Chimney Rock Loop

The Trail

This moderately difficult trail is 3.7 miles long round trip with about a 570 ft elevation change. There is some up and down though, so there is more climbing and descending than that within the hike. Also, while the elevation change isn't huge for the distance, there is a steep 500 ft climb in about a half mile distance in this hike. If you are looking for a shorter hike, just hiking up to the Chimney Rock Overlook is only about a mile in, but this would include still ascending/descending the steepest sections of the hike.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

This trail starts at a well marked trailhead with bathrooms available there. It heads up near a wash area gradually at first and passes by Chimney Rock before climbing steeply up short switchbacks north of this point. There is a split at this point that connects either side of the loop. We headed right to go around counterclockwise, and all information here reflects that choice of direction. After the split, the trail loops a bit and head more south to Chimney Rock Overlook. Climbing to this point is still nearly a 500 ft. climb, but the view is impressive.

Trailhead

Looking down at the switchbacks going up

View from Chimney Rock Overlook

From here, the path continues along the south edge of Mummy Cliff offering expansive panoramic views along the way.

 

After hiking about 2.3 miles, the path turns west and starts heading back. Right after this turn there is a split with a label for the trail heading to Spring Canyon. Hikers turning this way would head up Chimney Rock canyon fro about 1.5 miles before reaching Spring Canyon at the divide point between Upper and Lower Spring Canyon. To finish the loop though, continue west to return to the point where the loop splits and then return down the switchbacks along the same trail that was ascended to reach the loop. It was getting dark by the time we reached this section, but we were stunned just how quiet it was while we were there. If we were walking, we could hear our feet on ground, but when we stopped we couldn't hear anything at all. There was simply NO noise...not from bugs, birds, other animals, wind, or anything else. 

Note that this trail is located in Capitol Reef National Park, and is thus subject to fees for use of the trail and area. Pets are not permitted on this trail. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead.

 

Directions

This trail is located in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County, Utah near Torrey. To get there, take UT-24 to Capitol Reef. Get off at the trailhead for Chimney Rock, which is just off to the north along the highway, between 7 and 8 miles from the middle of Torrey. GPS Coordinates: N38° 18.950' W111° 18.238'

Smith Ditch Falls No. 1

The Trail

This moderate trail is about 1.25 miles (one way) with a 610 ft. elevation change. The Smith "Ditch" is actually a pipeline that sends irrigation water into the Provo Cemetery and farmland, but despite the lackluster name, the waterfall is quite scenic.

Topographical Map

 

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

This trail starts from the Upper Bridal Veil Falls Park parking lot. To start, follow the upper paved path for a short distance (about one tenth mile) before turning right at the sign for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. 

Paved Path

Turn onto the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

The trail is not very steep along this section. Unless you are hiking first thing in the morning, there isn't a lot of shade.

Continue along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for about 0.8 miles, at which point the trail intersects with a wider ATV type path. Turn left here to head up the path. The trail will start climbing more steeply at this point.

Head up this wider path

Soon the falls will be visible, but the climb will not be over. It continues to get increasingly rocky and steep, requiring some care since many of the rocks are loose. The waterfall at the end though is refreshing, and hikers can walk right up to it.

 

 

 

  

 

We tried to follow a trail to find Smith Ditch Falls No. 2 to the northeast without success. While a trail appears on a map we found of the area, we could not locate it. Heading along the areas shown in our map resulted in tromping in thick brush with no sign of a path.

 

Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. There are bathrooms near the trailhead.

 

Directions

This Trail is located in Provo, Utah. To get there, take I-15 to 800 N, Exit 272 in Orem. Head east on 800 N toward the mountains. Stay in the left lane at the end of 800 to turn left onto Provo Canyon Rd. Continue about 3.3 miles, then turn right onto Old Provo Canyon Rd. The parking area will be on the right across from the Nunn's Park Rd. The trail starts on the south end of this parking lot. GPS Coordinates: N40° 20.256' W111° 36.561'

 

 

Jump Off Canyon

The Trail

This moderate loop trail is 3.1 miles round trip with about a 1000 ft elevation change.

Topographical Map (blue = Jump Off Canyon; red = Canal)

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail starts just off Harrison Blvd. heading east toward the mountains. Hikers will quickly come to a stump that has been made into a funny figure with arms and a face. The trail soon reaches a split at which you can go around the loop in either direction. We turned right at this point, so that is reflected in the descriptions here. 

Trailhead sign

Stump Figure

After hiking about a half mile from the trailhead, there is a small turn off immediately before the cement wall holding the canal water. Take this path to head up the hill further. The wider straight path following the cement here is the canal trail, marked in red on the maps above.

Canal Trail

Turn-off right before the canal to continue up the mountain

Continue up the trail until coming to another split. At this point, one trail continues straight along the side of the mountain while the other heads up into the canyon. Take this later trail to head toward the back of the canyon.

Trail split; head right toward canyon

Trail heading toward canyon

From here, the trail becomes more rocky and starts to climb more steeply. There is a trail to the side of the riverbed, but sometimes it is easy to end up along the riverbed instead. Continue to climb to the back of the canyon, where you will reach a rock wall. At times, water does come down here creating a waterfall, but most of the year it remains dry. 

 

Approaching cliff walls at back of canyon

  

Drop off where waterfall runs at times

Looking up at cliffs at back of canyon

View looking out from back of canyon

After enjoying the jagged cliffs at this point, return the way you came until reaching the split. To complete the full loop, turn right and continue back down along this side of the loop, making sure to turn off the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and back toward the trailhead when you reach the trail descending. There are a number of signs clearly marking turn-offs and labeling trails that help with this.

 

Dogs are permitted on this trail, and there are even a couple water bowl stations that can be filled with your water to allow your pup to drink. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

 

Directions

This trail is located in Ogden, Utah. To get there from I-15, take Exit 344 for 12th Street in Ogden and continue east to Monroe Blvd. Turn left here, then turn right onto 700 S. Continue to Harrison Blvd. and turn left. Continue north for just over a mile until you reach the trailhead on your right. 

If you are coming from an area north of the trailhead, it may be faster/easier to take US-89 to this point, following it until North St., heading south on Collin's Blvd./1000 E, and then onto Harrison Blvd.

GPS Coordinates: N41° 16.004' W111° 56.841'