Adams Canyon Trail

The Trail
This well used 2.2 mile (one way) trail takes hikers up Adams Canyon to a beautiful 40 foot waterfall. It is of moderate difficulty with some more challenging section and has about a 1390 foot elevation change.

The trail starts out up a series of switchbacks. During most parts of the day it is pretty sunny along this first section. However, as the trail goes further up the canyon it becomes mostly shady and follows the stream the rest of the way up to the waterfall. Make sure you turn left to follow the trail up the canyon at the fork; if you go straight, you will be continuing to follow the Bonneville Shoreline Trail heading south. If you come to the bridge soon after the fork, you will know you are on the wrong trail. The correct trail is well marked with a sign.

Sign marking Adams Canyon off the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

This trail is open to hikers and dogs. Be aware that the trail can be very wet in the spring. The heavy runoff makes it impossible to cross the stream at the end without getting your feet wet.

Topographical Map

Trail in Google Earth

Graph of Elevation

 As you go up the canyon, the trail gradually becomes more rocky and a bit more difficult. Soon before the waterfall you will reach a few sections where you probably will have to scramble a bit over rocks and tree roots. The trail will cross the creek twice. At the first crossing there is a bridge. The second crossing comes right at the end where you must cross the stream to see the waterfall on the other side. There is no bridge here; to cross you just walk through the stream or step on the rocks.

Bridge Crossing the Creek

In the spring, the stream can be white and noisy
from the heavy runoff

By the end of the summer, the stream is much calmer

Waterfall in the spring

Waterfall in Summer

Waterfall in the Fall

Directions
This trail is located in Davis County, Utah. To reach the trail head, follow Hwy 89 to Layton. At some point you will be running parellel to Eastside Road. Take one of the turn offs that connects to Eastside road. These turn offs aren't really labeled as roads, so it is difficult to say exactly where to turn. Please look at the map for clarification. If you are traveling north along Hwy 89 and reach Grounds for Coffee, you have gone too far. If you are traveling south along 89 and reach 200 North, you have gone much too far. After turning off Hwy 89, turn right onto Eastside Road, and continue until you are almost at the end of that road. You will find a dirt parking lot here, and at the north east corner of the lot you will find the trail. GPS Coordinates: N41 03.984 W111 54.576