.

Distance: 3.2 miles up and back

Difficulty: 5

Hike Time: 5-7

Trailhead:

From the I-15, take the 800N exit in Orem (Exit 272)

Head east towards Provo Canyon

After about 3.6 miles, head left, taking the ramp into Provo Canyon

After 1.9 miles, take a right on Squaw Peak Road (the first right after the ramp)

Along the first part of Squaw Peak Road, you'll pass several turn-offs; overlooks, a parking lot, and you'll even pass Rock Canyon Campground

After 3.2 miles from the campground, look for a turn-off/gravel parking area off on your right. If you can look straight up the west Ridge from this parking area, you've found the right one

Maps:

Description:
During the initial trek, the trail follows an ATV road, but soon the road disappears leaving very minimal signs of a trail; found by some hikers, but missed by most. Don't worry if you can't see it, just head up the spine of the ridge being sure to keep the grove of pine trees, and terraced hillside on your left. Eventually you'll find a more established trail as the ridge becomes more rocky. This rocky trail has many switchbacks, is fairly steep, and will lead you past many false summits. During our adventure, we kept thinking that our destination was "just over that rise," and then another rise would appear.

From the top, you should have clear views of most of Utah Valley, the 7 Peaks of the Wasatch (Lone Peak, Timpanogos, Cascade Mountain, Provo Peak, Spanish Fork Peak, Loafer Mountain/Santaquin Peak, and Mount Nebo). You can also see Lake Mountain, and beyond that to the north, the Oquirrh Mountains. On a clear day, you can see the Onaqui Mountains and even some of the Stansbury Range to the north. Looking east, you can see views of the Strawberry Ridge, and northeast, the snow-capped peaks of the High Uintas. To the south, in addition to the Southern Wasatch, you can see the bulk of the Wasatch Plateau (which is different than the Wasatch Range).

On the way down, it is also very easy to lose the trail and therefore necessary to bushwhack through groves of aspens. Be sure to watch for moose. (see photos) Keeping your eye on the parking lot (which is visible during almost the entire hike), continue towards it, and you can't go wrong.

Pictures:

Notch Peak (Sawtooth Mountain)

2010-06-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Notch Peak

Overview:
Notch Peak is the highest cliff face in Utah with a rise of approximately 4,450 feet from the surrounding area (an uninterrupted vertical cliff face of over 2,000 feet) and the second highest in the United States, second only to El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Notch Peak Trail is a beautiful trail through a large dry canyon with a gravel wash bed. You'll see a surprising amount of vegetation for a dry canyon including pinyon pine, Utah juniper, sagebrush, Mormon tea, and other grasses, cactuses and coniferous trees. Be prepared for some very steep climbing over the dry falls, and especially from the saddle to Notch Peak itself.

Distance: 9 miles

Difficulty: 4.5

Hike Time: 4-5 hours

Trailhead:

From the I-15, head to Nephi

Go West on Exit 225 for the US 132 (100 N)

Follow this road through Leamington

After 34.3 miles from the freeway, you'll arrive at Lynndl, and take a left on Hyw 6

After 15.9 miles, In Delta, turn right onto E. Main Street/US 50 /US 6

After 41.4 miles, you'll come to mile marker 48, take a right on the dirt road (GPS: N 39°04.310' W 113°13.100')

When the road forks at 1.0 mile, veer right on "3c Road" (not signed, but this is the official name of the road)

After 2.4 miles from the fork, take a left at Miller Canyon Road (GPS N 39°06.730' W 113°13.214')

After 5.2 miles, veer left onto Sawtooth Canyon Road (left when you see the restroom and fenced area - looks like a desert rest stop; GPS N 39°08.490' W 113°18.458')

This road gets a bit more rocky than the other dirt roads, best tackled with a high-clearance vehicle. You'll pass The Behunin Cabin, which is a rustic, abandoned cabin. Keep going for about 3.3 miles until the road stops at the trailhead (GPS N 39°07.661' W 113°21.777')

Gear:
Bring at least 3-4 quarts of water per person as there are no water sources, and the dry, hot air can dehydrate hikers quickly. Good hiking shoes are a must, and trekking poles can be helpful. Long pants are preferred.

Detailed Description:
It's a pretty straight shot from the trailhead into the first canyon over an apparent ATV road. After about 2/3 mile, the trail will fork as it approaches the first canyon (GPS N 39°08.003' W 113°22.412), and you'll want to veer left. Some areas of this canyons near the middle of the trail are reminiscent of Zion National Park's slot canyons in the fact that they're very narrow, although they lack the brilliant red color. You'll also discover a good deal of brush that you'll need to maneuver through during this section, which makes the trail difficult to see sometimes. Also, if you'd rather not have your legs pulverized with dry branches, you'll want to wear long pants rather than shorts.

If you're hiking this in the summer, its best to hit the trailhead early in the morning while the canyon is shaded from the hot desert sun. The canyon is quite cool in the morning, but heats up quickly in the afternoon. Occasionally there are cairns left by other hikers which help show the way through the canyon. As you're approaching the last stretch to the saddle, you'll see a tall cairn guiding hikers through the canyon to the left.

After the tall cairn, it becomes pretty easy to follow the canyon up to the saddle (GPS: N 39°08.570' W 113°24.362'). Although the trail itself isn't clearly defined, it will gradually lead you out of the canyon as it shifts to the left. It is possible to follow the canyon to the left to the saddle as the canyon leads right to it, but the trail heads up and over a steep hill. From here on out, there are numerous trails to follow; some animal trails and some hiker trails. But as long as you keep heading in the same direction, you'll make it to the saddle. You'll know you're there because there's a ridiculously tall cliff that will hinder your progress.

It took us exactly 2 hours to get to the saddle, then we spent an hour exploring the grove of Bristlecone pine trees (one of the oldest living organisms that can reach up to 5,000 years old) off to the right, and getting amazing views from the ridge in that area. Again, there is a somewhat well-defined trail from the saddle to the peak itself (GPS: N 39°08.593' W 113°24.562'), but it is a steep trek, there's no doubt about that. From the top, you can see all the way to the Great Basin National Park in one direction, and Mount Nebo in the Wasatch Range in the other direction. You can even see the Bonneville Salt Flats 120 miles to the north and all of Sevier Lake, just south-east of Sawtooth Mountain, which was almost completely dry. The views are too stunning to try and describe here - you'll just have to hike it to experience the views for yourself.

Note: We hiked Notch Peak on June 26th 2010. We arrived at the trailhead at 8:00am, and were back by 2:00pm. We didn't see another soul during our whole hike - there was no one around for miles. The solitude was great! Not a lot of people get out to this area, especially in the summer.

Maps:

Video From The Top:

Pictures:

Whiterocks Trail (Snow Canyon)

2010-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Overview:
If you love climbing on slickrock, then you should make it a point to visit Whiterocks Trail in Snow Canyon if you're near the St. George area. There is a beautiful white sandstone amphitheater comprising the last section of the half-mile long stretch of trail that offer some spectacular views of the surrounding area, and provide hours of climbing fun! It's length makes it a great experience for children! If you're more adventurous, follow the longer section of Whiterocks trail to where it joins the Lava Flow Trail. (Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park. Even if you access this trail without entering Snow Canyon State Park, this fee still applies.)

To get to the trailhead from I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Continue straight on Bluff St. as it becomes State Hwy 18.

Follow Hwy 18 for 9.6 miles, and watch for the trailhead off to your left. The trailhead is located on the west side of State Route 18, one half-mile North of the Snow Canyon Dr. (Hwy 300) junction.

GPS: 37.237772, -113.636277

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip to the amphitheater. 2 miles from the Whiterocks trail to the junction with the Lava Flow trail.
Difficulty: 1.5
Hike Time (to amphitheater): 30 - 45 minutes
Hike Time (to Lava Flow Trail): 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well Maintained

Description: The trail to the amphitheater junction is well-marked and mostly flat, traversing lava fields and sandy areas. Eventually you'll come to a junction in the trail; veer right for the Whiterocks amphitheater trail, and veer left for the junction with the Lava Flow Trail, which will take you back into the heart of Snow Canyon. A little further along the amphitheater trail and you'll see another marker pointing directly into the white sandstone. From here you follow the small canyon, and you'll see the amphitheater off to your right. It's a spectacular site!

Maps:

Pictures:

This is the point at which the trail branches. To the right lies the stunning amphitheater, and to the left is the Lava Flow Trail junction.

Pictures of the amphitheater and the view from on top.

Jenny's Canyon Trail

2010-06-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

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Cinder Cone (St. George Area)

2010-06-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

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New Site Redesign

2010-03-20T15:12:00.001-07:00

Hold on to your Trekking Poles!

Our site design is about to change, and soon we will be hosting a community where hikers can add hikes to their checklist, check off hikes they’ve completed, and rate the hikes themselves. The more you hike, the more of an expert you become, and the more your voice counts! Look for our Beta site in coming soon!!

Mount Olympus (Salt Lake City)

2009-09-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

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Big Baldy (Mt. Timpanogos)

2009-09-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

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Delicate Arch (Arches National Park)

2009-08-31T11:11:00.001-07:00

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Canyonlands National Park: Upheaval Dome

2009-08-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

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Y Mountain Hike

2009-08-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

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Park Avenue (Arches National Park)

2009-08-11T15:59:00.001-07:00

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Big Rock Candy Mountain (Sevier Canyon)

2009-08-10T21:30:00.001-07:00

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Stewart Falls (Stewart Cascade) via Sundance Resort

2009-07-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

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Stewart Falls (Stewart Cascade) Via Ray’s Lift at Sundance Resort

2009-07-22T08:04:00.001-07:00

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Delano Peak (Tushar Mountains)

2009-07-14T15:22:00.001-07:00

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Hidden Canyon (Zion National Park)

2009-07-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

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The Grotto (Payson Canyon)

2009-07-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

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Zion National Park: Angels Landing

2009-07-06T15:50:00.001-07:00

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Santaquin Peak via Mud Hollow

2009-07-02T14:05:00.001-07:00

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Mule Canyon

2009-06-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

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Swasey Peak

2009-06-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

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MyGeoSports.com

2009-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a really great outdoor site I came across while on Twitter. It seems that we live in a world so filled with easy entertainment (such as TV, Movies, and paparazzi) that we have forgotten how important it is to play outside, as can be seen in the obesity of the USA. The guys at MyGeoSports.com really have a passion for playing outdoors and have some great ideas on how to enjoy while being out.

The topics for discussion range from different ways to stay healthy, being prepared for different outdoor scenarios, and cool “Stuff I’ve Done”. I especially enjoyed the “Go outside and Play” category that gives GREAT ideas of different things to do all over Utah such as geocaching on the iPhone. Go take a look!

mygeosports.com

Wellsville Mountain Wilderness Trail

2009-06-17T19:58:00.001-07:00

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Pole Creek Sink

2009-06-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

Overview: Relatively easy hike through the lush Uinta Mountains leading to a natural drainage sink and an old mine!

Trail Head: Take HWY 40 east to Roosevelt Main Street. Half way through Roosevelt, take a Left on 200 N (State Road 121). Follow SR 121 through Neola to Elk Horn Loop Turn off at the mouth of Uinta Canyon (approximately 22 miles). Follow Elk Horn Loop Road for about 3.75 miles to a turn off to the right. Follow this down an embankment to a second fork. This is the trailhead (you could drive further in if you want a shorter hike).
- Coordinates: 40˚36'53.83"N 110˚05'15.50"W
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: 2
Trail Condition: Open mountain road that crosses a stream a couple times.
Season: Late spring through autumn,

Detailed Description: Pole Creek Sink is a great out of the way easy hike that has little elevation gain. The Trailhead starts out at a fork in the road with a small stand of quaking aspen and a meadow with some sagebrush. The south fork will lead to Pole Creek Cave and on to Harmston Canyon; to get to the Sinks, take the north fork. The trail will go through the meadow towards the mouth of the small canyon which holds the Sink. Once inside the canyon, tall trees will encompass you cooling down the air. You will cross the stream one or two times on the hike and you should be able to hop or jump over it, however, if you are going earlier in the season, you will get your feet wet. As you get deeper into the canyon, you will notice that the trail will climb in elevation a little with most of it going up over the lip of the sink. Up on top of the lip you will see the sink below you. The tumbling creek will follow down into the sink and disappear into the rocks at the base of the cliff straight ahead. Around this bowl you will find mountain bluebells and if you time it just right you will have a good harvest of wild raspberries (Usually around the first part of August). If you happen to come in early spring, chances are that there will be enough water to form a small whirlpool at the base of the cliff.

Additional Info: This land is actually a part of a mining claim and you will see a large mine shaft opening going into the cliff. This is not a deep mine and only goes down about a hundred yards or so. An interesting fact is that a few decades ago when this was being mined, a minor was killed in a blast here. As the story goes, a greedy partner shortened the fuse of the person who was setting the dynamite.

Maps:

Pole Creek Hike Map

Pole Creek Hike Map -End

©Google Earth

Pictures:

Cuberant Lakes Trail

2009-06-04T12:30:00.001-07:00

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Hidden Oaks Trail (Snell Canyon)

2009-05-26T15:52:00.001-07:00

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Mt Timpanogos Summit via Timpooneke Trail

2009-05-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

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Partners

2009-05-15T22:33:00.001-07:00

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Skill Levels

2009-05-15T21:54:00.001-07:00

Hiking is just more than walking around outdoors. It is important to choose trails that you can handle. As in nearly anything else,planning is key. The longer the hike, the more planning is needed. Below I have compiled a list of all the hikes on UtahHikingInfo.com and applied a skill level to them. The skill levels go from 1 to 5. Here is a breakdown:

Flat, easy hikes that are maintained (such as pavement or packed gravel and/or dirt). Hikes at this skill level have little or no elevation gain. These hikes can be enjoyed by people of all levels from small children to elders.
Level 1 Hikes
Level 1.5 Hikes
Easy hikes that most people can do. Trail conditions are generally good with a little elevation gain. Older children will love these slightly challenging hikes.
Level 2 Hikes

Level 2.5 Hikes
Moderate hikes that may require a little effort to complete. Trail conditions may be a little rough with a good portion of elevation gain. If you are in good health this will be fun and a little challenging. These trails are good for getting teenagers ready for harder trails and extended hikes.

Level 3 Hikes

Level 3.5 Hikes
Moderately hard hikes that require some effort to complete. Trail conditions are hard and may include some rock scrambles and/or sandy patches. The trail is usually marked and there is a large increase in elevation gain. Adults in good health may require some
Level 4 Hikes
Level 4.5 Hikes
Hard trails for experienced hikers who are in shape. Trail conditions are hard to follow and may require a GPS unit or map and compass to follow. Trail conditions will give you a run for your money including big rock crawls, water hazards, over growth.

Level 5 Hikes

Red Cliffs Nature Trail

2009-05-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

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Jones Hole Creek

2009-04-14T15:39:00.001-07:00

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http://www.trails360.com/hikes/view/jones_hole_creek_dinosaur_national_monument

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Little Rock Canyon

2009-04-10T12:03:00.001-07:00

Overview: Hard but very rewarding hike with great views of Utah Valley and surrounding wilderness.

Trail Head: Take I-15 to Center Street in Orem. Follow that through to Provo where it turns into Foothill Drive. Turn left on Windsor then turn on Imperial Way. It will end in a circle for you to park on.
- Coordinates: 40°17'13.96"N, 111°38'03.76"W
- Alternate Trailhead: Follow that through to Provo where it turns into Foothill Drive. Eventually it will turn south, following the mountain. Turn left on Sherwood Lane. The trailhead starts on a
  - Coordinates: 40°17'10.23"N, 111°38'05.48"W
Distance: 2-4 miles round trip
Difficulty: 5
Trail Condition: Trail hazards such as loose gravel and shale, steep inclines, rock scrambles, and overgrowth abound the first half of the trail. Water will play a factor in spring to early summer, especially as you increase elevation.
Season: Spring through Late Fall.

Detailed Description: The hike itself starts going slightly down and once you get to the bottom of the ravine it will start to climb through scrub oak and maple trees. You will increase elevation quickly as you follow the stream bed. You may lose the trail a few times, but if you follow the bed you will find the trail again. As you climb you will scramble over some rock falls with unsteady rocks. If you are early enough in the season, the water fall may be treacherous depending on the amount of water. Eventually the scrub oak will give away to pine and with one last big climb you will reach a flat spot where someone has build a wooden dam some time ago. From here the trail spits off one turning to the left, the other straight.

The left trail will take you to the top of Little Rock Peak and loop back down to Mile High Drive. This part of the trail is well marked due to the horses that use this trail. There is little shade cover in this area but the trail is mostly a decline. On top of the peak you will see great views of Provo, Orem, Utah Lake and the rest of Utah Valley.

Going straight at the fork will take you through the pine grove. The flat portion will eventually resume the incline but you will eventually reach the top where it meets up with Squaw Peak Trail Road. At the top you will see great views of Cascade and Provo peaks.

MAP:

Contact Us

2008-07-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Diamond Fork Hot Springs (Fifth Water)

2008-04-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

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http://www.trails360.com/hikes/view/diamond_fork_hot_springs

Escalante Cross Trail, Spanish Fork Canyon

2008-03-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

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http://www.trails360.com/hikes/view/escalante_cross_trail_spanish_fork_canyon.

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Disclaimer

2006-09-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

The information provided on Utahhikinginfo.com is meant to be a basic guide for hikes you may be interested in. Any maps, descriptions, GPS coordinates, or other information should be verified by other means (i.e. forest service maps, gazetteers, etc.) before setting foot on a trail.

Do not rely on GPS coordinates as the sole method of navigation. Always have an accurate, detailed map at hand and have the proper map reading and navigation skills before setting out on any hike. Many of the hikes listed on this site travel into locations where a GPS may have limited capabilities.

Always check your position with a detailed map before starting any hike. Utahhikinginfo.com is not responsible for any outside information. Utahhikinginfo.com is not responsible for any action that may result in a hiker becoming disoriented or lost.