Deuel Creek South Fork Trail (Centerville 11 bridges trail)

11 bridges! 3 waterfalls, watering hole, and a giant rope swing!

Can be done in winter.

Alltrails.com said you needed a truck to get to the trail head but some did just find in a minivan.

This is a Popular trail. Some recommend hiking mid week. 

Trail is 90% shade midday.

Rating: Moderate

Distance: 0.8 miles RT to 1st waterfall, 5.0 miles RT to second waterfall

Elevation Gain: 1312 feet

Fees: none

Bathroom: none

Dog Friendly: Yes

Directions to Deuel Creek South Fork Trailhead:

From the 1-15, take exit 319 and head east toward the mountains.
Turn right on 400 E.
Turn left onto 100 S.
Turn left onto Firebreak Rd. There is no sign, but it is a dirt road and there is a junction to go left or right. Head right and it’s a steep climb up a dirt hill.
Follow around to the left and you will see a wide parking area and a trailhead sign.
Put Deuel Creek South Trail Head into Google Maps and it will take you right there.

Nicholls Park in Fruit Heights

Nicholls park is a beautiful park in Fruit Heights right off Highway 89. There is a pavilion, bathrooms, large grassy areas, and best of all there is an amazing playground. The Castle Heights Playground is similar to Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove (one of our all time favorite parks). It’s a fun castle themed playground made of Trex, so it should last for awhile.

The playground has lots of places to climb and hide. You can look out of the tower, or slide down one of the two slides. We had fun playing hide and seek. There is also a section that looks like a boat where our three year-old had fun pretending he was a pirate.

There is also a Tot Lot section at Castle Heights playground with smaller climbing areas, toddler swings, and even a train to steer. Our three year-old wasn’t very interested in this area (even though it’s for his age) because he was able to keep up just fine on the bigger part of the playground. It was very accessible for all ages.

Another part of Nicholls Park that we liked was the walking trail in the ravine behind the playground. If you walk from the park west toward the pavilion, you will see a slope down to a dirt walking path. There is a path that follows the little stream and a few bridges that allow you to cross back and forth across the stream. The sign labels the stream as Baer Creek and it looks like it is a work in progress. We are excited to see what becomes of this project. We didn’t walk the full loop and there was no distance listed, but we had fun walking the trail for a little bit and then heading back to the playground.

We loved visiting Nicholls Park partially because we visited a part of Utah that is often overlooked because it is not next to the 1-15. This is definitely a beautiful park to visit and spend some time playing as a family.

Directions: Nicholls Park is located at 1105 Nicholls Road in Fruit Heights. Take Highway 89 either north from Lagoon, or South from the 1-84 or Ogden. Turn west onto Nicholls Rd and the park is just a short distance down the road.

Family Tips for Nicholls Park:

Wear good walking shoes if you are going to venture down to the trail.
There is a pavilion and lots of grass, so a picnic lunch would work well at this park.

Buffalo Point (Antelope Island)

1 mi RT
easy
fall, winter, early spring

The Buffalo Point trail is a great introductory hike at beautiful Antelope Island State Park. Wildlife sightings and panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake are the highlights of this short hike. There are a few steep, rocky sections along the way, but at just under 1.0 mile round trip, this hike is suitable for everyone in the family.

Trailhead

The Buffalo Point Trailhead is located on the northwest side of Antelope Island State Park.

From I-15 in Layton, UT

Take Exit 332 for UT-108/Antelope Drive.
Turn west onto Antelope Drive and continue for 6.8 miles to the Antelope Island fee station. There is a $10 per-vehicle fee to enter the park.
Continue past the fee station onto the causeway to Antelope Island. The distance between the fee booth and the north shore of the island is approximately 6.9 miles.
Once onto Antelope Island, follow the main Antelope Island Road for 2.5 miles until it ends at the Buffalo Point Trailhead (41.032751, -112.256168).
Restroom and picnic facilities are available at the trailhead.

The Hike

Begin hiking on the signed Buffalo Point Trail at the west side of the parking area. After the initial climb from the parking lot, the trail crests onto a ridge where several benches are available. Wildlife is abundant on Antelope Island and along the Buffalo Point Trail. Sightings of antelope, jackrabbits and buffalo are common. Keep a safe distance from any wildlife along the way, especially buffalo which can be unpredictable and charge if they feel threatened.

Continue on the main trail as it begins to climb the south side of the ridge ahead. This is the steepest part of the hike. Keep an eye on children along this section, as the edge is very abrupt.

Once onto the ridge, follow the trail to the high point known as Buffalo Point (41.033208, -112.263880). There are plenty of rock outcroppings and social trails to explore and take in the expansive 360-degree views of the Antelope Island, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Return the way you came. Round trip hiking distance is approximately 1.0 mile.

Rules & Regulations

There is a $10 per-vehicle fee to enter Antelope Island State Park.
Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Special Considerations

Bugs can be a significant problem on Antelope Island at certain times of the year, particularly mid spring into summer. Bug protection, including long sleeves, pants, and a protective head net may be needed at times.

Deuel Creek South

1.4 mi RT
easy
spring, summer, fall

Deuel Creek South is a great, family-friendly hike in Centerville Canyon, featuring numerous small waterfalls and plenty of shade on a hot summer day. Most of the trail is easy to follow and good for all members of the family; however, there are a few steep, rocky sections where you’ll want to keep an eye on young children. Those wanting a longer hike can combine this with the Deuel Creek North trail to make a loop, or continue up Centerville Canyon.

Trailhead

The Deuel Creek South trailhead is located in the foothills of Centerville, UT (40.915644, -111.861269):

Take Exit 319 on I-15 for Centerville/Parrish Lane.
Drive east on Parrish Lane/400 North for approximately 1.0 mile.
Turn right onto 400 East, and continue 0.4 miles.
Turn left onto 100 South, and continue 0.3 miles.
Turn left onto 850 East, and continue 0.1 miles to where the pavement ends at the junction with Firebreak Road.
Turn right onto Firebreak Road, and continue 0.2 miles.
Bear left, following signage to the Centerville ATV Park.
Continue 0.1 miles, then turn left at the Centerville ATV Park.
Continue 0.2 miles to the signed Deuel Creek South trailhead at the north end of the ATV park (40.915644, -111.861269).
The final half-mile to the trailhead is on a dirt road with some short, steep sections. Most passenger cars can access the trailhead in dry conditions, but use caution when driving.

The Hike

Begin hiking east on the signed trail for Deuel Creek South. The first section of trail follows an old pipeline high above the creek. There are some steep slopes where you may need to keep an eye on small children. After about a quarter mile, the trail reaches the shady confines of Deuel Creek. Continue hiking up the canyon as the trail passes through a serene corridor of trees and small waterfalls.

You will encounter several small footbridges along the way. Shortly after the second bridge, about a half mile into the hike, the trail crosses over a rocky outcropping before arriving at a unique waterfall that looks like a water slide.

Continue beyond the waterfall another quarter mile and cross a third bridge before arriving at the junction with the Deuel Creek North Trail (40.91583, -111.85194). Return the way you came. Round trip hiking distance is approximately 1.4 miles with about 400 feet of elevation gain.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Special Considerations

Be very cautious near the stream during periods of high water.

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.

Ford Canyon Trail

0.8 mi RT
easy
spring, summer, fall

The Ford Canyon Trail is a fantastic, kid-friendly hike through a picturesque canyon in the heart of Centerville, Utah. Towering trees and Rick’s Creek are the hike’s highlights. At up to 0.8 miles round trip with little elevation gain, this hike is great for beginners and children alike.

Trailhead

The upper trailhead for Ford Canyon is located at 1575 N. Ford Canyon Crossing in Centerville, UT (40.939102, -111.876192). This trailhead is actually located near the middle of the trail but provides a better starting point than parking along the busier lower access point on Main Street (40.938757, -111.879394). No off-street parking is available at either location. The trailhead can be reached from I-15:

Take Exit 319 on I-15 for Centerville/Parrish Lane.
Drive east on Parrish Lane/400 North for approximately 0.6 mile.
Turn left onto Main Street and continue 1.1 miles.
Turn right onto Carrington Lane and continue 0.1 miles.
Turn left onto Ford Canyon Drive, then immediately left again onto Ford Canyon Crossing.
Continue 200 feet to the trailhead on the east side of the road.
The lower trailhead is located at 1514 N. Main Street in Centerville, UT. To reach the lower trailhead, follow the above directions. Instead of turning onto Carrington Lane, proceed 100 yards further north on Main Street to the signed trail on the right side of the road.

The Hike

Due to the lack of off-street parking along the busy Main Street trailhead and better scenery in the upper canyon, hikers may want to begin the Ford Canyon Trail from the upper trailhead on Ford Canyon Crossing. A kiosk and trail map is located here, and plenty of street parking is available.

Begin hiking up the canyon on the trail along Rick’s Creek before arriving at a footbridge. Continue hiking up either side of the creek as the trail forms a loop, eventually arriving at another bridge a little further up the canyon. The trail on the north side of the creek is wider and provides easier walking while the south trail is a bit more rugged and overgrown. Picnic tables are available midway up the north side of the loop.

At the upper bridge, cross the stream and continue back down the other side of the creek. More adventurous hikers may continue up the canyon on a faint trail that travels along each side of the creek. Be cautious of poison ivy and poison oak throughout the canyon, and be respectful of surrounding property owners.

The upper loop is perfect for children and beginners with little elevation change and an easy round-trip hiking distance of about a half mile. The lower Ford Canyon Trail between Main Street and Ford Canyon Crossing is about 0.17 miles long for those hiking the entire length. The lower trail follows the stream a short distance before traveling through an open field and eventually down a driveway to Main Street.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Special Considerations

Be cautious of poison ivy and poison oak in Ford Canyon. Signage at the upper trailhead helps hikers identify this natural hazard.
While the stream through Ford Canyon is generally quite small, it can be dangerous, especially during periods of heavy runoff. Watch children closely near the creek.

Jensen Nature Park

up to 2.6 miles
easy
spring, summer, fall

Jensen Nature Park features a variety of easy, paved trails around a scenic pond and natural wetland environment. With a multitude of route options and plenty to see and do, this hike is perfect all skill levels. Loop options range anywhere from less than a quarter mile to 2.6 miles. All of the trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Trailhead

Jensen Nature Park is located at 3176 South Bluff Road in Syracuse, Utah. The park can be reached from Layton, UT:

Drive west on Gentile Street for approximately 4.0 miles.
Turn north onto Bluff Road.
Continue 0.8 miles to Jensen Nature Park on the west side of the road (41.066964, -112.052484).
The Hike

From the parking area, begin walking in any direction. There are three loops that can be combined in any way. The 1.8-mile outer loop encompasses the entire park and continues south, eventually following the north side of Gentile Street before turning back towards the park.

Two smaller loops stay closer to the ponds and the beautifully maintained landscape within the park. The north loop is 0.16 miles, and it circles a large grassy area with a stream running through it. A large picnic area and pavilion are located near the north loop.

The Jensen Pond loop is 0.6 miles and circles the perimeter of the pond. A scenic bridge crosses the pond in the middle of this loop.

Jensen Pond is a popular community fishery for those wishing to spend more time at the park. Ducks and geese frequent the shores as well. Those looking for a longer walk can continue north out of the park on the Old Emigration Trail, which extends to 1300 North in West Point.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
No alcohol.
Open from 5 a.m.-midnight
Special Considerations

During warm weather, mosquitoes and other biting insects may be a nuisance. Wear long sleeves and pants and/or bug repellent if necessary.

Kays Creek Parkway

up to 4.5 miles
easy
year round

Kay’s Creek Parkway is a paved trail that travels through a natural landscape. It is hidden in a canyon in the eastern neighborhoods of Layton, Utah. The trail offers a variety of route options. Several neighborhoods have access points, and one trailhead with parking near the center of the trail. Interpretive signage along the trail highlights the native plants and wildlife of the area. The lower trail is mostly flat and good for hikers of all abilities, while the upper end near Hobbs Reservoir is quite steep, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Trailhead

Kay’s Creek Parkway can be accessed from several neighborhood access points. The main trailhead and parking area is the Adam J. Welker trailhead located at 2700 N. 2125 E. in Layton, UT (41.097777, -111.928136):

Take Exit 404 from Highway 89 onto UT-193/3000 North.
Continue west for 1.1 miles.
Turn left onto 2000 East, then immediately left onto Deere View Drive.
Continue 0.1 miles, then turn right onto 2125 East.
Continue 0.4 miles to the signed trailhead and parking area at the end of the road.
There are four other neighborhood access points in the area. There is no off-street parking at these locations:

Canyon View trailhead, 2360 E. Canyon View Drive (41.102328, -111.921222)
Oak Forest trailhead, 2459 E. 2750 N. (41.098457, -111.919463)
Lower trailhead, 2210 Hidden Hollow Drive (41.092064, -111.938487)
Sunset Drive trailhead, 1865 E. Sunset Drive (41.091902, -111.932848)
The Hike

From the parking area at the Adam J. Welker trailhead, begin walking in either direction. Heading west down the canyon provides the easiest walk. Continue through the grassy field where the trail intersects with the Sunset Drive access point and a small loop. Choose either side of the loop and continue west. Soon the loop reconnects as the trail passes by a large meadow before ending at the lower trailhead on Hidden Hollow Drive.

East of the Adam J. Welker trailhead, the trail climbs slowly before arriving at a junction (41.098885, -111.923150). The trail to the left climbs a steep slope to the Canyon View trailhead. The trail to the right continues up the canyon into a forest to the base of the Hobbs Reservoir dam before climbing to the Oak Forest trailhead on the south side of the canyon.

Near the top of either trail, Hobbs Reservoir becomes visible below. Hobbs Reservoir is on private property; however, fishing is allowed with a walk-in access permit in cooperation with the property owner and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Walk-in access permits are available online or at a registration box near the reservoir.

Due to the numerous possible access points, total walking distance may vary. The total length of all of the paved paths through Kay’s Creek Parkway is approximately 4.5 miles one-way.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
No smoking or alcohol.
Speed limit is 10 mph.
Special Considerations

During warm weather, mosquitoes and other biting insects may be a nuisance. Wear long sleeves and pants and/or bug repellent if necessary.

Bountiful Lake

1.3 mi loop
easy
spring, summer , fall

Bountiful Lake truly has something for everyone. This easy, paved path follows the shoreline of the lake and features interpretive signage, fishing docks, and plenty of shady spots to sit and take in the beautiful scenery. With the exception of a short section on the north side of the lake, the entire trail is paved and accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

Trailhead

Bountiful Lake is located just west of Legacy Parkway near Bountiful, Utah:

From Legacy Parkway, take Exit 4 for 500 South.
Turn west and then immediately north onto the frontage road.
Continue on the frontage road for 2.1 miles.
Turn east into the signed parking area for Bountiful Lake (40.907115, -111.920646).
There are restroom facilities and a non-motorized boat launch ramp at the parking area.

The Hike

From the parking area, begin walking down the paved path heading south around the shore of the lake. This area is beautifully maintained and features numerous benches and spots along the shore to sit down and fish or just take in the scenery.

Fishing docks are located along the east and south shores. Continue hiking past the docks as the path winds along the shore through tall stands of pampas grass. After about 0.8 miles, the trail reaches a metal footbridge over the outlet of the lake on the far west end (40.907054, -111.929395). Beyond the bridge, the paved trail ends.

You may continue along the unimproved path that passes several more benches by the lake; however, it can sometimes be muddy and wet. If you want to keep your feet dry, you may follow the paved trail onto a gravel road that follows the north side of the lake. Walk east on the gravel road for about a quarter mile until you reach a gate on the right that reconnects to the paved path and returns to the parking area. Alternately, if you wish to stay on paved trails, you can simply turn around at the foot bridge and return the way you came.

Walking distance for the loop is about 1.3 miles, or 1.8 miles to the bridge and back the same way.

Rules & Regulations

Keep dogs on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
No camping.
No motorized watercraft.
No fires.
A valid Utah fishing license is required if you plan to fish.
Closed from 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

Special Considerations

During warmer weather, bugs can be a problem. Wear appropriate clothing or use insect repellent as needed.

Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

1.4 mi RT
easy
year round

The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is a fantastic family hike on a boardwalk loop surrounded by tall wetland grasses and wildlife. This trail offers a unique glimpse into the ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake without having to get your feet wet.

It is a great educational trail for children and adults of all abilities and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Trailhead

The trailhead is located on 3200 West, approximately 1 mile south of Gentile Street in Layton, Utah. From the signed entrance, drive another quarter mile on the dirt road to the parking area (41.042531,-112.026395).

Restrooms are located approximately 100 yards from the parking area.

The Hike

The hike begins by following a gravel path to a boardwalk that leads to a large pavilion, approximately 300 yards from the parking area. With its soaring canopies and unique architecture, the pavilion is a destination in itself. It is loaded with exhibits and information, making it a great place to stop and learn about the Great Salt Lake wetland ecosystem before beginning the boardwalk loop.

From the pavilion, you can choose to walk the loop in either direction. As you walk along the boardwalk, you will pass more exhibits offering information about nearly everything you see around you, from the thousands of migratory birds that visit each year, to the native plants and grasses, to the tiny brine shrimp that thrive in the waters of the Great Salt Lake.

Near the far end of the loop, the boardwalk arrives at an impressive 30-foot observation tower (41.036482,-112.028885), which offers a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape. As the boardwalk climbs into the tower, a sign marks the most recent high water mark of the Great Salt Lake, which was last reached in the 1980s. It is interesting to see that nearly the entire boardwalk preceding this point would be several feet under water if the lake were at that same level today. The top of the tower is only reachable by stairs, but strollers and wheelchairs may access the mid-level that still offers excellent views.

After leaving the tower, continue on the loop back to the pavilion and to the parking area. Round trip distance from the parking area is approximately 1.4 miles.

Rules and Regulations

The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is operated by the Nature Conservancy and is open to the public at no charge. The preserve is open 7 days per week with varying hours depending on time of year.

April - September: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

October – March: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

No pets.
No bicycles or skateboards.
Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the start of the trail.
Special Considerations

During warm weather, mosquitoes and other biting insects may be a nuisance. Wear long sleeves and pants and/or bug repellent, if necessary.

Old Emigration Trail/Syracuse Trail/Bluff Trail

7.7 mi ONE WAY
easy
spring, summer, fall

The Old Emigration Trail is a 7.7-mile paved path connecting the cities of West Point and Syracuse, UT. The trail follows a section of the historic Emigration Road that once connected Salt Lake City to the California Trail near the City of Rocks in Idaho. The Old Emigration Trail goes by many names, including the Syracuse Trail and Bluff Trail. The trail begins at 1300 North in West Point and ends with a loop around Jensen Nature Park in Syracuse near Gentile Street and Bluff Road. This is a great trail for beginning walkers and bikers. The entire trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible; however, use caution at the numerous street crossings along the way.

Trailhead

There are many access points to the Old Emigration Trail. The north trailhead is located along 1300 North in West Point, while the south trailhead is located at Jensen Nature Park in Syracuse. Any of the numerous street crossings between these two points can also be used for access.

The Jensen Nature Park trailhead is located at 3176 South Bluff Road in Syracuse, Utah:

Drive west on Gentile Street in Layton, UT for approximately 4.0 miles.
Turn north onto Bluff Road.
Continue 0.8 miles to Jensen Nature Park on the west side of the road (41.066964, -112.052484).
The northern trailhead is located at 4055 W 1300 N in West Point, Utah, and can be reached from the Jensen Nature Park:

Continue north on Bluff Road for 2.6 miles.
Turn right onto 3000 West.
Continue north on 3000 West for 2.6 miles.
Turn left onto 1300 North.
Continue west for 1.1 miles to the small, unsigned parking area on the south side of the road (41.132541, -112.104320).
The trail begins about 0.2 miles west of the north parking area; however, most hikers or bikers head south from this point.

The Hike

The Old Emigration Trail can be completed from any point and in either direction. Starting from the parking area on 1300 North, the trail begins by winding through a residential area. Use caution before proceeding into the few crossings you will encounter along the way.

Further along, the views open up to a mix of wetland and farms, with the Wasatch Mountains and Antelope Island visible in the distance. After about 4.25 miles, you will arrive at the only real junction along the trail at Fremont Park. Turn left here, following signage leading to Jensen Park.

Continue heading south toward Jensen Park as the trail passes by more residential areas and lush wetlands. After 5.9 miles, the trail reaches the north end of Jensen Nature Park. Continue over the bridge, and head south. The trail turns east at Gentile Street and then north again, making a 1.8-mile loop around Jensen Nature Park, and eventually returning to the bridge where the Old Emigration Trail first entered the park. Returning to the north trailhead from this point results in about a 13.6-mile round trip.

Those wishing for a longer walk or ride can visit the inner loop trails at Jensen Nature Park or any of the several parks located along the length of The Old Emigration Trail.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
No horses allowed on paved trail.
Special Considerations

During warm weather, mosquitoes and other biting insects may be a nuisance. Wear long sleeves and pants and/or bug repellent if necessary.

USU Botanical Center (Kaysville)

easy
year round

The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville is home to a network of family friendly walking trails in a beautiful wetland environment. The botanical center is home to several large ponds that are rich with wildlife and surrounded by tall grasses and beautiful gardens.

This hike is suitable for children and adults of all skill levels.

Trailhead

875 South 50 West
Kaysville, UT

(41.019761,-111.940473)

From I-15, take Exit 328 for 200 North.
Drive east a few blocks on 200 North and turn right onto Main Street.
Turn right onto 50 West and continue one mile to the parking area on the right.
Restrooms are located near the pavilion at the north end of the parking area.

The Hike

The route options at the botanical center are plentiful. You can basically choose a path and just start walking. All but the south pond have trails around their perimeters, making it easy to put together loops and cover more ground. Most of the trails are wide, well-graded gravel paths. Combined distance of all trails is roughly 1.5 miles.

Be sure to walk through Garden View Pavilion at the north end of the parking area where you will find extensive information about the wetlands and the role these ponds play in the larger Great Salt Lake ecosystem. There is also a beautiful 9/11 Memorial near the pavilion. You can find more information on the botanical center on the west side of the ponds at Wetland Discovery Point, the large structure on the north end of the botanical center.

Fishing

Fishing is popular here as well. You can fish from one of the many docks, benches, and shore access points. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocks the ponds with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Rainbow Trout. Largemouth bass should be voluntarily released to help improve this community fishery. Be sure to check current fishing regulations before heading out.

Rules and Regulations

Park hours are sunrise to sunset.
Open to foot traffic and bicycles only.
No motorized vehicles.
No swimming.
All pets must be on leash.
Clean up after pets.

Antelope Island State Park

****Best months to visit: April, May, early June, September****
(July and August have swarms of flies and a terrible stink. October is when they harvest the shrimp so it's crowded with planes and boats.)

I-15 exit 335 in Syracuse. Turn west off the exit and the road takes you directly there.

*The high saline levels of the lake can irritate sensitive skin. Don't shave beforehand and rinse well at the day-use showers afterwards. Don't put your face in the water.

Rent kayaks, taking lunch and plenty of water.  Head south from the marina, paddling along the east coast of the island. Watch for birds and other wildlife.
     Kayak Rentals:
     REI
     Canyon Sports LTD
     Holiday Expeditions
     Wasatch Touring


We had an awesome day at Antelope Island State Park today. As avid birders, we are really excited to visit the island every spring. There are a lot of activities there, including the beach, hiking, a Visitor’s Center with a Junior Ranger Program, camping, bird watching and other wildlife viewing, and a historical ranch.

I’ll start with the animal viewing and bird watching, because that is our favorite part of Antelope Island. The lake is really low this year due to the drought, but you can still see many birds along the causeway as you drive out to the island. We saw geese, sandhill cranes, and long-billed curlews right where you pay your fee ($10 per vehicle). A little farther along we got really lucky and saw a coyote running alongside the van about 25 yards away. We rolled along with him for probably a mile, and he (or she) was absolutely gorgeous– usually coyotes look about as raggedy as Wile E Coyote from the cartoons.  Later we saw several other mammals, including cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits, pronghorn antelope, and the island’s specialty, bison. These are a major attraction, and there are 500-700 on the island. They also claim deer and the more rare bighorn sheep, which were transplanted to the island in the late ’90s. We haven’t seen the big horns, though.
We were super-excited for all the birds we saw. Here is a list: Mourning Dove, Canadian Goose, Starling, Crow, California Gull, Green-winged Teal, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Loggerhead Shrike, Great Blue Heron, Chukar, American Avocet, Willet, Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Western Meadowlark, Cormorants, Yellow-Headed Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, White Crowned Sparrow, Long-Billed Curlew, Magpie, White Pelican, Red-Tailed Hawk, Burrowing Owl.
We were especially excited about the burrowing owls, because it was a first for us. They are hanging out near the Visitor’s Center. (Take a left as you leave the Visitor’s Center and go toward the RV dump station. There are a few burrows built on the left side of the road. You might be as lucky as we were!)

We ate at the Buffalo Island Grill, which has really good food. Our family of 5 ate for $35. They even serve a real buffalo burger, but I am partial to their BLT! This restaurant is only open Spring through Fall, and they are only open from 12-4 pm, so don’t plan on dinner on the island. You can check their Facebook page before you go to make sure they are open because sometimes weather will even close them up. Sorry we didn’t snap photos of our food, but it is really delicious.

Next we headed down to the beach. With the water level so low this year, we had to walk almost a half-mile one way to get to the water, but the boys loved throwing rocks and wading. At the wrong time of the year, the midges and brine flies will carry you right off the beach, but we didn’t see a bug today. You could easily spend a couple of hours just down by the water. It’s amazing how shallow it is, too. You could probably walk out into the Great Salt Lake for miles without it getting above your waist (you’d likely be up to your ears in mud, though!) Lots of people love to wade in the Great Salt Lake or like our boys…taste it!

You can walk right down to the Great Salt Lake from the restaurant parking area.

When we went a few years ago, we had to do a little more wading in the water to get to the lake. This year was bone dry.

We love walking the shore, wading, and throwing rocks here at the beach.

There is tons of sand near the restaurant and on the entire walk down to the water, so bring some sand toys for young kids. We always forget ours, but all that our kids want to do, other than throw rocks in the water, is dig in the sand. The sand is nice and soft in some places. Other places have lots of rocks, so look for a good spot.

We also hiked a few hikes near the Visitor’s Center. There is a short 1/4 mile hike that takes you to an overlook for Egg Island.  It is a simple trail but there are a few rocks to climb.  You can walk out and look over the Great Salt Lake. There is a small parking lot just before the Visitor’s Center where this trail starts.

We also walked a small trail right behind the Visitor’s Center (I don’t think it has a name on their trail map). If you walk out the back of the Visitor’s Center to the end of the paved trail, there is a small information sign. If you go slightly to the left you will see a trail leading down into the rocky terrain surrounding the Visitor’s Center. The trail is simple and easy. You can hear the people back at the Visitor’s Center the whole time, but we did see a jack rabbit and a cottontail, as well as many birds on this trail.

The other hike that we tried was Buffalo Point. This trail climbs up a small peak and then you can walk across the peak to an viewpoint for the Great Salt Lake on both sides. Our boys loved this hike because there were lots of rocks that they could climb. The trail is steep on the way up, but across Buffalo Point it is flat and relaxing. This trail is .6 roundtrip. At the trailhead for this hike there is a deck that has picnic tables if you bring your own lunch.

The Fielding Garr Ranch is also located on the island. It is a bit of a drive from the Visitor’s Center because it’s all the way at the southern end. The ranch is no longer a working ranch, but you can still see the old buildings and the farm house. We always love seeing old pioneer relics, and the old farm equipment is very interesting. Our boys have two favorite activities here: one is ringing the old bell, and the other is trying to rope the wooden cattle. Even grandpa loved this activity. As far as animals, there are a few horses, and we always see deer here for some reason. Supposedly there are Great Horned Owls that live up in the silo, but we have never seen them. There is a huge grassy area where you can picnic or let the kids run wild for a little bit.

The Visitor’s Center is very small, but they do have a Junior Ranger program geared for ages 4-12. The small museum has information on the brine shrimp and the salt in the lake. There is also a table with different animals bones or horns that is always fun because it’s a hands-on activity. You are allowed to touch and hold anything on the table. Our favorite part of the Visitor’s Center is the bird feeder. There is a large window where you can watch the birds. We even saw big chukars coming to the feeder. The ranger told us that there is a rabbit that lives in the rock behind the feeder so if you are there early you can see him. We did not, but we watched for a long time. You can also watch the movie which is 15 minutes long and is filled with interesting facts about the Island. If you decide to do the Junior Ranger program, make sure to bring a small bag to collect garbage as that is one of the activities for all ages to complete.

Adams Canyon/ Waterfall

(Kaysville) 

3.6 mi RT

2-3 hours

Moderate/difficult, 1268' elevation gain

Partial shade at the start, then mostly shaded in the canyon

No restrooms at trailhead

Year round (especially pretty in late spring, but your feet might get wet)

*no signs at trailhead (NE corner of Eastside Drive and Canyon Drive/350 North)

*at one point there will be a giant boulder in the way; climb over on the right side

This trail is located near Layton, Utah. On Northbound I-89, take the first right after the stoplight at Oak Hills Drive and then immediately turn right onto N Eastside Drive. Cars will most likely be parked along the road. A little more than a quarter mile down the road, you will find the dirt parking area directly next to the trailhead.

I love this hike because it has my three favorite things: a waterfall, lots of shade and moderately rugged terrain! I hate switchbacks and unfortunately, this hike has them right at the beginning! However, the switchbacks are totally worth it on the Adams Waterfall hike! This trail is pretty dang cool – I enjoyed getting to the waterfall as much as the waterfall itself! The trail is rugged, and somewhat steep in parts, but that’s what makes it so fun. Round trip, this hike took us about two hours (including a break for lunch at the waterfall). We got there around 11am and there was still plenty of parking! Tips: This hike is also dog friendly, so be aware of those “little surprises” along the trail.

Farmington Creek Trail

3.2 mi RT

2.5-3 hours

Moderate, 1178' elevation gain

Little shade

No restrooms at trailhead, toilet at Sunset campground (turnaround point)

Best in spring or fall

Frary Peak

(Antelope Island) 

6.6 mi RT

3.5-6 hours

Moderate, 2068' elevation gain

No shade!

No restrooms at trailhead; nearest restrooms are at visitor center

Year round (with possible winter closures); best in early spring or mid-late fall

*opens at 9am each day

Jordan River Parkway

eventually Utah County through Davis County

*11 miles one way between Gardner Village and Redwood Trailhead Park

Easy

Partial shade

Restrooms and water along the way

Year round