Where to Hike: Epic Utah Road Trip!
COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we play and travel. If you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself very thankful over the last few months that hiking is an inherently socially distant pastime.
While I'm sure we will be able to travel again one day, in the meantime perhaps one of the best things we can do to help our economy is to ‘think globally and act locally’. And that includes travelling within our own county, state or country.
I’m pleased to be sharing my latest blog series to help you plan “Where to Hike” in the US. I’ve reached out to local tourism destinations, outfitters, accommodations and more to put these together (as well as used my own experience in some cases), so please consider clicking on the links and checking them out when you plan your next backpacking trip!
It's no secret that I love Utah.
I've spent a lot of my time recreating there and for good reason – it's a natural playground.
I've written about it a few times now, most recently about Bryce Canyon. But there's so much to see and explore in this state.
From Bear's Ears National Monument to the Hollywood-favorite Monument Valley, Utah has a little bit of everything.
So let's go ahead and take another dive into this amazing state, specifically in Heber Valley, Davis County and San Juan County.
Heber Valley, Utah
Above I mentioned that Utah is an adventure playground...well, Heber Valley is the backyard playground. It's home to Wasatch Mountain State Park, Sundance Ski Resort and Deer Creek State Park to name a few.
The Valley is made up of small towns tucked in among the towering Rocky Mountains, the most notable being the iconic Mount Timpanogos. The whole area has a cozy, small town feel while offering up some truly spectacular outdoor adventures. To top it off, the Valley is only a short drive from major centres like Salt Lake City and Provo.
Where to Hike
Timpooneke Trail on Mount Timpanogos
Photo courtesy of Heber Valley
Mount Timpanogos is one of Utah’s most recognizable mountains. At 11,749 feet, it is the second-highest summit of the Wasatch Mountains, which may explain its allure to outdoor enthusiasts in the area.
Timpooneke Trail is a beautiful hike that connects to other more challenging trails like the Timpanogos Summit Trail and the Aspen Grove Trail.
Photo courtesy of Heber Valley
If you're short on time, a popular option is to hike in 1.5 miles to Scout Falls before turning around and heading back to your car.
If you want a longer hike, you can continue up the trail to the Timpanogos Summit Trail. It's a 15-mile out and back hike to reach the top of the Timpanogos Peak, where you'll look out over both Utah Valley and Heber Valley.
The trail is unpaved, with rocky pathways, some steep inclines and the occasional tree root to clamber over. The trail is lined with pine trees, quaking aspens and meadows of wildflowers.
The full hike to the summit can be down in a day, usually taking between 10-12 hours. To get the most out of your trip, you can opt to bring a tent with you and camp along the way. Campsites are limited (and fires are not allowed) but camping around Emerald Lake will give you extra time to take in the views, explore the snowfield and to experience the sunrise from the top of the peak.
Hazards:
The temperature can change quite drastically on the hike up. It's wise to wear layers and bring a packable puffy coat. There's also a fair bit of sun exposure, so make sure you bring sunscreen or wear long sleeves.
Be aware of wild animals like moose or cougars – it’s not likely you'll see them, but they do sometimes frequent the area.
How to get there:
To park you will need to pay for a day pass, it's $6 and you can get it at the trailhead.
The trailhead starts at the large parking lot for the Timpooneke Campground up Provo Canyon along the Alpine Loop Scenic Trail.
The trailhead is quite close to Heber City, Orem or Alpine, depending on which side of the canyon you exit. Each has plenty of food, gas and accommodations. There are also Park Rangers at both the American Fork and Provo Canyon entrances.
Coyote Canyon Trail System
During the spring, Utah’s state flower, the Sego Lily, blooms all along the Coyote Canyon Trail. The trail system offers a unique view of the “Wasatch Back” as hikers can see many of the iconic peaks in the distance.
The trails offer plenty of beautiful scenic views of towering mountain peaks, seasonal desert wildflowers native to Utah and get a close up of desert cactus.
The Coyote Canyon trail system is all about the journey. The entire loop is 22 miles long, but there are four possible trailheads for hikers to set out and explore.
It’s free to access, but it is on private land so it is important to be respectful of the trail system.
Coyote Canyon is a multi-use trail – bikers, horses and dogs are also allowed on this trail so it offers more variety of who you might see while out trekking around the trail system.
Hazards:
Muddy conditions make the Coyote Canyon Trail system unusable, as it is also used as a mountain bike track. When there are “Muddy Ground Turnaround” signs it is important to follow orders to preserve this beautiful trail system.
For more information about the trailheads and other necessities nearby, click here.
How to get there:
There are four different ways to access the trail system:
1) A big parking lot at the intersection of Coyote Lane and Valley Hills Blvd;
2) on the eastern end of the UVU Wasatch Campus Parking lot;
3) on highway 32 just after mile marker 1 on your right as you are heading east;
4) and a few miles further on highway 32, right after mile marker 4 also on your right.
Know Before You Go
COVID Considerations:
Masks are highly encouraged in public locations and they are required in some spots. Social distancing of 6-feet apart should be maintained. For more information visit their website.
San Juan County, Utah
When people think of the iconic landscapes of Utah, they usually picture quintessential old western movies depicting the Wild West, made up of rugged, desert terrain with towering red-rock structures.
San Juan County is Utah’s Canyon Country and it's exactly what you're picturing. Located just south of Moab with miles upon miles of hiking trails, you could say it's a backpacker’s dream.
Four of the largest natural bridges in world can be found in Utah’s Canyon Country, along with the petroglyphs of Newpaper Rock and other ancestral sites of the Puebloan and Fremont people.
It's here that you'll also find Bears Ears National Monument, Canyonlands National Park, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Four Corners Monument and Monument Valley.
Of note, three of the parks are International Dark Sky Parks, and one is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Places like Monument Valley have been featured in movies like “Forrest Gump,” and many John Wayne classics.
Where to Hike
Bears Ears National Monument
The phenomenal House on Fire Ancestral Puebloan site sits tucked into the cliffside of Mule Canyon.
The structure is impressive on its own, but in mid-morning the sun reflects off the opposing canyon wall causing it to look like it’s on fire – and it is breathtaking.
If you only have time for one hike while in San Juan county, House on Fire is the hike to do. It's approximately a 2 mile hike roundtrip, with little elevation gain, making this a moderate level hike that is very family-friendly.
The trail follows a normally-dry creek bed but is easy to follow. Keep in mind, there's not much shade. Hiking here in the heat of summer can be a bit of a beat down, but can be done any time of year. But no matter when you go, bring sun protection!
Please keep in mind that Bears Ears National Monument is considered sacred and is an important part of the cultural heritage of many native tribes of the Southwest. Please visit with respect. Do no touch the structures or climb inside. Do not touch or remove any artifacts you may find. And definitely do not make your own inscriptions on any rockface!
How to get there:
Blanding and Bluff, Utah are the closest towns to this area. Both offer food, lodging and gas stops.
A backcountry permit is required for the hike in. It’s easy to buy at the self-service kiosk and is $5 per person or $10 for the whole week.
South Fork of Mule Canyon: 37.497000, -109.662000.
The trailhead is about a 1/4 mile north of the highway along UT-95 about 17 miles west of Blanding, Utah and is well marked. You can also arrive via Mexican Hat going north on UT-261 for 14 miles. Turn right on UT-95. The trailhead is signed and is easy to spot.
Chesler Park in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
Chesler Park Joint Trail is an 11-mile hike that lasts between five to seven hours and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Needles formations.
It's an amazing hike that involves travelling through some slot canyons, climbing over portions and lots of elevation changes.
This long loop hike (it's recommended to hike it clockwise) takes you through narrow fractures in the rocks. Some places require climbing over big steps, but the views are incredible as you're tucked between towering walls to overlooking the Needles. The trail has around 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
Photo courtesy of San Juan County
Chesler Park can be done in one day, but for those who want to explore some of the other trails that stem off of the loop there are campsites you can stay at. If you plan to make Chesler Park into a multi-day trip make sure to get a permit for the backcountry campsites. Permits can be reserved no more than four months in advance and no less than two days before the start of the trip. Currently, permits are being issued online only due to COVID-19.
Canyonlands also offers incredible views of the night sky and is well worth spending more than a day inside the park.
Photo courtesy of San Juan County/Emily Ogden.
How to get there:
Trailhead 38.1417, -109.827.
Know Before You Go
COVID Considerations
Due to the nature of COVID-19, all Navajo Tribal Parks have been closed for the time being to protect local communities. This includes Monument Valley and Four Corners Monument.
Other communities and monuments are open, but ask guests to follow the guidelines of the San Juan Strong Promise, which includes washing hands or using sanitizer frequently. Avoid touching your face. Social distance as much as possible. If you are sick please stay home. Use face coverings when social distancing isn’t possible.
And perhaps most importantly, please be safe as you recreate as emergency services are limited.
DAVIS COUNTY
Davis County, Utah offers endless outdoor recreation with incredible views, amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Davis County is home to a beautiful section of the famous Wasatch Mountains, providing a plethora of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, or if you want to give your feet a break, the nearby Great Salt Lake offers a unique place to launch your kayak or stand up paddleboard.
Where to Hike
Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park
Photo courtesy of Davis County Tourism
Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, provides a unique way to experience the region, see the abundance of wildlife and incredible views while hiking on some truly spectacular trails.
Frary Peak, located at the highest point of Antelope Island State Park, is one of those trails. It offers a spectacular birds-eye view of the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Mountains and all of Davis County.
It is 6.5-miles round-trip to the very top of the peak and covers 2,100 feet of elevation gain. While the hike is quite steep, the view at the top makes the climb worth it.
With little shade on this path and more bugs on Antelope Island in the warmer weather, it’s best to hike this trail in cooler months.
Wildlife on Antelope Island
Photo courtesy of Davis County Tourism.
Antelope Island State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife including antelope, coyotes, birds and its famous herd of 500 - 700 free-roaming bison. It is common to come across bison while at Antelope Island State Park, but they generally will pay no attention to you as long as you maintain a safe distance.
If you encounter a bison on a trail, you should either slowly back away and return the way you came, or leave the trail and give the bison a very wide berth when passing it.
How to get there:
Since Frary Peak is located inside a Utah State Park, you have to pay to play. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people) and available to purchase online.
Take I-15 north to Antelope Drive (exit 332) near Layton. Turn left (west) off the exit onto Antelope Drive. The road connects directly to the causeway on the far west side at a fee station. When you get to the island, head left along the east side of the island toward Fielding Garr Ranch. The Frary Peak trailhead is 5 miles down this road.
Trailhead GPS: 40.9936944,-112.2047443
Thurston Peak
Photo courtesy of Davis County Tourism/@runnerriley7
This hike is an out and back trail that leads to the highest point in Davis County – Thurston Peak. This trail features many rolling hills and beautiful meadows and wildflowers in the summer.
After hiking about 9 miles and covering 1,700 feet elevation gain, you'll find yourself at the top of Thurston Peak and the 360-degree views of Davis and Morgan County that go with it.
To the east, you’ll have incredible views of Antelope Island State Park, the Great Salt Lake and the Davis County valley. Look west and you’ll see the gorgeous backside of the Wasatch Mountains and Morgan County. You'll want to use standard hiking gear to explore this area—pants are preferred. Spikes and trekking poles may be necessary during spring and early summer months when the peak is still snow-capped.
How to get there:
A high clearance vehicle with 4WD is recommended for reaching the upper trailhead. If not using a 4WD vehicle, it is best to park at the lower trailhead and walk along the road for 1.8 miles to reach the start of the trail.
Lower Trailhead: 41º 1.6492′ N, 111º 50.2812′ W
Upper Trailhead: 41° 3.011’N, 111° 50.752’W
Know Before You Go:
COVID Considerations
Face coverings are to be worn when social distancing is not possible. All businesses that are adhering to public health guidelines are open, so you should have access to lodging, gas and food while there.
For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 in Davis County, click here.
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