Here's what and where in Logan Canyon - starting from the west side (Logan) and going to the east (Bear Lake side). There are obviously more things to do/see than are listed here, but these are things that caught my eye. (There's not room to list everything anyway.) This long list should convince you to never complain about that "long" canyon road again. In fact, just knowing what's in the canyon and where it has made the drive seem a lot shorter for me.
All mileage should be considerd approximate with the Lady Bird rest stop being the starting point. R.S. and L.S. are abbreviations for right and left side road locations.(Some non-tourist locations are listed as reference points only.) - Lynn Arave
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1. Lady Bird rest stop (0 miles, R.S.) Clean restrooms, a nice water fountain, a bird's-eye view of the River Heights area of Logan and a smart pre-canyon stop if you've already driven a long way.
2. First Dam (.5 miles, R.S.) Small park and fishing.
3. Hydro Park (.5 miles, L.S.) Small park.
4. Logan canal. (1.8 miles, L.S.) The most popular entry point for tubing participants. (Starts near a green pipe.) The ride is slow out of the canyon, and the water is very cold, but the canal is open with no tunnels to go through.
5. Second Dam (2.5 miles, R.S.) Fishing.
6. Logan City power plant (2.6 miles, R.S.).
7. Xanadu Lodge (3.0, R.S.) This historic structure was converted to a restaurant but is now up for sale and not in use.
8. Bridger Campground (3.3 miles, R.S.) A great lower elevation/early season (May-October) site for picnics or camping (11 units) at 5,000 feet above sea level. (Some summer homes are close by, too.)
9. Geological sign (4.0 miles, L.S.) Tells about ancient Lake Bonneville and points out the old lake's shoreline across the canyon in the Spring Hollow area.
10. Third Dam (4.0, R.S.) Fishing.
11. Spring Hollow Campground Area (4.4 miles, R.S.) Camping (16 units)/picnic area. Fishing is very popular off the narrow bridge at the entrance.
The three-mile Crimson Trail starts in this area and continues along some steep cliffs, ending near the amphitheatre in the Malibu-Guinavah campround (located a mile up the canyon).
Several other nearby trailheads lead on long hikes to Logan Peak, Providence Canyon and Millville Canyon.
12. Logan City drinking water supply (5.0 miles, R.S.). Just a clearing with visible concrete sections, but it's a good parking place for Wind Cave trail hikers.
13. Wind Cave (5.0 miles, L.S.) This cave, high above the canyon floor, can be seen from the DeWitt Campground. A rugged 1.5-mile trail, improved in 1977, provides access. The cave is actually a triple arch, part of the "China Wall" rock formation, a cavernous rock formed by wind and water erosion.
The Wind Cave trail continues on to North Logan, to Green Canyon or Mount Jardine.
14. DeWitt Campground (5.0 miles, R.S.) Has camping (five units) and picnic facilities, too. At 5,200 feet above sea level, the sign for this campground was taken by vandals. Only the two support posts remain.
15. Malibu-Guinavah Campground (5.3 miles, R.S.). This is the MOST heavily used lower-elevation camping area. It has 48 units. It also contains an amphitheatre, picnic areas and hiking access.
16. Brown's Roll Off Picnic Area (6.8 miles, R.S.) has three picnic-only areas.
17. Card Picnic Area (7.1 miles, R.S.) has two picnic units at 5,400-foot elevation.
18. Card Canyon (7.3 miles, R.S.) A dirt road that leads to Canyon Spring and also a trailhead to Blacksmith Fork Canyon.
19. Card Ranger Station (7.3 miles, L.S.) is an old station where two rangers live. (The station is NOT continually manned.)
20. Pine Bluffs summer home area (7.7 miles, R.S.)
21. Chokecherry Picnic Area (7.8 miles, R.S.) Three picnic sites at 5,400-foot elevation.
22. Preston Valley Campground (8.2 miles, R.S.) Has nine campground-picnic areas.
23. Geological sign (8.9 miles, L.S.) Describes the "fucoidal quartzite" found to the left of the sign - a 400 million-year-old seaweedlike structure left by ancient marine worms.
24. Right Fork (9.2 miles, R.S.) No. "047" road (this number corresponds to Forest Service Maps). A paved road leads past "Tea Pot" Rock. This rock formation is about one-half mile off the main highway and can be found by looking through a "spotting scope" on the right side. The "Lion's Head" rock formation is reportedly in this same area but is not easily found.
The road forks after another half-mile and neither fork is paved. The No. 055 road dead ends quickly, while No. 047 heads past a girls' camp and also "Lodge Campground" (10 units). It then travels to Crowley Canyon and eventually leads to Blacksmith Fork Canyon (10 miles) and Temple Fork access.
There are many hiking trails and other dirt roads in this area, also a popular snowmobiling location.
"Old Ephraim's Grave," a 4.5 ton native stone (9 feet 11 inches tall), marking the final resting spot of one of the biggest grizzly bears ever, is also found along an unpaved side road between Logan and Blacksmith Fork canyons.
Ephraim roamed the area for many years killing cattle, sheep and wildlife until he was shot by Frank Clark of Malad, Idaho, in August 1923.
The marker represents the bear's true height, but his actual weight was believed to be 1,100 pounds. (The bear's skull is found in the Smithsonian Institiute.)
The grave marker was erected by Logan area Boy Scouts in 1966 and includes a poem about the infamous bear.
Portions of the road are packed with clay and so caution is advised in wet weather.
25. China Row Campround (10.0 miles, R.S.) Four camping/picnic areas at 5,600 feet above sea level.
26. Wood Camp (10.2 miles, L.S.) Is found to the right of the Juniper Jardine Road and only a few hundred yards off the Logan Canyon Highway. Has six camping-picnic units.
27. Juniper Jardine Trailhead (10.3 miles, L.S.) Take the middle fork dirt road that goes 100 yards past Wood Camp and leads to an unmarked trailhead with a horse loading area.
A rugged 1.5-mile-long hike starts here that zigzags up 2,000 vertical feet to the great, 3,200-year-old "Juniper Jardine" - believed to be the oldest and largest of its kind. It was discovered in 1923. It is named for William T. Jardine, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1925-29) and a Utah State graduate. It's more than 44 feet high and almost 27 feet wide.
(The trail to the tree can be difficult to follow and confusing side trails lead to Tony Grove, not the tree!)
28. Logan Cave (11.9 miles, L.S.) A deep, 2,000-foot-long cavern that can just barely be seen from the highway. Parking is a real problem, with sites available for only two cars on the right side of the road (across where the cave's water output crosses the road) and one car spot on the left across from the cave itself. (More parking is available 300 yards up the canyon on the left side near a small bridge.)
The Forest Service is aware of the cave's parking problem and is awaiting the outcome of proposed improvements for U.S. 89 prior to any work being done.
The cave entrance can be seen from the highway. It's a 150-yard hike (50-foot climb) to the cave entrance. The cave itself varies from 5-10 feet wide with a ceiling height between 30 and 100 feet. It has three levels and in normal water years has a stream flowing out of it that can be knee-deep in spots. (It was dry at the cave entrance last summer.)
The cave was formed by the seepage of water through limestone and has a year-round temperature of about 50 degrees.
Allow five hours for a round trip to all three cave levels. The walk is not smooth. There are many big boulders to cross over or slide by.
Most geological features in the cave have been destroyed by vandals, and litter and graffiti have been cave problems too.
29. Temple Fork (14.9 miles, R.S.) is a dirt road (No. 007) named after pioneers got wood from here to help build the Logan LDS Temple. The road is almost exactly halfway up the canyon and is good enough in the summer for an average car. It leads to the Temple Springs trailhead, to "Chicken Guzzler" and "Mud Flat" and connects with Right Fork road and also Blacksmith Fork Canyon. A good snowmobile area, too.
30. "The Dugway" (13.2 miles, L.S.) Referred to by many the spot in the canyon where the Logan River flows more than 100 feet below the road. The highway is steep and narrow in this stretch, too.
31. Ricks Spring (15.4 miles, L.S.) There's no sign here thanks to vandalism. There's also no drinking water or restroom, but it's still a pretty midcanyon stop with a small cavern.
However, Ricks Spring is NOT really a spring. It is mainly a diversion of the Logan River with a little mountain snowmelt mixed in.
The Forest Service hopes to develop this area in the future as more of a tourist attraction.
32. First cattleguard (17.1 miles). Speed limit also increases from 35 to 55.
33. Utah State Management Development Center (9.5 miles, R.S.)
34. Tony Grove Side Road (19.2 miles, L.S.) A 7-mile paved but winding road that climbs 2,300 feet (and passes through several cattle grazing areas) to beautiful Tony Grove Lake (8,100-foot elevation) and a very busy campground (36 units).
The road en route passes by a fork to the USU Forestry Field Station and also to the Lewis M. Turner Campground (10 units).
Tony Grove is only open July-September. It is also a popular snowmobile area.
There are several small caves above the lake and trailheads lead to the Mount Naomi Peak Wilderness Area, to Smithfield and even to Franklin, Idaho, as well as many other Logan Canyon locations.
35. Red Banks Campground (20.2, L.S.)
36. Second cattle guard (20.8 miles).
37. Beaver Mountain Ski Road Junction (24.2 miles, L.S.) No. 110 road goes to the ski resort and also connects with the Sink Hollow dirt road and Beaver Creek Road.
38. Dirt roads (24.2 miles, R.S.) Stump Hollow, Amazon Hollow and North Sink dirt roads. (Crosses some private land.)
39. Dirt road (27.9 miles, R.S.) Leads to Middle Sink. Also snowmobile area. (Also, a UDOT storage shed, yard, L.S.)
40. Middle Sink (29.7 miles, L.S.) Popular snowmobile area.
41. Bear Lake Summit sign (30.2 miles, L.S.) is at 7,800-foot elevation and marks the entrance into Rich County.
42. Lumberpine Trailhead (30.3 miles, R.S.) is usable from July-September with plenty of parking and restrooms available. Has a 12-station, 30-minute, loop nature/forest walk. Pick up a pamphlet at the start of the trail on the right-hand side. Trail returns on the left side.
43. Sunrise Campground (31.0 miles, R.S.) Has 27 units and is heavily used all summer.
44. Bear Lake Overlook (31.1 miles, R.S.) A loop turnoff that offers the first bird's-eye views of Bear Lake from a 7,568-foot meadow. Good parking with new signs that explain the history and geology of the lake.
45. Bear Lake, (37.1) about 5,900-foot elevation. This lake is almost 20 miles long, from 4 to 8 miles in width and is as much as 208 feet deep on the east side. Half the lake in Utah.
Utah has Rendezvous State Park Beach on the south end, just past the rest stop, while Idaho has North Beach State Park.
Great for fishing, boating and swimming. The lake contains "cisco" fish, found nowhere else in the world.
Here is a link to a map of hikes in Logan Canyon.
Showing posts with label Logan area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Logan area. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Stokes Nature Center
Discover a piece of natural history or take in the beauty of the surrounding area at Stokes Nature Center. You can make friends with live reptiles and amphibians, learn amazing things about rocks and fossils, and enjoy the native plants and animals along the Logan River. You are never too old or too young to explore nature.
2696 East U.S.Hwy. 89, 1 mile up Logan Canyon
(435) 755-3239
Call for days and hours of operation.
2696 East U.S.Hwy. 89, 1 mile up Logan Canyon
(435) 755-3239
Call for days and hours of operation.
April through October: Wed- Sat, 10:00am to 4:00pm
November through March: Wed- Fri, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stokes Nature Center strives to have the interpretive center open to the public during all of our regular hours of operation. However, school and community programs sometimes take our small staff offsite for programs. Calling ahead can help ensure you are greeted by a staff member or docent during your visit.
Call the center at 435-755-3239
Parking & Trail Access
Access to Stokes Nature Center is located approximately 1 mile into Logan Canyon when accessed from Logan along US Hwy 89. Parking is available on the north side of Hwy 89 by the wooden Cache National Forest sign, or just east of this area along the south side of Hwy 89. There are a limited number of parking spots directly at the entrance to the River Trail, adjacent to the metal gate. Vehicles should not block the gated entrance, which is for staff and handicap visitor access.
The River Trail is a popular recreational trailway enjoyed by numerous hikers, mountain bikers, families and pet owners. Winter months see regular use by cross-country skiers and snow bikes. The 1/3 mile stretch of trail between the highway access and the Stokes Interpretive Center is a narrow one-way track with frequent pedestrian encounters. We ask that vehicle access is restricted to SNC staff and visitors needing handicap accessibility. The trail can become heavily sheeted with ice during winter months, making vehicle access unsafe. If you have questions about accessing the interpretive center, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Schedule a Group Visit
Large family groups, Girl or Boy Scout troupes, youth organizations or other large groups are encouraged to schedule a free visit and tour of the interpretive center with one of our environmental education staff members. We will be happy to show you around the center, introduce you to our native critters, and tell you a little about the flora and fauna of Logan Canyon.
Call us in advance to ensure a knowledgeable staff member is ready to greet you and make your visit a memorable one. Contact us at 435-755-3239 or nature[at]logannature.org.
Willow Park Zoo
Willow Park has one of the greatest waterfowl collections in the region, showcasing more than 100 species. The setting offers walkways among shady willow trees and children can feed the ducks, geese, and trout. See lemurs, red fox, coyotes, elk, bald eagles, deer, bobcats, and more. Picnic and playground areas are adjacent to the zoo.
419 West 700 South, Logan
(435) 716-9625
The zoo is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
The zoo is closed on Sundays.
Adults
Ages 12+
$3.00
Children
Ages 3-11
$2.00
Children
Under 3
FREE
419 West 700 South, Logan
(435) 716-9625
The zoo is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
The zoo is closed on Sundays.
Adults
Ages 12+
$3.00
Children
Ages 3-11
$2.00
Children
Under 3
FREE
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Green Canyon
9.5 miles
easy to moderate
4% average grade
11% max grade
(right at the edge of Logan)
This route races through meadows and woods with views of a large cave, wildlife, in addition to beautiful cliffs and ridges. There are many fun sections where the trail drops through a dry stream bed that get pretty steep, but only for short sections.
The only drawback is the high volume of mountain bikers present on this trail, which means you need to yield a lot, even early in the morning on weekdays, but it's worth it.
Description
From the King Nature Park you can either hike up through the King Nature Park Singletrack or you can hike up the road and access the singletrack at the main parking lot before the winter gate (there are lots of other access points to the singletrack along the road up Green Canyon). The singletrack crosses the road several times but mostly stays in the woods and meadows closer to the walls of the canyon. Additionally, the trail crosses the dry streambed several times. Be prepared to get your feet wet after heavy rains.
There are many things to see, especially if you go in the early morning. The early morning light provides opportunities to see evidence of elk or deer sleeping in the meadows. There is also a large but shallow cave near the main camping area that you pass on the way - keep an eye out!
The grade is pretty well distributed and, therefore, there aren't many difficult or steep parts of this trail. However, this is still by no means a walk in the park. Most people will find it to be a challenge, but thoroughly enjoyable.
easy to moderate
4% average grade
11% max grade
(right at the edge of Logan)
This route races through meadows and woods with views of a large cave, wildlife, in addition to beautiful cliffs and ridges. There are many fun sections where the trail drops through a dry stream bed that get pretty steep, but only for short sections.
The only drawback is the high volume of mountain bikers present on this trail, which means you need to yield a lot, even early in the morning on weekdays, but it's worth it.
Description
From the King Nature Park you can either hike up through the King Nature Park Singletrack or you can hike up the road and access the singletrack at the main parking lot before the winter gate (there are lots of other access points to the singletrack along the road up Green Canyon). The singletrack crosses the road several times but mostly stays in the woods and meadows closer to the walls of the canyon. Additionally, the trail crosses the dry streambed several times. Be prepared to get your feet wet after heavy rains.
There are many things to see, especially if you go in the early morning. The early morning light provides opportunities to see evidence of elk or deer sleeping in the meadows. There is also a large but shallow cave near the main camping area that you pass on the way - keep an eye out!
The grade is pretty well distributed and, therefore, there aren't many difficult or steep parts of this trail. However, this is still by no means a walk in the park. Most people will find it to be a challenge, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Logan River Trail
7.4 miles
easy
3% average grade
17% max grade
Overview
This route follows the Logan River pretty closely and allows for spectacular views of cliffs on both sides of the river, as well as some amazing forest canopies, and two beautiful reservoirs.
There are definitely a lot of users on this trail including mountain bikers, runners, and walkers.
Description
Starting from the parking lot either by the gate or across the road, you can start up the trail that leads to the Stokes Nature center, pass by it and continue past other gates and continue on past the weir station (in the river bed) and then past Second Dam and some more gates.
The trail narrows to singletrack after Second Dam, but is still very distinct and continues all the way up to the Bridger Campground where it widens again to a road. Just follow it through the campground and then continue on the other side until you get to Third Dam and the parking lot there.
There are no difficulties except some switchbacks after Second Dam that really aren't that difficult, but just steeper than the rest of the very gradual climbing that occurs on the road-like trail that composes most of the rest of the hike.
easy
3% average grade
17% max grade
Overview
This route follows the Logan River pretty closely and allows for spectacular views of cliffs on both sides of the river, as well as some amazing forest canopies, and two beautiful reservoirs.
There are definitely a lot of users on this trail including mountain bikers, runners, and walkers.
Description
Starting from the parking lot either by the gate or across the road, you can start up the trail that leads to the Stokes Nature center, pass by it and continue past other gates and continue on past the weir station (in the river bed) and then past Second Dam and some more gates.
The trail narrows to singletrack after Second Dam, but is still very distinct and continues all the way up to the Bridger Campground where it widens again to a road. Just follow it through the campground and then continue on the other side until you get to Third Dam and the parking lot there.
There are no difficulties except some switchbacks after Second Dam that really aren't that difficult, but just steeper than the rest of the very gradual climbing that occurs on the road-like trail that composes most of the rest of the hike.
White Pine Lake trail (Logan canyon)
8.5 miles RT
easy to moderate
6% average grade
23% highest grade
Features: Birding, Fall Colors, Lake, River/Creek, Swimming, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Description
From the trailhead at the Tony Grove Lake parking lot, follow the signs leading to White Pine Lake. The trail initially ascends slowly through a sagebrush meadow with small groves of aspens and conifers throughout it. After less than a quarter of a mile, the trail splits off to the right (taking the trail to the left would take you to Mount Naomi, and it is well marked) and continues through forests and meadows with occasional views of the impressive Mount Magog.
After about 2 miles from the trailhead, the trail ascends a long switchback and then breaks out into a clearing with amazing views of Mount Gog, another spectacular alpine peak, and if you go in the fall this is also a great place to see some beautiful, brilliant fall colors down below Gog. At this point, the trail starts to descend rapidly down into the White Pine Lake Cirque.
At about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses a small bridge and then hits a trail junction at the sign that talks about the White Pine Lake Loop Trail and the White Pine-Bunchgrass Canyon Trail. The actual White Pine Lake Trail, instead of crossing the bridge, continues along the south side of the creek and eventually passes by the outlet of White Pine Lake and then follows the shores of the lake around to the north side of the lake where it meets up with the White Pine Lake Loop Trail again, where the trail ends.
Flora & Fauna
Visitors will be treated to beautiful aspens in the fall, as well as other brilliant fall colors from other deciduous trees.
easy to moderate
6% average grade
23% highest grade
Features: Birding, Fall Colors, Lake, River/Creek, Swimming, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Description
From the trailhead at the Tony Grove Lake parking lot, follow the signs leading to White Pine Lake. The trail initially ascends slowly through a sagebrush meadow with small groves of aspens and conifers throughout it. After less than a quarter of a mile, the trail splits off to the right (taking the trail to the left would take you to Mount Naomi, and it is well marked) and continues through forests and meadows with occasional views of the impressive Mount Magog.
After about 2 miles from the trailhead, the trail ascends a long switchback and then breaks out into a clearing with amazing views of Mount Gog, another spectacular alpine peak, and if you go in the fall this is also a great place to see some beautiful, brilliant fall colors down below Gog. At this point, the trail starts to descend rapidly down into the White Pine Lake Cirque.
At about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses a small bridge and then hits a trail junction at the sign that talks about the White Pine Lake Loop Trail and the White Pine-Bunchgrass Canyon Trail. The actual White Pine Lake Trail, instead of crossing the bridge, continues along the south side of the creek and eventually passes by the outlet of White Pine Lake and then follows the shores of the lake around to the north side of the lake where it meets up with the White Pine Lake Loop Trail again, where the trail ends.
Flora & Fauna
Visitors will be treated to beautiful aspens in the fall, as well as other brilliant fall colors from other deciduous trees.
Mount Naomi
6.5 miles
moderate
average grade 11%
highest grade 34%
1850' elevation gain
Features: Birding, Fall Colors, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Restrictions
The gate for the road that goes up to Tony Grove Lake usually closes with the first snows of the winter, and this trail would be very difficult to travel during the winter anyways because the snows get very deep up here.
Overview
This rocky trail goes through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Bear River Range. From the trail, you can get views of Mount Gog and Mount Magog, two majestic peaks, and from the top of Mount Naomi the trail offers great views of Cherry Peak to the northwest, a large portion of Cache Valley to the west, and a large portion of the Bear River Range to the south. The trail can be challenging at times but it's short and well worth the work to get the views from the top.
Description
From Tony Grove Lake, the trail heads out in the direction of Mount Magog, and towards an increasingly barren set of karst and glacially influenced terrain. The trail can be rocky and somewhat steep in places, but it is a gorgeous trail with lots of beautiful views to offer.
The trail never really enters any significant forests, but there are wildflowers in season and fields of sagebrush and grasses along the trail. The trail ascends through this terrain until just under Mount Naomi, then skirts around underneath it and then comes around to it from the north side.
The last push to the top involves some scrambling, but it is fairly mellow, and easy for anyone to do. From the top, you get amazing views of Smithfield Canyon and Cache Valley, as well as Cherry Peak, Mount Gog, and many of the other peaks in the Bear River Range. You also get the satisfaction of being at the tallest point for almost 100 miles in any direction.
moderate
average grade 11%
highest grade 34%
1850' elevation gain
Features: Birding, Fall Colors, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Restrictions
The gate for the road that goes up to Tony Grove Lake usually closes with the first snows of the winter, and this trail would be very difficult to travel during the winter anyways because the snows get very deep up here.
Overview
This rocky trail goes through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Bear River Range. From the trail, you can get views of Mount Gog and Mount Magog, two majestic peaks, and from the top of Mount Naomi the trail offers great views of Cherry Peak to the northwest, a large portion of Cache Valley to the west, and a large portion of the Bear River Range to the south. The trail can be challenging at times but it's short and well worth the work to get the views from the top.
Description
From Tony Grove Lake, the trail heads out in the direction of Mount Magog, and towards an increasingly barren set of karst and glacially influenced terrain. The trail can be rocky and somewhat steep in places, but it is a gorgeous trail with lots of beautiful views to offer.
The trail never really enters any significant forests, but there are wildflowers in season and fields of sagebrush and grasses along the trail. The trail ascends through this terrain until just under Mount Naomi, then skirts around underneath it and then comes around to it from the north side.
The last push to the top involves some scrambling, but it is fairly mellow, and easy for anyone to do. From the top, you get amazing views of Smithfield Canyon and Cache Valley, as well as Cherry Peak, Mount Gog, and many of the other peaks in the Bear River Range. You also get the satisfaction of being at the tallest point for almost 100 miles in any direction.
Crimson Trail/Riverside Nature Trail Loop
4.1 mi RT
easy/moderate
13% average grade
This route is one of the most exciting short routes in the Bear River Range. It affords great views of Logan Canyon and the Logan River, and also offers a good ascent for the distance covered, and a really fun experience as you get to travel along the top of a cliff band.
On weekends and evenings, the trail can get rather congested. However, weekday mornings are usually great times to be out on this trail, and it's very doable before work at only 4 miles round trip.
Description
From the Spring Hollow parking lot, follow the paved pathways to the north that lead to the Riverside Nature Trail. This part of the trail is an easy, rolling jaunt for about 3/4 mile that has some great views of the Logan River and some neat informative signs about the flora and fauna of the area and how they survive and thrive in this environment. After this first 3/4 mile or so, the trail forks without any signage. The fork that continues straight goes to Guinavah Campground, but the fork to go up to the Crimson Trail is to the right. Since this turnoff is not signed, it's best to keep your eyes out for it. However, if you miss the turnoff it is still possible to complete the loop, as the Riverside Nature Trail ends at Guinavah campground, at the northern trailhead of the Crimson Trail, so you could still complete the loop, but you would add probably a mile to your outing.
From the fork in the trails, the trail starts to ascend, steeply in places, through a sparsely populated forest. Eventually the trail leaves this forest for a more exposed hillside and starts and meets up with the actual Crimson Trail and starts to switchback along this hillside on a well-developed trail. From here, you can get great views of Logan Canyon and the Logan River if you take the time to look back behind you. The trail continues to ascend until it eventually gets right up to the base of the China Wall, the rock formation that forms the foundation of the most exciting part of the Crimson Trail. The last part of the ascent involves some short switchbacks that go up through a steep drainage and ends right on top of the cliffs.
The trail then contours along the top of these cliffs for almost a mile and a half, with some really fun ups and downs and great views from the tops of these cliffs. It can get really fun as the trail gets narrow in places and often gets really close to the edge. The views of the Wind Caves and the fall colors can be amazing, as well as the wildflowers in the spring. The trail also weaves in and out of forests as it crosses drainages that cut through the cliff band, so there is plenty of shade along the way during the summer, but also plenty of exposed spots for great pictures and views.
Eventually, the trail starts to switchback down as it descends towards Spring Hollow. This descent can get rocky in places, but nothing technical, and eventually it connects with the Spring Hollow Trail, which drops quickly to the Spring Hollow campground, and the last part of the route just goes down the paved road back to the parking lot past these group sites associated amenities.
*My husband and I have wanted to do this hike for sometime, and finally we did it. I am so glad that we did! It is a beautiful hike that can be done in a half day. We went June 10, 2016. We are in pretty good health for our early 50's, but the switchbacks were a challenge. Let me explain. There are two ways to take in the hike. One is to do a loop from Spring Hollow Campground, [at the junction to Spring Hollow Trail,] which climbs up above the China Wall, follows along the top of the China Wall, then descends and follows the Riverside Nature Trail back to Spring Hollow [Campground]....The other way is to start at Guinavah Campground which climbs up to the China Wall, follows along the top of the China Wall, and then descends to Spring Hollow Campground and then follows the Riverside Nature Trail back to Guinavah Campground. We were glad we started at Guinavah Campground. By doing this we had the difficult switchbacks at the beginning of the hike going up. They are steep and you gain elevation very quickly. However, after passing hikers that had started at Spring Hollow and had to descend the switchbacks on the end of the hike. They said that it was very difficult to come down the switchbacks. While as the descent to Spring Hollow (towards the end of the hike when we were tired) was gradual and an easy slope. We had a great view from the China Wall across the canyon to the wind caves. There were spring flowers still in bloom. The trail in some places is very narrow so may not be appropriate for small children. It was a very enjoyable hike, would definitely recommend it whether to start at Spring Hollow or Guinavah Campground...you are in for a real treat. Approx. 3 miles one way
easy/moderate
13% average grade
This route is one of the most exciting short routes in the Bear River Range. It affords great views of Logan Canyon and the Logan River, and also offers a good ascent for the distance covered, and a really fun experience as you get to travel along the top of a cliff band.
On weekends and evenings, the trail can get rather congested. However, weekday mornings are usually great times to be out on this trail, and it's very doable before work at only 4 miles round trip.
Description
From the Spring Hollow parking lot, follow the paved pathways to the north that lead to the Riverside Nature Trail. This part of the trail is an easy, rolling jaunt for about 3/4 mile that has some great views of the Logan River and some neat informative signs about the flora and fauna of the area and how they survive and thrive in this environment. After this first 3/4 mile or so, the trail forks without any signage. The fork that continues straight goes to Guinavah Campground, but the fork to go up to the Crimson Trail is to the right. Since this turnoff is not signed, it's best to keep your eyes out for it. However, if you miss the turnoff it is still possible to complete the loop, as the Riverside Nature Trail ends at Guinavah campground, at the northern trailhead of the Crimson Trail, so you could still complete the loop, but you would add probably a mile to your outing.
From the fork in the trails, the trail starts to ascend, steeply in places, through a sparsely populated forest. Eventually the trail leaves this forest for a more exposed hillside and starts and meets up with the actual Crimson Trail and starts to switchback along this hillside on a well-developed trail. From here, you can get great views of Logan Canyon and the Logan River if you take the time to look back behind you. The trail continues to ascend until it eventually gets right up to the base of the China Wall, the rock formation that forms the foundation of the most exciting part of the Crimson Trail. The last part of the ascent involves some short switchbacks that go up through a steep drainage and ends right on top of the cliffs.
The trail then contours along the top of these cliffs for almost a mile and a half, with some really fun ups and downs and great views from the tops of these cliffs. It can get really fun as the trail gets narrow in places and often gets really close to the edge. The views of the Wind Caves and the fall colors can be amazing, as well as the wildflowers in the spring. The trail also weaves in and out of forests as it crosses drainages that cut through the cliff band, so there is plenty of shade along the way during the summer, but also plenty of exposed spots for great pictures and views.
Eventually, the trail starts to switchback down as it descends towards Spring Hollow. This descent can get rocky in places, but nothing technical, and eventually it connects with the Spring Hollow Trail, which drops quickly to the Spring Hollow campground, and the last part of the route just goes down the paved road back to the parking lot past these group sites associated amenities.
*My husband and I have wanted to do this hike for sometime, and finally we did it. I am so glad that we did! It is a beautiful hike that can be done in a half day. We went June 10, 2016. We are in pretty good health for our early 50's, but the switchbacks were a challenge. Let me explain. There are two ways to take in the hike. One is to do a loop from Spring Hollow Campground, [at the junction to Spring Hollow Trail,] which climbs up above the China Wall, follows along the top of the China Wall, then descends and follows the Riverside Nature Trail back to Spring Hollow [Campground]....The other way is to start at Guinavah Campground which climbs up to the China Wall, follows along the top of the China Wall, and then descends to Spring Hollow Campground and then follows the Riverside Nature Trail back to Guinavah Campground. We were glad we started at Guinavah Campground. By doing this we had the difficult switchbacks at the beginning of the hike going up. They are steep and you gain elevation very quickly. However, after passing hikers that had started at Spring Hollow and had to descend the switchbacks on the end of the hike. They said that it was very difficult to come down the switchbacks. While as the descent to Spring Hollow (towards the end of the hike when we were tired) was gradual and an easy slope. We had a great view from the China Wall across the canyon to the wind caves. There were spring flowers still in bloom. The trail in some places is very narrow so may not be appropriate for small children. It was a very enjoyable hike, would definitely recommend it whether to start at Spring Hollow or Guinavah Campground...you are in for a real treat. Approx. 3 miles one way
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Wind Cave
We did some hiking in Logan Canyon last week. We’d heard about an uphill hike to a unique featured called The Wind Cave, so we left the kids at Grandma’s and tried the hike on our own. Everyone who has spent time in Logan has told us to try this hike.
First, let me say we saw quite a few kids on this hike. Second, let me say that I’m not sure how they made it. This hike is fairly long and consistently steep. In addition, you are in direct sun pretty much any time you do the hike. I would say that our kids would have made it with some amount of complaining. The hike is similar to The Living Room hike above Salt Lake City. (It’s also hard for me to rate this hike, as I was pretty sick the day we went!) If you do take children, just take your time and make sure to go when it will be cool. We were very grateful that we hiked in October.
The hike is an uphill climb the whole 1.7 miles.
Halfway through the hike, you will see Wind Cave off in the distance. But you still have a while before you arrive.
The payoff, though is pretty unique. A limestone cave was formed underground thousands of years ago. Since then, the Logan River has cut the soil away leaving the cave exposed. So the limestone is intact, but it is standing in the open air. It’s not a cave in the dark, flashlight sense, it’s more like a few giant alcoves that are exposed to the outside light. There are some pretty neat places to explore, and our kids would’ve loved it. We spent almost an hour enjoying the shade and relaxing in Wind Cave. There are two different alcoves to explore and lots of great photo ops. Watch your children as there are some steep drop offs when you are near Wind Cave.
To find Wind Cave, drive up Logan Canyon 5 miles until you see a sign for the Malibu Campground. Park across from the park/campground. There is a sign that tells about how Wind Cave was formed and other information about the cave. This is where the hike begins. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip and you climb 1100 feet. At least the hike back down is super easy. 🙂
We made it! Randy was sick the entire way, but he was such a trooper. Definitely worth the climb.
We did not take our kids on this hike, but we hope to go back and show them this awesome Wind Cave. When we do, we will definitely take our hiking child carrier for our youngest. It is an essential when hiking longer, steeper hikes.
First, let me say we saw quite a few kids on this hike. Second, let me say that I’m not sure how they made it. This hike is fairly long and consistently steep. In addition, you are in direct sun pretty much any time you do the hike. I would say that our kids would have made it with some amount of complaining. The hike is similar to The Living Room hike above Salt Lake City. (It’s also hard for me to rate this hike, as I was pretty sick the day we went!) If you do take children, just take your time and make sure to go when it will be cool. We were very grateful that we hiked in October.
The hike is an uphill climb the whole 1.7 miles.
Halfway through the hike, you will see Wind Cave off in the distance. But you still have a while before you arrive.
The payoff, though is pretty unique. A limestone cave was formed underground thousands of years ago. Since then, the Logan River has cut the soil away leaving the cave exposed. So the limestone is intact, but it is standing in the open air. It’s not a cave in the dark, flashlight sense, it’s more like a few giant alcoves that are exposed to the outside light. There are some pretty neat places to explore, and our kids would’ve loved it. We spent almost an hour enjoying the shade and relaxing in Wind Cave. There are two different alcoves to explore and lots of great photo ops. Watch your children as there are some steep drop offs when you are near Wind Cave.
To find Wind Cave, drive up Logan Canyon 5 miles until you see a sign for the Malibu Campground. Park across from the park/campground. There is a sign that tells about how Wind Cave was formed and other information about the cave. This is where the hike begins. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip and you climb 1100 feet. At least the hike back down is super easy. 🙂
We made it! Randy was sick the entire way, but he was such a trooper. Definitely worth the climb.
We did not take our kids on this hike, but we hope to go back and show them this awesome Wind Cave. When we do, we will definitely take our hiking child carrier for our youngest. It is an essential when hiking longer, steeper hikes.
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