Burch Creek Canyon Trail

First/Only Bridge

The Trail
This moderate trail at least 2 miles long with about a 1400 foot elevation change. It is possible to continue up further than two miles, but we don't know exactly how far up the canyon a pathway exists. The trail follows the creek and crosses it a number of times. Only the first crossing has a bridge; the rest of the crossings require hikers to work their way across on fallen branches or stepping stones. None of these crossings were difficult, but they probably are more challenging during times of high run-off.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

Start of the trail

The trail starts out wide, worn, and easy to follow. However, after the bridge, the trail narrows and becomes more rocky, but it is nothing unusual for the area. The trail continues to be clear and well worn until about 0.8-0.9 mile up the canyon, at which point the path becomes increasingly overgrown. Young children would probably have difficulty getting through some of the tall brush we started seeing around this point. By the time we got two miles up the path, we were finding that the path became sketchy in some spots. The entire trail runs through a forested area, so it is shaded by trees and shrubs. This hike makes for a very pleasant stroll especially with the shady trees and the peaceful babbling of the creek. Unlike some other trails nearby, this one doesn't seem to be very crowded even on popular hiking days, especially the further up you go.

 

Beware that the area this trail is in seems to be inhabited by a lot of rattlesnakes. We saw a few on or right next to the trail. The dense foliage along the trail makes it easy to miss them, so just be cautious. Make sure you know how to avoid being bitten and what steps to take in case of a bite.

One of the rattlesnakes we came across on the trail

This trail is open to livestock, leashed dogs, and bicycles. That doesn't mean that is would necessarily be a good trail for all those things though.

Update - May 2016: We were correct that this trail is less accessible during the spring. We dropped by briefly and found the first bridge was covered with cold water, as shown below.

Directions

This trail is located in Weber County, Utah in Ogden. To get there, from I-15 take Exit 339 for Riverdale Rd. Head east on Riverdale Rd./UT-26 until you reach 40th Street. Turn right onto 40th Street. This road will change to 4200 S/Country Hills Dr. Next, turn right onto Harrison Blvd., and then turn left onto 4600 S. 4600 S. will become Ridgedale Dr. You will first come to the Beus Canyon Trail. Continue on a little further and you will come to a brown gate on the left. This is where the trail starts. There is no parking lot, so you will have to park along the road. Just make sure you don't park in front of the fire hydrant or block someone's driveway.

Dooly Knob Trail

The Trail
This moderate trail is roughly 1.2 miles long (one way) with a 790 foot elevation change. If are hiking the Frary Peak Trail, adding this knob to your trail will add a total of 0.8 mile to your trip.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

About 0.7 mile up the trail, at the top of the ridge, the Frary Peak and Dooly Knob Trails split.  The path is a bit less clear here than in most places, and we found that the sign at this point for Dooley Knob had been knocked over. Still, it wasn't difficult to find the right path heading north away from Frary Peak.

From the split, it is only another 0.4 mile to the end.

We were surprised how low the water level was there; it hasn't been that low during past trips we have made to the island.

View from the top

Dogs, horses, and bicycles are not permitted on the Frary Peak Trail. Also, be aware that the trailhead closes at 6:00 p.m. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, but there is a map.

Directions
This trail is located on Antelope Island in Davis County, UT. Traveling along the I-15 in Davis County, Utah, take exit 332 for Antelope Drive. Turn west onto Antelope Drive and continue straight until you reach the park entrance. There is a $10.00 entrance fee to access the park. After driving over the causeway and onto the island, keep to the left and keep going straight heading heading southward. The road will roughly follow the east shoreline of the island. Eventually, a road will turn off to the right that leads to the Frary Peak Trailhead. This is easy to find; the turn off is well marked and road directions on the island are easy to follow to this point. Continue up this road past a parking lot (for the Mountain View Trail), through a gate, and up to another large dirt parking lot. The trail starts at the end of the lot.