It is scenic, fun, and you can make it longer or shorter, depending on how much time and energy you have. There is a nice little stream the entire hike, and you cross several little bridges and log/rock crossings. It is relatively safe and not too difficult for small children, as I met several on my way back down. The wildflowers are beautiful and there are some very large pine trees, especially 2 to 3 miles up. The Tribune hikers went up the canyon 2.5 miles and were stopped by snow. I made it around the snow, and went another half mile before the wind picked up, and the predicted storm looked like it was rolling in. I am anxious to explore this canyon farther in the future!
To get to the trailhead, take I 15 to the Bountiful 400 North Exit, and head East. This road will take you up to Bountiful Blvd. without making any turns until you see the Bountiful LDS Temple on your right. The trailhead is just past the Temple, and you turn into the well-marked parking lot on your left. Gps coordinates are: N 40* 52.898' W 111* 50.660'. There is a restroom with flush toilets at the trailhead. Dogs and horses are allowed. Wheeled vehicles are not.
From the parking lot head downhill and follow the stream uphill as far as you feel like going. About .43 miles up, you will come to the first stream crossing. I had to laugh at myself, because I crossed on logs and rocks, then saw the nice bridge just around the bend that I could have taken. So when you get to the first crossing, just go up the bank a little way and you will see the bridge!
There are many places to rest and relax, and several places where you could backpack in and spend the night if you desired. Nothing better than falling asleep next to a bubbling stream!
By the numbers:
Distance hiked: 6 miles
Hiking (moving) time: 2 hours 43 minutes
Stopped time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Total feet ascended: 1868
Max. elevation: 6670 feet
People seen on the way up: 0
People seen on the way down: 16
Dogs: 4
Bridge crossings: 6
Log/rock crossings: 5
Extremely large bucks: 1
snakes: 1 (small, greenish gray, smooth)
bumblebees: 1
Geocaches found on this hike: 3 (http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCWH2E_a-hike-for-you?guid=cd3c869e-4b77-47f2-a657-ee2773a0cc44, http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCY90A_rivendell?guid=83ce2bcf-e298-4ff2-bded-767bf111c675
http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC57C89_above-rivendell?guid=514421c5-b0f1-4456-b94c-0c5c818542a6
Deep thoughts while hiking: Do Rolypoly bugs enjoy a beautiful spring day as much as I do?
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| One of the bridges |
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| 3 miles up. End of the trail for this day. |
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| How did this lone Fall leaf survive the winter? |
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| Lots of interesting rock formations |
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| A geologist would like this hike |
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| Nice trail most of the way. |
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| Many wildflowers in early Spring |
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| The creek is along the entire trail. |
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| I used to know the name of these. |
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| More wild flowers. |
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| The hill back up to the trailhead. |
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| The parking lot |
