1.5 mi RT
easy
year round
Sandy, UT
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir is fun family hike and a great way to get a little exercise at any time of the year. While the warmer months are the most popular to visit Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir, its relatively low elevation and close proximity to the city make this a great way to get out of the house during the winter months as well.
This hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children, however snowshoes or traction devices may be required during the winter.
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir can be reached from two trailheads: The Granite Trailhead or the Boulders Trailhead. The Granite Trailhead is slightly longer but not as steep as the Boulders. This trail guide assumes travel from the Granite Trailhead however directions to both are listed.
Reaching the Granite Trailhead from I-215:
Take Exit 6 for 6200 S/Wasatch Blvd.
Drive south on Wasatch Blvd. for 3.9 miles.
Bear right onto Wasatch Blvd. at the junction to Little Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Continue for 1.2 miles on Wasatch Blvd.
Turn left onto 9600 South/Little Cottonwood Road.
Drive 0.1 miles to the Granite Trailhead on the right side of the road (40.571827,-111.797036).
To reach the Boulders Trailhead, use the above directions but instead of turning left onto 9600 S (step 5), continue 0.6 miles south on Wasatch Blvd to the Boulders Trailhead on the left side of the road (40.565016,-111.803681).
From the Granite Trailhead, begin hiking up the switchbacks that climb the hill south of the parking lot. Continue up the steep trail for about one third of a mile before cresting over the ridge into a ravine to the south.
Follow the trail as it descends gently into the ravine before turning south again for the final climb to the reservoir. After approximately 0.75 miles, the trail arrives at the north end of the reservoir. From here many possibilities exist for further exploration.
Fishing is generally good at Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir but be sure to check current regulations. The reservoir is catch and release only.
Those wishing to hike a little farther can walk the trail that loops around the perimeter of the reservoir or continue hiking up Bell Canyon and turn around at any time. For those snowshoeing in the winter, the off-trail possibilities near the reservoir are fantastic, offering plenty of fresh snow to stomp around in.
Return the way you came. Hiking distance from Granite Trailhead to the north end of the reservoir and back is approximately 1.5 miles round trip.
No littering.
Pack out all trash.
No pets allowed.
No swimming.
No campfires.
Avalanche danger may exist anytime when hiking in snowy conditions. Check with the Utah Avalanche Center for more information and current conditions.
Those hiking the trail in the winter may require snowshoes or traction devices due to deep snow and ice.
This hike can be very hot in the summertime. Pack plenty of water for everyone in your group.
Showing posts with label snowshoe hikes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snowshoe hikes. Show all posts
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Jordanelle State Park
The Rock Cliff Nature Center is a one of a kind experience that teaches about the wildlife, plants, animals and ecosystem of Jordanelle. The Nature Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friday 12-5, Saturday and Sunday 8-5. Tours are available by request.
Geocache Adventure: Hailstone offers a Solar System Geocache that begins near the park office. Pick up a brochure and start your adventure! Once completed, a certificate can be turned in for extra prizes.
Geocaching: Rock Cliff is also the starting coordinates to two Geocaches: The Ribbon of Life and Memorial Point.
Snow Shoe Rentals: Snow shoes are available to rent at the park office. There are a variety of sizes ranging from child to adult.
Boat, jet ski, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals are available
Rock Cliff Trails:
Boardwalk: Feel like taking an easy nature walk? Rock Cliff is equipped with elevated boardwalks and well maintained trails guide visitors through the upland sage and wetland areas, leading to a breathtaking view of the Provo River as it enters Jordanelle Reservoir.
Perimeter Trail: If you are looking for more of a hike, bike ride or horseback ride, then the perimeter trail is for you. The trail totals 15.5 miles from Rock Cliff to Crandall Point near Hailstone. The boat ramp area is also a trail head for Jordanelle’s perimeter trail that takes you to all three areas of the park.
The Ross Creek Trail Head allows access to the Jordanelle Perimeter Trail which is a non-motorized trail that travels from Crandall Point near Hailstone, to Ross Creek, and ends at Rock Cliff.
Three Rocks Trail: Three Rocks Trail is only about a 3/4 mile hike but is uphill switchbacks and offers some great views of the scenery that Rock Cliff has to offer.
Geocache Adventure: Hailstone offers a Solar System Geocache that begins near the park office. Pick up a brochure and start your adventure! Once completed, a certificate can be turned in for extra prizes.
Geocaching: Rock Cliff is also the starting coordinates to two Geocaches: The Ribbon of Life and Memorial Point.
Snow Shoe Rentals: Snow shoes are available to rent at the park office. There are a variety of sizes ranging from child to adult.
Boat, jet ski, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals are available
Rock Cliff Trails:
Boardwalk: Feel like taking an easy nature walk? Rock Cliff is equipped with elevated boardwalks and well maintained trails guide visitors through the upland sage and wetland areas, leading to a breathtaking view of the Provo River as it enters Jordanelle Reservoir.
Perimeter Trail: If you are looking for more of a hike, bike ride or horseback ride, then the perimeter trail is for you. The trail totals 15.5 miles from Rock Cliff to Crandall Point near Hailstone. The boat ramp area is also a trail head for Jordanelle’s perimeter trail that takes you to all three areas of the park.
The Ross Creek Trail Head allows access to the Jordanelle Perimeter Trail which is a non-motorized trail that travels from Crandall Point near Hailstone, to Ross Creek, and ends at Rock Cliff.
Three Rocks Trail: Three Rocks Trail is only about a 3/4 mile hike but is uphill switchbacks and offers some great views of the scenery that Rock Cliff has to offer.
Daniel's Pass
For an easy trip, take this trail. The full loop makes for a 3.5-mile trip, with a 300-foot ascent on the way back, made easy by following the snowmobile tracks. For a more exciting backcountry trip, turn west and begin ascending the small canyon called Foreman Hollow.
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Heber City
Length: 4 total miles
Elevation Gain: 690 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Season: December to March***** (is it ONLY snowshoe/ski?)
Local Contacts: Uinta National Forest, Heber Ranger District
Local Maps: USGS Twin Peaks; Trails Illustrated Wasatch Front/ Strawberry Valley
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Heber City
Length: 4 total miles
Elevation Gain: 690 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Season: December to March***** (is it ONLY snowshoe/ski?)
Local Contacts: Uinta National Forest, Heber Ranger District
Local Maps: USGS Twin Peaks; Trails Illustrated Wasatch Front/ Strawberry Valley
Foreman Hollow
4 mile loop
moderate
This well-maintained loop trail climbs through conifer and aspen forest to reach a high plateau above Daniels Canyon. The trail crosses the plateau through a maze of quaking aspen and offers scenic views across Daniels Canyon and as far as Strawberry Reservoir.
Signs along the trail identify plants, trees, and wildlife habitat. The entire loop is approximately four miles with a moderate climb to the ridge.
Access this trail in Lodgepole Campground, 16 miles southeast of Heber City on US Hwy 40. Parking is limited and the trailhead is located between loops A and B in the campground. Check in with the camp host for suggested parking and locating the trailhead. Restrooms are available in the campground.
April through October; skiable in winter
Wasatch Mountain State Park/ Soldier Hollow
Just north of Midway on UT 224
hiking and snowshoeing
3.2 mile RT, Visitor Center trail, easy to moderate
hiking and snowshoeing
3.2 mile RT, Visitor Center trail, easy to moderate
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Fifth Water Hot Springs
[Spanish Fork]
Length: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
The Fifth Water trail leads to natural hot springs in the middle of Diamond Fork canyon! This place is a little heaven on earth where natural hot spring pools are fed by a beautiful waterfall. This hike needs to be on your bucket list!
Overview: This hike is just long enough to discourage too many hikers, but short enough to take kids or hiking newbies on. You can see in the photos some of the age ranges that complete this hike. The hot springs smell like sulphur, but it is crystal clear and beautiful! (You should also smell the hot springs before you arrive, which is kinda fun!) Be warned that some areas are cold, some are super hot and the pools are just right!
This trail also comes with a warning about skinny dippers…you only need to worry about this if you are going in the evening or winter months. So instead of being frustrated by the other people on the trail, just be glad the groups will discourage birthday suit celebrations.
The trail is not bad at all (no switchbacks and a decent amount of shade). It is a bit longer than your average family trail, but like I said even kids can make it there while wearing swim suits.
We like this trail so much we make sure to repeat it almost every year!
Tips:
Hike this in the springtime to avoid the crowds! We went early April and it was perfect weather! The hike is good all year long though (some people snowshoe this hike).
You can also climb inside a little cave under the waterfall that has a warm spring coming up.
Pack water shoes on this hike so you can explore the hot springs without worrying about the rocks!
Trail Details:
Location: This area is located up Diamond Fork Canyon southeast of Spanish Fork. To get there, take I-15 Exit 257B onto US 6 – East. Follow US 6 – East for 10.8 miles. At this point, you will see the turnoff for the ‘Diamond CG’ road on your left. Follow the road for 9.8 miles to your destination, on your right.
Also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Fifth Water is a classic Wasatch hike to a fantastic natural hot spring featuring deep soaking pools, majestic waterfalls, and fantastic mountain scenery. For most of the year, the hike is an easy 4.6-miles round trip. During the winter, the hike may be up to 13.2 miles round trip due to seasonal road closures. When the road is open to the trailhead, this hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children. Travel in the winter may require specialized equipment and is only recommended for experienced winter hikers.
Trailhead
The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs begins at the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon (40.084503,-111.355119). To reach the trailhead from I-15 in Spanish Fork, Utah:
Drive 10.9 miles east on Highway 6.
Turn left onto Forest Road 29 with signs for Diamond Fork.
Continue 9.8 miles to the signed Three Forks Trailhead parking area.
NOTE: The road to the trailhead is paved but is rarely plowed in the winter so 4WD may be required after storms. The final 3.8 miles to the trailhead is often gated shut during the winter months. There is a parking area near the winter gate at 40.076415,-111.418188. You may hike, snowshoe, cross country ski, or snowmobile the remaining distance down the road to get to the Three Forks Trailhead. This adds a considerable distance to the hike so be sure to allow enough time for a safe return.
The Hike
From the Three Forks Trailhead, begin hiking on the trail that starts at the south end of the parking area. You will quickly encounter a junction with a trail that crosses the river on a footbridge. Continue hiking straight on the east side of the river.
For the first mile or so, the trail follows along Sixth Water Creek. The river is often strong and swift with steep drops near the trail, so be careful with little ones. After 1.1 miles, the trail crosses Sixth Water Creek and begins climbing up a side canyon that contains Fifth Water Creek and the hot springs.
The creek in Fifth Water is much smaller than Sixth Water. You’ll likely smell the sulfur and see steam rising from the water well before arriving at the hot springs. The distance from the Sixth Water Bridge to the hot springs is approximately 1.2 miles.
Once at the hot springs, those wishing to go for a soak can take their pick of at least a dozen or so possible soaking pots. Most of these pots are man-made with stacked rocks and mortar. The hottest springs are located near the waterfall at the top of the soaking pots. At least two more pots are located upstream from the waterfall, however they may be too hot to soak in. The water at the source of the hot spring near the upper pools is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hot springs receive considerable traffic and litter has become quite a problem. Be sure to pack in a trash bag for your own trash and pickup anything you find while you are there. Don’t bring glass containers near the springs.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out all trash.
Nudity is prohibited.
Special Considerations
Avalanche danger may exist anytime when hiking in snowy conditions. Check with the Utah Avalanche Center for more information and current conditions.
Hiking this trail trail in the winter may require snowshoes or traction devices due to deep snow and ice.
Length: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
The Fifth Water trail leads to natural hot springs in the middle of Diamond Fork canyon! This place is a little heaven on earth where natural hot spring pools are fed by a beautiful waterfall. This hike needs to be on your bucket list!
Overview: This hike is just long enough to discourage too many hikers, but short enough to take kids or hiking newbies on. You can see in the photos some of the age ranges that complete this hike. The hot springs smell like sulphur, but it is crystal clear and beautiful! (You should also smell the hot springs before you arrive, which is kinda fun!) Be warned that some areas are cold, some are super hot and the pools are just right!
This trail also comes with a warning about skinny dippers…you only need to worry about this if you are going in the evening or winter months. So instead of being frustrated by the other people on the trail, just be glad the groups will discourage birthday suit celebrations.
The trail is not bad at all (no switchbacks and a decent amount of shade). It is a bit longer than your average family trail, but like I said even kids can make it there while wearing swim suits.
We like this trail so much we make sure to repeat it almost every year!
Tips:
Hike this in the springtime to avoid the crowds! We went early April and it was perfect weather! The hike is good all year long though (some people snowshoe this hike).
You can also climb inside a little cave under the waterfall that has a warm spring coming up.
Pack water shoes on this hike so you can explore the hot springs without worrying about the rocks!
Trail Details:
Location: This area is located up Diamond Fork Canyon southeast of Spanish Fork. To get there, take I-15 Exit 257B onto US 6 – East. Follow US 6 – East for 10.8 miles. At this point, you will see the turnoff for the ‘Diamond CG’ road on your left. Follow the road for 9.8 miles to your destination, on your right.
Also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Fifth Water is a classic Wasatch hike to a fantastic natural hot spring featuring deep soaking pools, majestic waterfalls, and fantastic mountain scenery. For most of the year, the hike is an easy 4.6-miles round trip. During the winter, the hike may be up to 13.2 miles round trip due to seasonal road closures. When the road is open to the trailhead, this hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children. Travel in the winter may require specialized equipment and is only recommended for experienced winter hikers.
Trailhead
The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs begins at the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon (40.084503,-111.355119). To reach the trailhead from I-15 in Spanish Fork, Utah:
Drive 10.9 miles east on Highway 6.
Turn left onto Forest Road 29 with signs for Diamond Fork.
Continue 9.8 miles to the signed Three Forks Trailhead parking area.
NOTE: The road to the trailhead is paved but is rarely plowed in the winter so 4WD may be required after storms. The final 3.8 miles to the trailhead is often gated shut during the winter months. There is a parking area near the winter gate at 40.076415,-111.418188. You may hike, snowshoe, cross country ski, or snowmobile the remaining distance down the road to get to the Three Forks Trailhead. This adds a considerable distance to the hike so be sure to allow enough time for a safe return.
The Hike
From the Three Forks Trailhead, begin hiking on the trail that starts at the south end of the parking area. You will quickly encounter a junction with a trail that crosses the river on a footbridge. Continue hiking straight on the east side of the river.
For the first mile or so, the trail follows along Sixth Water Creek. The river is often strong and swift with steep drops near the trail, so be careful with little ones. After 1.1 miles, the trail crosses Sixth Water Creek and begins climbing up a side canyon that contains Fifth Water Creek and the hot springs.
The creek in Fifth Water is much smaller than Sixth Water. You’ll likely smell the sulfur and see steam rising from the water well before arriving at the hot springs. The distance from the Sixth Water Bridge to the hot springs is approximately 1.2 miles.
Once at the hot springs, those wishing to go for a soak can take their pick of at least a dozen or so possible soaking pots. Most of these pots are man-made with stacked rocks and mortar. The hottest springs are located near the waterfall at the top of the soaking pots. At least two more pots are located upstream from the waterfall, however they may be too hot to soak in. The water at the source of the hot spring near the upper pools is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hot springs receive considerable traffic and litter has become quite a problem. Be sure to pack in a trash bag for your own trash and pickup anything you find while you are there. Don’t bring glass containers near the springs.
Rules and Regulations
No littering.
Pack out all trash.
Nudity is prohibited.
Special Considerations
Avalanche danger may exist anytime when hiking in snowy conditions. Check with the Utah Avalanche Center for more information and current conditions.
Hiking this trail trail in the winter may require snowshoes or traction devices due to deep snow and ice.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Little Cottonwood Trail
(Little Cottonwood) 5.6mi RT from mouth of canyon to old mill and back
Easy, 1160 elevation gain
partial shade
Restrooms at Temple Quarry parking lot
Mid April- November; Can be snowshoed
*watch for bikes
*take the lower fork
**there are two other access points along the way to shorten the hike or shuttle cars, the second is near Lisa Falls (look for shoulder parking on the right side of the road)
*the hike from the Lisa Falls turnoff to the mill is 1.6mi RT
*can combine with Temple Quarry AND Lisa Falls hikes
Easy, 1160 elevation gain
partial shade
Restrooms at Temple Quarry parking lot
Mid April- November; Can be snowshoed
*watch for bikes
*take the lower fork
**there are two other access points along the way to shorten the hike or shuttle cars, the second is near Lisa Falls (look for shoulder parking on the right side of the road)
*the hike from the Lisa Falls turnoff to the mill is 1.6mi RT
*can combine with Temple Quarry AND Lisa Falls hikes
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Emigration Canyon Miners Trail
(Burr’s Lane)
5 mi RT
2.5-3 hours
Moderate, 810' elevation gain
Mostly shaded
No restrooms or water at trailhead
Late spring, summer, fall; snowshoeing in winter
*avoid during bowhunting season
*at 0.3 stay to the right
Summit Park Peak
(Parleys Summit turnoff, but not up canyon)
6 mi RT
2.5-3.5 hours
Moderate, 1250' elevation gain
Almost entirely shaded :)
No restrooms or water at trailhead
Late spring, summer, fall; snowshoeing in winter
*gentler incline than most (bikers use it too)
*lots of trails here, get a map; use the Over Easy trail
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Yellow Fork
(Herriman)
5 mi RT
2.5-3.5 hrs
Easy, 725 elevation gain
Partial shade
No restrooms or water at trailhead
Spring, summer, fall, snowshoe in winter
*west on Bangerter Hwy, left on 134 south, left on Rose Canyon road, right at stop sign
White Pine Lake
(Little Cottonwood)
9.8mi out and back
5-7 hours
Moderate, 2452 elevation gain
Mostly shaded at beginning, partially shaded at higher elevations
Restrooms at trailhead
Spring, summer, fall (also snowshoe once snow has stabilized)
Willow Heights/Willow Lake
(Big Cottonwood)
2 miles out and back
1-1.5 hours
Easy, 675 elevation gain
Mostly shaded
No restrooms at trailhead
Year round (good snowshoe hike in winter)
*go 0.2 mi past Silver Fork Lodge, park on the right side of the road,
The trail begins on a narrow, paved road leading to a residential area
Turn left at the fork in the trail
*Can be buggy in summer; use insect repellant
*casual dining at nearby Silver Fork Lodge
Willow Heights is a beautiful hike through a serene aspen forest that leads to a small, picturesque lake nestled high in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail is only 0.75 miles one-way; however, it gains 600 feet over that short distance. Most hikers may want to continue on the loop trail around the lake, which adds 0.7 miles to the hike. This trail is family-friendly and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Trailhead
The Willow Heights trailhead is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon (40.630342, -111.604623):
Take Exit 6 on I-215 for 6200 S/Wasatch Blvd.
Drive south on Wasatch Blvd. for 1.7 miles.
Turn left onto Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Continue up the canyon 11.6 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road.
There is no signage or off-street parking, so it's easy to miss the trailhead without a GPS. Just past the end of an area with homes and businesses, the road bends to the left. The trailhead is located right around this bend. Look for a 35-mph speed limit sign facing toward down-canyon traffic, which is located at the trail entrance. A stone monument designating the Willow Heights conservation area marks the start of the trail.
The Hike
From the trailhead, begin hiking north through an aspen forest. The 600-foot climb is mostly gradual with a few steep spots as you make your way up the slope toward Willow Lake. After about a quarter mile, a few breaks in the trees offer nice views of the surrounding mountains and Solitude Ski Resort to the south.
Soon the trail enters a particularly dense portion of the aspen forest where the trees are so thick that visibility is limited to less than 200-feet in any direction. Continue hiking as the trail leaves the forest and arrives in a large, grassy meadow. Turn left at the junction (40.636122, -111.597354), and continue about 100 yards to the shoreline of Willow Lake.
Continue hiking on the trail as it circles Willow Lake in a clockwise direction. The trail on the north side of the lake follows right alongside the open shoreline, offering fantastic views. On a calm day, the aspen grove on the east side of the lake forms a beautiful reflection in the still water. Wildlife sightings are common here, so pay careful attention as you hike. Be sure to keep a safe distance from any animals you might see.
The trail continues beyond the inlet at the northeast end of the lake before crossing it and turning south. Pay close attention through this part of the hike. The trail can be faint and overgrown, making it more difficult to follow. Eventually the trail arrives back at the junction where you first arrived near the south shore of Willow Lake. Return the way you came on the main trail.
Round trip hiking distance to the junction near Willow Lake is 1.5 miles. Hiking the loop around the lake adds on 0.7 miles to the hike for a total of 2.2 miles round trip.
Rules and Regulations
No dogs allowed.
No swimming or wading.
No camping within 200 feet of trails and water sources.
No littering.
No motorized vehicles.
No campfires.
Special Considerations
Willow Heights is in a restricted watershed area. Follow all posted rules to help preserve and protect our drinking water supply.
Willow Lake from Willow Heights TH
Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 660 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
Climb Rate: 660 feet per mile
Average Grade: 13%
Notes: The trail is somewhat steep initially, but kind of levels off as you walk through a mixed stand of aspen and conifers.
Trailhead Elevation: 7820 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 11.5 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trailhead is on the north side of the road. Look for a large rock with a plaque on it. There is not much parking.
Destination Elevation: 8480 AKA: Willow Heights
Feature: Lake
Notes: Willow Heights is a basin with Willow Lake and gentle terrain. A great hike for the family, or snow shoe in the winter.
If you get to Willow Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and feel like you need to go a bit further, head north east to Dry Lake. It was not dry when I was there, and the solitude is worth it. Follow the trail northeast from the lake to find the secluded Dry Lake. Follow the Willow Lake trail to the northeast corner of the lake. Just a bit further up the canyon, the trail turns to the north, up a little ravine. Follow that up to Dry Lake.
2 miles out and back
1-1.5 hours
Easy, 675 elevation gain
Mostly shaded
No restrooms at trailhead
Year round (good snowshoe hike in winter)
*go 0.2 mi past Silver Fork Lodge, park on the right side of the road,
The trail begins on a narrow, paved road leading to a residential area
Turn left at the fork in the trail
*Can be buggy in summer; use insect repellant
*casual dining at nearby Silver Fork Lodge
Willow Heights is a beautiful hike through a serene aspen forest that leads to a small, picturesque lake nestled high in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail is only 0.75 miles one-way; however, it gains 600 feet over that short distance. Most hikers may want to continue on the loop trail around the lake, which adds 0.7 miles to the hike. This trail is family-friendly and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Trailhead
The Willow Heights trailhead is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon (40.630342, -111.604623):
Take Exit 6 on I-215 for 6200 S/Wasatch Blvd.
Drive south on Wasatch Blvd. for 1.7 miles.
Turn left onto Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Continue up the canyon 11.6 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road.
There is no signage or off-street parking, so it's easy to miss the trailhead without a GPS. Just past the end of an area with homes and businesses, the road bends to the left. The trailhead is located right around this bend. Look for a 35-mph speed limit sign facing toward down-canyon traffic, which is located at the trail entrance. A stone monument designating the Willow Heights conservation area marks the start of the trail.
The Hike
From the trailhead, begin hiking north through an aspen forest. The 600-foot climb is mostly gradual with a few steep spots as you make your way up the slope toward Willow Lake. After about a quarter mile, a few breaks in the trees offer nice views of the surrounding mountains and Solitude Ski Resort to the south.
Soon the trail enters a particularly dense portion of the aspen forest where the trees are so thick that visibility is limited to less than 200-feet in any direction. Continue hiking as the trail leaves the forest and arrives in a large, grassy meadow. Turn left at the junction (40.636122, -111.597354), and continue about 100 yards to the shoreline of Willow Lake.
Continue hiking on the trail as it circles Willow Lake in a clockwise direction. The trail on the north side of the lake follows right alongside the open shoreline, offering fantastic views. On a calm day, the aspen grove on the east side of the lake forms a beautiful reflection in the still water. Wildlife sightings are common here, so pay careful attention as you hike. Be sure to keep a safe distance from any animals you might see.
The trail continues beyond the inlet at the northeast end of the lake before crossing it and turning south. Pay close attention through this part of the hike. The trail can be faint and overgrown, making it more difficult to follow. Eventually the trail arrives back at the junction where you first arrived near the south shore of Willow Lake. Return the way you came on the main trail.
Round trip hiking distance to the junction near Willow Lake is 1.5 miles. Hiking the loop around the lake adds on 0.7 miles to the hike for a total of 2.2 miles round trip.
Rules and Regulations
No dogs allowed.
No swimming or wading.
No camping within 200 feet of trails and water sources.
No littering.
No motorized vehicles.
No campfires.
Special Considerations
Willow Heights is in a restricted watershed area. Follow all posted rules to help preserve and protect our drinking water supply.
Willow Lake from Willow Heights TH
Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 660 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
Climb Rate: 660 feet per mile
Average Grade: 13%
Notes: The trail is somewhat steep initially, but kind of levels off as you walk through a mixed stand of aspen and conifers.
Trailhead Elevation: 7820 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 11.5 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trailhead is on the north side of the road. Look for a large rock with a plaque on it. There is not much parking.
Destination Elevation: 8480 AKA: Willow Heights
Feature: Lake
Notes: Willow Heights is a basin with Willow Lake and gentle terrain. A great hike for the family, or snow shoe in the winter.
If you get to Willow Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and feel like you need to go a bit further, head north east to Dry Lake. It was not dry when I was there, and the solitude is worth it. Follow the trail northeast from the lake to find the secluded Dry Lake. Follow the Willow Lake trail to the northeast corner of the lake. Just a bit further up the canyon, the trail turns to the north, up a little ravine. Follow that up to Dry Lake.
Big Springs Park
Provo Canyon (turn at Vivian Park, go up the road quite a ways, turn right into Big Springs Park)
This is a lovely park with pavilions, large grassy areas, and the cleanest, best-smelling vault toilets I've ever used.
If you want a fun "canyon" experience, drive up the park road to the top, where there is an upper parking lot with a trailhead. The first few hundred yards up the trail, there are a number of side paths off to your left that lead to small fire circles. Bring in chairs, build a campfire and make smores.
*When we hiked the trail (6/14/16) it ended up as a big disappointment. The "Big Springs" we were supposed to see at the top had all been diverted underground. All there is at the top are ugly cement cylinders and capped off pipes. My recommendation would be to just hike the first mile or so until you come to a main road crossing. Turn around there and you've seen the prettiest section anyway.
This is a lovely park with pavilions, large grassy areas, and the cleanest, best-smelling vault toilets I've ever used.
If you want a fun "canyon" experience, drive up the park road to the top, where there is an upper parking lot with a trailhead. The first few hundred yards up the trail, there are a number of side paths off to your left that lead to small fire circles. Bring in chairs, build a campfire and make smores.
*When we hiked the trail (6/14/16) it ended up as a big disappointment. The "Big Springs" we were supposed to see at the top had all been diverted underground. All there is at the top are ugly cement cylinders and capped off pipes. My recommendation would be to just hike the first mile or so until you come to a main road crossing. Turn around there and you've seen the prettiest section anyway.
2 miles RT for the turnaround, 3.5 miles RT to the top
1-1.5 hours
Easy for the first mile, moderate for the last 0.7mile, 554 elevation gain
Mostly shaded
Restrooms and water in park (closed during winter)
Year round (can be snowshoed in winter, can be boggy/muddy in spring)
Picnic tables at parking area
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