Memory Grove Park is located just north of downtown SLC, and offers an escape from cement, skyscrapers, and traffic into a secluded park with a year-round stream. The 9 acre park includes an off leash area, remnants of old buildings, fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, and the Memorial House. Memory Grove features several memorials to Utah's veterans as well as a replica of the Liberty Bell. If you decide to hike further than the park area, to the North you will enter City Creek Canyon.
This whole past week I wasn't feeling very motivated to get out and hike. Now that winter is upon us, all of the high elevation roads (Millcreek Canyon Road, Alpine Loop Road, Mirror Lake Highway, etc) are closed so a lot of the good hikes are not accessible until next Summer. Many of the higher elevation trails are now covered with snow (or mud) as well. I couldn't think of an area I really wanted to explore this weekend, just because nothing seemed to excite me. I remember my friend, Amanda, saying she hiked Big Springs Trail with her dogs a lot, in Provo Canyon. I thought, "I rarely hike in this area - this could be fun to check out."
The Bowman Fork Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon, and is popular for summiting Gobbler's Knob. I usually do this hike after work during the week and don't have time (or sometimes the energy!) to hike to the summit, so my goal is always White Fir Pass. I really like this trail in the summer months because it's really well shaded, cooler, and it follows a stream that the dogs and drink from and play in. In Winter, it's nice snowshoeing because you will hardly see anyone up here.
Jack's Mailbox Peak (6,475 ft) is short but sweet - not only will you get great views of the SLC valley to the West, the Wasatch mountains to the East and South, but also get a great leg workout in, and is a safe peak to summit during Winter when avalanche danger is high. Though this trail is very short, the elevation gain and time spent hiking will make you think it's longer.
The Top 10 Peaks to bag in Salt Lake City, UT are right out our back door - no more than a 30-45 minute drive, these peaks are some of my favorites I've hiked over the years! Whether you are a newbie to peak bagging, or have years of experience, the Wasatch Front offers something for everyone. Start with the easy ones, then work your way up to some of the hardest and longest in the area. Of course there are several more peaks that some would argue should have made my list, but those are for you to decide which are your favorite. Set some goals, and start peak bagging this summer!
Earlier this week I hiked up Holbrook Canyon in Bountiful, UT. It's one of my favorite trails in Davis County for a few reasons. Dogs are allowed off leash on Davis County trails, it follows a stream, its really well shaded, not too steep, and you can choose your mileage. If you follow Holbrook Canyon all the way, you can reach the ridgeline, which is about 5 miles one way. Since we started at 6:30pm, we hiked 4 miles round trip. I was surprised at how high the stream was flowing - I've never seen it that high. Be prepared to wear water hiking shoes, such as Chacos or Keens.
