Salamander flat trail

 American Fork Canyon:

This is a two mile trail (4 miles there and back) that starts at the Timpooneke trailhead, crosses the road at the one mile mark (Turnout #6 if you want to park and start there in either direction), then T’s at a junction with the Pine Hollow trail after another mile. There are marked turnoffs for the Snow Guaging trail and the Willow Hollow trail along the way if you want to try to loop it. The trail is mostly shady and level, with a spectacular view of the mountains near the two aforementioned turnoffs. 

American Fork canyon trails

Here is a map of trails in American Fork canyon

The "G" (Pleasant Grove)

The G (Pleasant Grove) from Battle Creek TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.5 to 2.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 1.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 835 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 928 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 18%
Notes: The hike to the G can be done in an hour. The first part is really steep, but gets better once you get to the oak.

Trailhead
Battle Creek TH
 Battle Creek TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5235 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on 200 S in Pleasant Grove to Battle Creek Park. It is the location of an early skirmish between the pioneers and the Indians living in the area. Pleasant Grove was originally named Battle Creek.


Destination
The G (Pleasant Grove)
 The G (Pleasant Grove)
 Elevation: 6070 Feature: Trail-Iconic
Notes: The G was built on the mountain between Battle Creek and Grove Creek by the people of Pleasant Grove. Its made with strips of sheet metal.

Squaw Peak

Squaw Peak from Rock Canyon TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 5.0 to 7.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 7.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2770 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 769 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 15%
Notes: The climb is a steady grade on a well travelled path. There are a few bridges. It becomes a bit more primitive after taking the junction (go left/north) at the 1.5 mile mark.

Trailhead: Rock Canyon TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5110 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: There is a large parking lot, restrooms and lots of trails. To get there, drive east past the Provo temple until the road ends.

Destination: Squaw Peak
 Elevation: 7880 Feature: Peak
Notes: Squaw Peak is an icon above Provo and the BYU campus. It is also a classic hike or rock climb for those looking for adventure close to home.

Rock Canyon

Rock Canyon CG from Rock Canyon TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 5.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 5.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1810 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 646 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 12%
Notes: The trail through Rock Canyon gives you a feel for the classic water created canyon (vs the U shaped glacier created canyons). This is the only trail in the Wasatch that has drinking fountains along the trail. There are 2.

Trailhead
Rock Canyon TH
 Rock Canyon TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5110 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: There is a large parking lot, restrooms and lots of trails. To get there, drive east past the Provo temple until the road ends.


Destination
Rock Canyon CG
 Elevation: 6920 Feature: Canyon
Notes: The campground shouldn't really be your destination, unless you are a scout troop out on an overnighter. It's a good place to turn around after climbing through Rock Canyon.

Primrose Cirque

Primrose Cirque from Horse Flat TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 5.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1820 feet
Main Aspect: East
 Climb Rate: 791 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 15%
Notes: Follow this trail to Primrose Cirque where it meets up with the trail from Aspen Grove. Or go off trail to climb Roberts Ridge.

Trailhead: Horse Flat TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8060 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 10.8 miles
Area: Alpine Loop / Timpanogos
Area Location: Starts in American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Follow the Alpine loop up to the highest point at 8060. Trails go in all directions from the parking lot.

Destination: Primrose Cirque
 Elevation: 9880 Feature: Cirque
Notes: The land of many water falls. If you happen to be in this area in early July, you will pass more waterfalls than any other area in Utah (that I know of).

(You can also see this on the Aspen Grove Timp trail, but it is further and steeper.)

Mill Canyon Peak

Mill Canyon Peak from Mill Canyon Peak TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 6.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 8.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2029 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 483 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 9%
Notes: If you’re looking for an easy hike with no exposure and a big payoff, this is the hike for you.

Trailhead: Mill Canyon Peak TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8320 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Fee Station: 16.5 miles
Area: Alpine Loop / Timpanogos
Area Location: Starts in American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: FR180 is a forest rd that takes off to the north from the Cascade Springs road (Alpine Loop). Follow it up until you see the trailhead sign.

Destination: Mill Canyon Peak
 Elevation: 10349 Feature: Peak
Notes: At the peak you can see Heber Valley, Deer Creek, Cascade Peak, Mt Nebo, Mt. Timpanogos, Box Elder Peak, Lone Peak, the Alpine ridge, Red and White Baldy, Hidden Peak with the Snowbird Tram and Mineral Basin.

Lion Head

Lion Head from Provo Peak TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.0 to 1.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 1.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 641 feet
Main Aspect: East
 Climb Rate: 916 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 17%
Notes: The trail is short, and the climb is not too steep. It might take longer to get to the trailhead than the actual climb itself.

Trailhead: Provo Peak TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8340 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Provo Canyon: 13.3 miles
Area: Squaw Peak Road
Area Location: 2 miles east of mouth of Provo Canyon. Turn right.
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: There is a dirt parking area on the west side of the road. Follow the trail north, then northeast to go to Provo Peak. Go west to climb Lion Head.

Destination: Lion Head
 Elevation: 8981 Feature: Peak
Notes: Lion Head is a highpoint in the valley between Maple Mountain and Provo Peak.

Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail AF Canyon from Timpooneke GWT to Ant Knolls
 Hike Time: 11.0 to 19.0 hours
 Distance: 13.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 5803 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 440 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 8%
Notes: As the Great Western Trail heads north from here, you pass Mill Canyon Peak, Forest Lake, Sandy Baker Pass, Poleline Pass and the Ant Knolls.

Trailhead: Timpooneke GWT
 Trailhead Elevation: 7360 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.4 miles
Area: Alpine Loop / Timpanogos
Area Location: Starts in American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: The Great Western Trail passes the Timpooneke area, and shares a trailhead with Mount Timpanogos.

Waypoint 1: Mill Canyon Peak
 Elevation: 10349 Feature: Peak
Notes: At the peak you can see Heber Valley, Deer Creek, Cascade Peak, Mt Nebo, Mt. Timpanogos, Box Elder Peak, Lone Peak, the Alpine ridge, Red and White Baldy, Hidden Peak with the Snowbird Tram and Mineral Basin.

Waypoint 2: Forest Lake
Elevation: 8500 Feature: Lake
Notes: The lake is much quieter than it was in years past, except for when motorcycles and ATVs ride through.

Waypoint 3: Ant Knolls
 Elevation: 9840 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the many highpoints along the Great Western Trail. As with any highpoint in this area, it has great views of surrounding mountains.

**Can easily continue on with this next section of trail:

Great Western Trail Cottonwoods from Pole Line Pass TH to Clayton Peak
 Hike Time: 8.0 to 13.5 hours
 Distance: 8.5 miles
 Elevation Gain: 4760 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 560 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 11%
Notes: The Great Western Trail leaves American Fork Canyon in this section and travels past both Cottonwood Canyons.

Trailhead: Pole Line Pass TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8730 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Fee Station: 15.4 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Follow the Tibble Fork dirt road past Dutchman Flat. Take the right fork at the Cascade Springs junction and follow it to the summit

Waypoint 1: Ant Knolls
 Elevation: 9840 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the many highpoints along the Great Western Trail. As with any highpoint in this area, it has great views of surrounding mountains.

Waypoint 2: Sunset Peak
Elevation: 10648 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the easiest peak hikes in the Wasatch. It takes about an hour from the Alta side and about an hour and a half from Brighton. You can see Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood and Snake Creek drainages from here. This is a good family hike for families with older children.

Waypoint 3: Pioneer Peak
 Elevation: 10440 Feature: Peak
Notes: Lots of people get to Pioneer Peaks neighbor, Sunset Peak. Very few venture over to this peak. It sits above Lake Catherine and Dog Lake.

Waypoint 4: Preston Peak
 Elevation: 10285 Feature: Peak
Notes: Preston Peak is on the ridge between Pioneer Peak and Clayton Peak. There is a plaque on the highest rock telling you where you are.

Waypoint 5: Snake Creek Pass
Elevation: 10080 Feature: Saddle
Notes: The pass is near the top of the Brighton Ski Resort runs. From here, you can continue on to Clayton Peak.

Waypoint 6: Clayton Peak
 Elevation: 10721 AKA: Mount Majestic
 Feature: Peak
Notes: Clayton Peak (Mt Majestic) is the east boundary of Brighton Ski Resort. The peak towers over upper Big Cottonwood Canyon to the west and Bonanza Flat to the east.

Grove Creek Springs

Grove Creek Springs from Grove Creek TH
via Grove Creek Canyon
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.0 to 6.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 6.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2355 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 760 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 14%
Notes: The climb through Grove Creek Canyon is awesome. Finding the spring is just icing on the cake.

Trailhead: Grove Creek TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5145 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on Grove Creek Drive (500 N) in Pleasant Grove to the end. You will find good trailhead parking.

Waypoint 1: Grove Creek Canyon
 Elevation: 7500 Feature: Canyon
Notes: This is a case where the trail IS the destination.

Destination: Grove Creek Springs
 Elevation: 7500 Feature: Springs
Notes: After climbing through the steep walled canyon, the spring is in the flat between Mt Timp and Mahagony Mountain.

Corral Mountain

Corral Mountain from Corral Mountain TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 5.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2085 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 869 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 16%
Notes: The trail climbs over 2000 ft from Squaw Peak road, as the switchbacks go through terracing on the way to the peak. The terracing was built to stop erosion cause by overgrazing the mountain sides.

Trailhead: Corral Mountain TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8350 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Provo Canyon: 14.9 miles
Area: Squaw Peak Road
Area Location: 2 miles east of mouth of Provo Canyon. Turn right.
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: There is not much of a parking area here. Look for an old road that takes off on the east side. That’s the trail

Destination: Corral Mountain
 Elevation: 10435 Feature: Peak
Notes: Corral Mountain is the next peak south of Provo Peak, with great views in all directions

Battle Creek Canyon

Destination: Battle Creek Canyon
 Elevation: 7200  Feature: Canyon
Notes: The destination is the trail itself. The trail will take you into Sagebrush Flat where you can go many different directions, or return the way you came.

There are several different trailheads:

Battle Creek Canyon from Dry Canyon TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.0 to 4.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1760 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 800 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 15%
Notes: This is an easy hike with lots to see. Look for the trail junction after passing the 150ft repelling wall. Take the left one, which heads north toward Battle Creek.
Trailhead: Dry Canyon TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5440 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on 200 S in Lindon (street north of Allens) to where it curves right. Turn left here and follow it to the end. This TH is great. You are in the wilderness almost as soon as you hit the trail.


Battle Creek Canyon from Battle Creek TH via Battle Creek Falls
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.0 to 7.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 9.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1965 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 427 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 8%
Notes: The trail follows an old road to a bridge. There is a water fall part way up, where I have seen youth group repelling. The trail continues to follow the creek all the way to its origin.
Trailhead: Battle Creek TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5235 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on 200 S in Pleasant Grove to Battle Creek Park. It is the location of an early skirmish between the pioneers and the Indians living in the area. Pleasant Grove was originally named Battle Creek.
Waypoint 1: Battle Creek Falls
 Elevation: 5671 Feature: Falls
Notes: A great destination for families. The 50 foot falls is refreshing year round.

Bear Flat from Y Mountain

Bear Flat from Y Mountain TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 6.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2280 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 950 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 18%
Notes: First there is the steep climb up to the Y, then the relaxing path through oak and maple. The environment changes again at Bear Flat. It transition to an Aspen grove.

Trailhead:Y Mountain TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5120 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Look for the big Y on the mountain above Provo. Head toward the base. The trailhead is located at approximately 900 Terrace Dr Provo.

Waypoint 1:The Y
 Elevation: 6050 Feature: Trail-Iconic
Notes: This is a good beginner hike to get a feel for what it’s like to climb Wasatch trails.

Destination: Bear Flat
 Elevation: 7400 Feature: Meadow
Notes: After climbing past the Y and through Slide Canyon, this meadow is a good place to stop before continuing on. It is also a good place to set up camp on an overnighter.

Big Baldy

Destination: Big Baldy
 Elevation: 8737  Feature: Peak
Notes: From the peak, you can see all of Utah Valley. Turn around and the massive Mount Timpanogos fills your view.

There are two trailheads to Big Baldy:

Big Baldy from Battle Creek TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 5.0 to 8.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 9.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 3502 feet
Main Aspect: Northwest
 Climb Rate: 761 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 14%
Notes: The hike to Big Baldy via Battlecreek was the easiest 3500 feet I have done, maybe because it tops out at 8700ft, and most other peaks in the area are in thin air.
Trailhead: Battle Creek TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5235 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on 200 S in Pleasant Grove to Battle Creek Park. It is the location of an early skirmish between the pioneers and the Indians living in the area. Pleasant Grove was originally named Battle Creek.
Waypoint 1: Battle Creek Falls
 Elevation: 5671 Feature: Falls
Notes: A great destination for families. The 50 foot falls is refreshing year round.
Waypoint 2: Battle Creek Canyon
 Elevation: 7200 Feature: Canyon
Notes: The destination is the trail itself. The trail will take you into Sagebrush Flat where you can go many different directions, or return the way you came.

Big Baldy from Dry Canyon TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.5 to 7.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 7 miles
 Elevation Gain: 3297 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 942 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 18%
Notes: This hike is relatively easy. Sure, it is 3500 feet, but it is all on good, well established trails. Great views of Utah Valley and of the west face of Mount Timpanogos. Everest Ridge starts at the saddle.
Trailhead: Dry Canyon TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5440 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No Area: Utah Valley
Area Location: Various locations on east and north ends of the valley
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive east on 200 S in Lindon (street north of Allens) to where it curves right. Turn left here and follow it to the end. This TH is great. You are in the wilderness almost as soon as you hit the trail.

Storm Window Arch

   Draper Corner Canyon area

 Storm Window is a true arch through a granite fin located in Corner Canyon on the Lone Peak Massif. This is a fun hike when you are short of time and are looking for something close to home. This is the ideal spring and fall hike for those wanting to avoid the crowds.

General Information:
Storm Window Arch requires approximately two or three hours for a round trip to visit the arch, enjoy lunch and do a little exploring. Spring and fall are the ideal times of year for attempting this hike. The route can be very hot in summer. The route is accessible during the winter, but requires hiking the Corner Canyon Road as the gates are usually locked when the road is wet or muddy.

          Every member of your hiking party should carry a minimum of at least one liter of water. This hike is open to dogs, provided you keep them out of the stream if it is flowing. The route contains 900 feet of elevation gain, and requires some route finding skills as only a faint hiker trail is available for most of the route. A GPS is useful in verifying you are on the correct route. The USGS 7.5' Maps titled "Draper" and "Lehi" show the area described. All waypoints and maps use the WGS84 datum. Storm Window Arch is rated 1A II using the Canyon Rating System.

 Stormy visiting Storm Window
Trailhead Information:
          From I-15, Take the 12300 South Exit (Draper Exit #291). Drive east on 12300 South for 1.9 miles to 1300 East. Turn south (right) on 1300 East and drive 0.2 miles to a traffic circle. Take Pioneer Road (12400 South) east for 1.1 miles to 2000 East, Turn south (right) on 2000 East and drive 0.2 miles to the Orson Smith Trailhead (N40° 31' 18", W111° 50' 02").

          The Orson Smith Trailhead is signed, easy to locate, contains a picnic area, information kiosk, and restrooms. On the south side of the Orson Smith Trailhead you will find a gate and the Corner Canyon Road. The gate is unlocked and open if the road is dry.

          Follow the Corner Canyon Road south for 1.6 miles to the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead (N40° 30' 22", W111° 50' 06"). The Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead (BST) is signed, easy to locate, contains a picnic area, information kiosk and restrooms. Most passenger vehicles can drive to this trailhead. Beyond this trailhead a high clearance vehicle is advised. Parking and walking from the BST adds one mile of easy road walking each way to your adventure. At the BST you will also find a second gate. The gate is unlocked and open if the road is dry.

          From the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead continue driving south on the Corner Canyon Road for 1.0 miles to the Jacobs Ladder Trailhead. The Jacobs Ladder Trailhead (BST) is signed, easy to locate, contains a picnic area, information kiosk and restrooms. This is the trailhead for hiking Storm Window Arch.

Route Information:
            The Jacobs Ladder Trailhead (N40° 29' 39", W111° 48' 59") is the beginning of several different trails. You want to locate the trail on the north side of the parking area heading directly north up the slope. The trail is easy to identify as it was once a road used to access the Movie Rocks, but the road has been closed to vehicle travel for many years and is mostly reclaimed. The road is now just a trail used by hikers and mountain bikes.

          From the trailhead hike up the Movie Road approximately 300-yards until you reach a steep descent. The top of this hill is the Jacobs Ladder Trail - Movie Road junction (N40° 29' 46", W111° 48' 55"). The Jacobs Ladder Trail turns east (right) and follows the ridge line, the Movie Road descends the gulley and than climbs steeply to the Movie Rocks.

          From the Jacobs Ladder Trail - Movie Road junction you want to stop and plan your accent to Storm Window. Looking directly north you will see a granite rock outcropping on a ridge 750 feet above you. Storm Window Arch is located in the granite rock outcropping.

          After planning your route, descend the Movie Road into the gully and cross the perennial stream (N40° 29' 49", W111° 48' 55"). Immediately after crossing the stream locate an emerging hiker trail on the west (left) side of the Movie Road. Hike up the steep emerging hiker trail and ascend the ridge line which begins to your west (left). If you stay on the ridge it will take you to Storm Window Arch (N40° 30' 05", W111° 48' 47").

          Storm Window Arch is approximately 4-feet high by 25-feet wide. The arch is difficult to see from the south side unless you are standing directly in from of it. But it is easy to locate once you reach the granite rock outcropping.

          There is also a second, smaller, arch located below Storm Window on the very west end of the rock outcropping. We call the second arch "Ambush" because it jumps out at you if your navigation takes you too far west on your accent to Storm Window. Ambush is about 4-feet tall by 3-feet wide.

Movie Rocks:
          The Movie Rocks is where the 1968 movie "Devils Brigade" starring William Holden, Cliff Robertson and Vince Edwards was filmed. The Movie Rocks make a fun hike, particularly if you combine it with an evening of watching the movie Devils Brigade. Its fun to compare the 1968 view of farm land with the cities of Draper and Lehi that exist today.

          The storyline of the movie involves a World War II special fighting unit that is formed combining a crack Canadian outfit and a conglomeration of US Army misfits previously serving time in military jails. After an initial period of conflict between the two groups, their enmity turns to respect and friendship and the unit is sent Italy to attempt a dangerous mission which has heretofore been considered impossible to successfully complete.

Box Elder Peak

Box Elder Peak from Granite Flat North TH
via Community Flat
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 7.5 to 11.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 10.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 4331 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 833 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 16%
Notes: The trail is the best part of the hike. You get to see lots of diversity in terrain and plant life. At the saddle (Community Flat), turn left (south) and head up the ridge. The trail occasionally wanders off the ridgeline, but I learned it is easily to stick as close as you can to the ridgeline.

Trailhead
Granite Flat North TH
Trailhead Elevation: 6770 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.1 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: The Granite Flats North trailhead is on the right a few hundred feet after you pass the Granite Flats CG shack. On the trail, you will come to a junction after 1/4 mile. Take the left fork. If you miss the fork, you will soon reach the Silver Lake Flats road, just follow it to the bend, where you will find another trail which will put you back on track.

Waypoint 1
Community Flat
 Elevation: 9650
Feature: Meadow
Notes: It is the saddle north of Box Elder Peaks dividing the Deer Creek drainage (Granite Flat) from the Dry Creek drainage (Alpine). If you are looking for a good place to camp overnight, this is a good place to do it. Hunters use it as a base during hunting season.

Destination
Box Elder Peak
 Elevation: 11101
Feature: Peak
Notes: The views from Box Elder Peak are great. You can see Lone Peak to the northwest, the Alpine Ridge running east and Mount Timpanogos to the south. You might see mountain goats there. There is a huge cirque on the north side of the mountain. The folded rocks look really cool.

Angel Flat

Angel Flat from Granite Flat South TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 4.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1985 feet
 Main Aspect: East
 Climb Rate: 1045 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 20%
Notes: This trail follows Wide Hollow Canyon. It is under the canopy most of the way, but goes through a few meadows. It climbs quickly. At 1.6 miles the trail comes to the edge of Wide Hollow. There is a great view of the hollow and the mountains on the other side. You can not see Box Elder yet because of a false summit. There are remains of an old cabin in this area

Trailhead
Granite Flat South TH

Trailhead Elevation: 6765 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.2 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Drive past the main trailhead parking on the right a few hundred feet after Granite Flats CG shack. The parking lot you are looking for is another tenth mile. Park in the group picnic area on the right after crossing the bridge. The trail leaves from the west end of the lot. Parking is free for hikers.


Destination
Angel Flat
  Elevation: 8750
Feature: Meadow
Notes: At 1.9 miles you will come to a junction in a meadow named Angel Flat. The right fork goes to the north saddle via White Canyon. The left junction takes you to the south saddle. The peak to the west is not Box Elder, that is a false summit.

Neptune Park in Saratoga Springs

Last week at a church meeting, everyone was talking about a new park in Saratoga Springs called Neptune Park. Well, I had to find out more about this park, so when I got home I looked it up and found out that the grand opening was the next day (end of April).  Unfortunately, we have been running around with a million things to do the past few weeks, so we didn’t have a chance to go. Until TODAY!

We headed out to the new Neptune Park. It was very nice. Everything is brand new and there are lots of fun toys for the children to play on. It’s distinctive feature is a huge pyramid built with ropes for the children to climb up and down.

There is an area for little children and more toys by the pyramid for older children. A lot of the toys are for spinning around so my boys spent most of our time at the park dizzy, but they didn’t seem to mind. There is also a pavilion, bathrooms (yea!), basketball courts with all different heights, a huge field, and a stage. We spent about an hour, and would have stayed longer, but it was so windy and we were hungry. My boys said they loved this park. So I will have to give it a great rating. We will definitely be heading to Neptune Park again.

This also has the light playground, fun for kids in the dark!

To get to Neptune Park, take Pioneer Crossing toward Saratoga Springs (west). Turn South (left) on Redwood Road. Take 1st right on 400 North. The park is about 1/2 mile down the road, across the street from Lakeview Academy. You can’t miss it!

Highland Glen Park

Highland Glen Park is a huge park right next to Lone Peak High School in Highland. We recently went to check out the park and found a lot of things to do there. There is a playground, a pavilion, a beach volleyball court, and a large pond. You are allowed to swim in the pond, but remember there are no lifeguards. There were quite a few people fishing on the pond, and when we left there were a bunch of people showing up with small boats to launch. We spent some time wading in the pond and feeding the ducks.

The beach is tons of fun for the kids.

There are trails wandering all over the park. In fact, there is access to a larger trail system known as Murdock Canal Trail. We took the short trail around the pond. As you follow the shady trail, you come across different platforms to walk out onto and see the ducks and fish. There were quite a few trails that branched off into the wood that you could spend lots of time exploring. We saw a few people on bikes exploring these trails. There are also plenty of benches along the trail for those people who need a short break.

Highland Glen Park has bathrooms and lots of grass. We didn’t bring a picnic, but we will next time. This park is a great place to spend a few hours.

Nielsen’s Grove Park in Orem

We found a new fun park this week. Nielsen’s Grove Park is in south Orem behind the Wal-Mart on University Parkway. This park has huge grassy areas–perfect for picnics. My boys commented that there was plenty of room to play a baseball game, and I agreed. They had a playground and a duck pond, which was really the highlight of the trip. Fortunately, I knew about the duck pond beforehand so I came prepared with a few hot dog buns. We spent a lot of time by the pond just watching the ducks (lots of babies), and the fish.

We walked around the park following the pathways. There are little pavilions with ivy for shade, as well as a fountain for looking at, not playing in. We also came across a huge swing that spun around like a carousel. There are only three swings available on the carousel swing, but it looked like a lot of fun. There are bathrooms and water fountains, which is always a plus at the local park. We really enjoyed this new park and my boys can’t wait to take dad back sometime.

To find Nielsen’s Grove Park, take University Parkway in Orem and head east. Turn right (south) onto Sandhill Road–this road is the first light after you exit the freeway. The park will be on your left around 2000 South Sandhill Road.