Big Baldy via Dry Canyon and Battle Creek Trails

The Trail

This difficult trail is about 8.7 miles one way with about a 3,500 foot elevation change. We started by hiking up the side of Dry Canyon, so the information here reflects that direction. We just went one way and had someone who could pick us up at the end, but it is also possible to make a loop by heading back along to the Dry Canyon Trailhead along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (not shown on these maps), or even along the Curly Springs Trail (shown in red on the topographical map below).

Topographical Map (blue=Big Baldy; red=Curly Springs)

 

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail up Dry Canyon involves a steady ascent that only levels off a bit in a couple places. It takes hikers past some beautiful jutting rocks and along a stream bed that is nearly always dry. Since we happened to hike on a very cold wet day though, we saw water there on this occasion.

Dry Canyon Trailhead

This trail is well labeled wit signs like this informing hikers
of distances

Looking up Dry Canyon

After passing the jutting rocks, a trail does head off to the left leading toward the top of the rocks, but this is not the way to go. Continue heading northeast toward the mountains. Hikers will arrive at a short flatter section of the trail with meadows. Mount Timpanogos becomes more visible as well.

Looking back down the canyon

More level section of the trail

About 0.7 miles up, the Curly Springs Trail turns off to the left. About 2.5 miles up, the Little Baldy Trail heads off to the right eventually intersecting with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the Provo Parkway Trail.

 

 

As hikers approach the top divide between Battle Creek and Dry Canyons, the trail levels off for a bit. Then to the left is a trail that resumes the steep ascent to the top of Big Baldy. After heading up this trail for 0.7 miles, you will be at the top to enjoy the beautiful and stunning views there.

 

To continue down by way of Battle Creek Canyon, after descending the path up to Big Baldy, turn left. The trail soon becomes a series of switch backs along the back side of Big Baldy. After the switchbacks, the path straightens out some and continues to an intersection 1.9 miles from the path up to Big Baldy. Continuing straight here along the Timpanogos Perimeter trail (shown in green in the maps above) would take you over to Grove Creek Canyon. To continue along the path shown in the map, turn left to continue toward Kiwanis Park. Hikers will soon come to a dirt road intersecting the trail. Just stay on the trail and continue down the canyon.

Three miles down from the trail to the top of Big Baldy, you will come to the Curly Springs Trail. This trail is much better labeled than it used to be. This trail crosses the creek and then continues up the other side.

Sign labeling Curly Springs Intersection

Looking across the creek at the
Curly Springs Trail

Roughly three fourths of the way down, hikers will come to the first real visible waterfall along thing canyon, and a short ways later come to the last and largest waterfall, both marked by blue ovals. This last waterfall is Battle Creek Fall, and is about 50 feet high. There are a couple more small falls in between.

Battle Creek Waterfall

From Battle Creek Falls to the trailhead is only 0.6 more miles. Hiking from the trailhead to this waterfall is a popular short hike that is very family friendly.

This trail is open to dogs and horses. Their are restrooms available at both trailheads.

Directions

This trail is found in Utah County. If you are starting from Dry Canyon (as we did), from I-15, take Exit 273 for Lindon/1600 N Orem. Head east on 1600 North until you reach 400 West. Turn left on 400 West, then turn right on 2000 North/200 South. Continue up the hill to the to the top of 2000 North, then turn left onto Dry Canyon Dr. Follow the road up to the parking lot where you will find the trail head. GPS Coordinates: N40° 20.498' W111° 40.601'

If you are trying to reach the Battle Creek Canyon trail head, from I-15, take Exit 275 for Pleasant Grove/Lindon. Head roughly east on Pleasant Grove Blvd. to State Street and turn right. From State Street, turn left onto 200 S/Battle Creek Dr. Continue straight up this road until you reach the park at the end. The trail starts from the park. GPS Coordinates: N40° 21.786' W111° 42.046'