Dripping Rock Trail

Call it an urban hike or call it a nature walk, Dripping Rock Trail is really fun. We know that a dripping rock doesn’t sound amazing, but you will be pleasantly surprised. And the best part—anyone can hike this trail because it is paved and flat and runs just over a mile roundtrip.

This hike can be done with a stroller and is very easy to follow. The trailhead starts at a parking lot near the Spanish Oaks Golf Course. There is a sign that talks about the trail and animals you can see while hiking. From the trailhead, cross the bridge over the small creek. You can stop here to look for fish and frogs (which we didn’t see), but after crossing the creek, take a left through the tunnel (watch out for golf carts!) and follow the trail up to the junction. The golf carts will be coming from the right, but you need to take the first left and follow the paved path along the river.

As you walk, listen closely to the river. At different intervals, you’ll hear what sounds like rain coming from the opposite bank. This, of course, is the dripping rock, and there are several places to see it. We saw three dripping rocks before we actually made it to “the Dripping Rock.”

You will know you’ve made it to the famous Dripping Rock because it is quite a bit larger than the others you have already seen. There is also a makeshift trail down to the river, but be careful as it is quite a steep drop. We went down and waded in the frigid water, which felt great on a hot day. The boys waded in the knee-deep (for them) water and rarely went in deeper than their chins– after awhile, falling down became quite hilarious. You can even wade across the stream and right under the dripping rock. It was so much fun! If you don’t want wet clothes, you can come in swimsuits. Our boys were quite wet when we finished playing in the river, but nearly dry when we got back to the car.

It was fun to walk behind the dripping water.

The trail continues another 100 yards or so up to a cement barrier. Here the water plunges dangerously into a deep pool, so watch the kids closely. There is also a lot of graffiti, and though a narrow footpath winds into the trees up the river, it doesn’t go anywhere and gets ugly pretty fast. You could possibly wade in the water up here too, but we felt like the water near the Dripping Rock was the best spot.

While you are hiking, watch for squirrels and birds. We saw several birds including yellow warblers, cliff swallows, and an American Goldfinch. Also, there isn’t much shade, so this hike is probably best in the morning or evening–Even though the cold water probably feels better in the hot part of the day.

 So grab a backpack, add a few towels and everyone’s flip-flops, then head down to Spanish Fork.
This was the perfect family adventure on a hot summer day.

The hike is easy to find. Drive up Highway 6 to the popular landmark of the Little Acorn restaurant. Turn right on Powerhouse Road. Go about 1 block and turn right on Rivers Bottom Road. Then take an immediate left into the trailhead parking lot. (Overflow parking can be found a few more blocks down Rivers Bottom Road.)