Ant Knolls (9.852 ft) is a nice peak on the backside of the Wasatch Mountains, near Midway, Utah. The summit offers amazing views into American Fork Canyon, and into the Heber Valley. There are several starting points to reach the summit. The most popular is via Pole Line Pass along the Snake Creek Road, and is a mere 2 miles to the summit. We had all day to explore the area, so we started from Big Flat also along the Snake Creek Road. This extends the hike to 6 miles RT and also creates a small loop.
About
Driving up Snake Creek Road is gorgeous, especially in Fall, and because of that you will see tons of Razors and dirt bikes. The trail is also open to dirt and mountain bikers, so you’ll want to start this hike early in the morning or during the week when there’s less traffic. Also be advised that during Fall there are many hunters in the area, and it’s wise to hike with bright colors and put some blaze orange on your dogs, like the Ruffwear Track Jacket for pets. Also keep in mind that the Snake Creek Road is only open during summer months.
Directions
Most cars should be able to make the drive to Big Flat (FR420). Past that, you’ll need 4×4.
Use this map, if driving from Midway, UT. You don’t want to drive this road after a big rain storm, as it can get really muddy.
Trail Info
Distance: 6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,700 ft
Time: 3-4 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, age 10+
Fees/Permits? None
Driving up Snake Creek Road was beautiful – the Fall colors were bursting mainly in reds & oranges.
Park at Big Flat, and start hiking up the road just to the right of the large wood sign.
You’ll follow the 4×4 dirt road for awhile.
The views open up as you reach Big Flat Meadow.
The road gets extremely rutted out, and during a rainstorm, as you can see it’s also gets extremely muddy.
You’ll see a trail leading up the North face of the hill – follow that to meet the ridge. You can actually see Ant Knolls from here, with the snowy top.
Once you reach the ridge, head East.
You’ll come to a trail split signed “157”. To make the loop, stay right until you reach the same trail “157” at the next split and then turn left, uphill.
If you want the shortcut, stay straight at that first trail split. Otherwise, if you do the loop you’ll end up hiking down that section.
As we hiked below Ant Knolls on the West side, you could hardly see anything because the clouds were so thick. On a sunny day you should be able to see Devil’s Castle and American Fork Twin Peaks.
Like I mentioned before if you take the loop, you’ll see a 2nd trail split for trail 157. You should be hiking uphill now towards the Ant Knolls.
To get to the first Ant Knoll you’ll need to hike off trail.
Almost to the first Ant Knoll. You can see the large cairn now!
As I got to the first Ant Knoll the rain and snow started pelting me from the side and my shoes were now completely soaked!
Make your way down a faint trail to connect back to the main trail leading up to the official Ant Knoll.
You’ll want to wear pants – all these goat heads stuck pretty easily to my pants.
The rain started to slowly end by the time I reached the official Ant Knoll. Still can’t see much!
The views started to open slightly. I imagine that on a sunny day this hike is even more amazing!
We brought a jet boil and mugs to make hot chocolate! So nice to have since it was cold and wet out. From the summit, make your way down the loop, connecting back to the ridge at the first trail split.
Trail Map
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