Friday, June 3, 2016

East Mountain Wilderness Park

1.7 mi loop
easy
spring, summer, fall

East Mountain Wilderness Park is an easy hike through the foothills above Kaysville. This 1.7-mile loop trail is popular with hikers and bikers as it winds through a scrub oak forest with views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Kaysville area. A vast network of trails crisscross the park, but the main loop trail is marked with arrows on small signs. Due to the numerous trail intersections, it is important to carry a map or GPS and have a good understanding of the area. This hike is great for beginners and children.

Trailhead

The East Mountain Wilderness Park trailhead is located at 1588 East 650 North in Kaysville, Utah (41.046675, -111.904771):

Turn east from Highway 89 onto 200 N/Mountain Road.
Turn immediately left onto North Mountain Road.
Continue north 0.2 miles as the road curves east and becomes 650 North.
Continue 0.3 miles to the signed trailhead on the left side of the road.
The Hike

From the parking area, begin hiking near the large sign at the north end of the lot. The trail begins on a wide path. Follow the small signs with arrows as it breaks off and heads north along the foothills. There are numerous other trails along the way. You can explore any of these trails or follow the signs for the main loop.

Continue past the junction for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail on the main trail. On the far north side of the park, the trail passes by Holmes Creek before turning south and traversing the west end of the park, passing through tunnels of scrub oak and open fields with nice views to the west.

The trail continues south, eventually leading back to the parking area. The variety of trails means you are not limited to the main loop, making the East Mountain Wilderness Park a great place to explore. There is plenty to see in this area. Round trip hiking distance for the outer loop is about 1.7 miles.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
No smoking.
Camping by permit only.
Special Considerations

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. Be cautious around blind corners, especially with young children and pets.

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