Davis Creek Loop

The Trail

This difficult trail is 2.8 miles round trip with a 1180 foot elevation change. Be aware that there are a number of spots that are slippery and ascend sharply along the way. Many people just do the hike to the Indian Bath Tubs, which is only about a 0.4 mile hike one way. However, this first section is still quite steep with a 455 foot climb.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

After going up the trail 0.3 mile, you will arrive at a bench with a good view of the waterfall. Soon after that, there is also a turn off to the Indian Bath Tubs (marked by the water symbol on the topographical map above). This short jaunt is only about 100 feet long. The rocks at this turn off are slippery when they are wet. There are usually some ropes here though to be used as hand lines.

View of the waterfall from the bench during spring

View of fall from the bench during autumn

"Indian Bath Tubs"

Immediately after the "Indian Bath Tubs" turn off, there is another split off heading to Pretty Valley (marked by the little green dot on the topographical map above). This is where we came out of the loop. If you want to go around the loop the opposite direction from what we did, you can take this fork. Otherwise, just continue west. If you prefer going up steeper more slippery parts and down the relatively more gradual sections like we do, you should go around the loop in the same direction we took. (Please note that the elevation graph reflects heading straight/west at this split.)

The next point you will come to will be just above a section of the waterfall, so you can look directly down at it. The trail also intersects with a trail to Hell Hole there (marked with a black square on the topographical map), which is the trail you will need to take to continue around the Davis Creek Loop. Farmington has named this section of the trail the "Indian Annie Trail." If you continue the other way (shown in red on the maps), you will be on the Triumph Trail, which will loop around the other way before returning to the parking area at a different trailhead.

Right above a section of the waterfall (and across from turn off to Hell Hole)

The "Indian Annie" section of the trail is even steeper than the previous section. It continues up quite steeply for a ways before descending slightly into a pleasant forested area that has been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."

Looking down the steep ascent that heads to Hell's Hole

After the ascent, the trail winds through a pleasant forested area

Hikers will soon come to a couple splits in the trail, including a turn-off for the Old North Trail as marked on the Topographical Map. Shortly after this turn off, the trail arrives at Hell Hole, which is a large cleared camp area. There are a lot of trails interesting in this area, so look for and read trail signs carefully. Having a map of the area may also be helpful.

Hell Hole

At the west side of Hell Hole, there is a trail marker for a trail saying it goes to a second waterfall. Take this trail, which which resumes the steep climb, to see the waterfall. In about 122 yards, the trail splits again. Turn left and head down a steep path to view the waterfall. Ropes along this section help negotiate the steep slick terrain.

View of second waterfall through the trees

Toward bottom of the falls. Unfortunately, a fallen
tree obscured the view some.

If you wish to continue to additional waterfalls, keep heading up the mountain after you return to the main trail (along the green trail in the topographical map above). There are three other waterfalls up further this way, but be aware that the trail is not as easy to follow as you go further up. Farmington City marks this trail as "future" on its website since it is unimproved most of the way. Other hikers also have commented on the fact that it becomes more sketchy as it continues up.

After returning to Hell Hole, take the trail heading south. You will soon cross a small stream, after which the trail turns east for a short way. This area is still part of "Christmas Tree Lane." The trail turns back south for a ways before again heading west. Hikers will go past a couple campsites at this point as they continue down to Pretty Valley, which is the hillside meadow marked by the red flag on the topographical map above. The red flag also marks where the trail intersects with the Bountiful Peak Trail. Turn right here toward the utility box, which also has a marker on it labeling the trails.

A nicely colored tree during fall in Pretty Valley

Utility box with trail markers on it

As you continue down the trail, you will have some great views of the valley. There are also a couple prominent rocks you can look for on this trail: El Capitan Rock and Wolf Head Rock.

El Capitan & Wolf Head Rock with view of valley

At the green flag on the topographical map above, we found another split in the trail. The trail marker there said it went up to Hell Hole too in 0.4 mile. This trail did not seem to be on the Farmington Trail Map when we went on the trail, but it does appear on a more recent version of the trail map. Again, having a copy of the second page of this map or a copy of the more zoomed in map found here with you is recommended while you are trying to navigate these trails.

Trail marker for un-mapped trail

This trail continues north and connects back to the trail you started up, just after the Indian Bath Tubs.

Horses are not permitted on this trail, but you are welcome to bring dogs if you clean up after them. There are is no water or bathrooms available at the trailhead.

This is what the trailhead looks like

Directions
This trail is located in Davis County, Utah in Farmington. To get there from north of Farmington, take exit 325 off of I-15 and turn left onto Park Lane. Next, turn right onto Main Street and continue on this road as it curves around. When you reach State Street, turn left and follow this road as it curves around a bend. Keep going until you reach Woodland Dr., then turn left. At the end of Woodland Dr. you will come to a dirt road called Little Valley Road. Drive up to the reservoir and you will find a dirt parking area. There is also a trail map here. You can walk up the road to the trailhead from here. There are multiple trailheads, so look for the one that is labeled "Davis Creek Trail."

If you are coming from the south, take exit 222 off of I-15 and continue along 200 West to 200 South. Turn right onto 200 South, and next turn right onto 200 East. From there, turn left onto Woodland Dr. and continue as outlined above.