Heugh's Canyon is a trail just past the Mt. Olympus trailhead on Wasatch Boulevard in Salt Lake City. It is a great quick steep hike that will definitely count as your cardio workout for the day. I always find steep trails easier to mentally push through if there is something beautiful at the end of the trail. This hike does not disappoint in that regard. It leads you to a small but mighty waterfall. The trail winds up the canyon with views of the creek as it flows down to the valley and even has a rock scramble for those who like a little more technical hiking. This trail is dog friendly and heavily trafficked. Although, I found it to be less hectic on a weeknight versus a weekend morning.
The parking is on Wasatch Boulevard which adds an extra hill to your hike. We completed this hike last year on a Friday night with our cousins. It was a great dog cousin playdate, to refuel on a summer night you BBQ! We attempted to do this hike again this year, but were pushing it on time and didn't realize we were so out of shape. I was coming back from the flu and still coughing a bit. I thought I would be in better shape since I have been hiking all winter, but that just goes to show you that the flu is no joke.
Even though we didn't make it to the waterfall, which I can only imagine is flowing strong since the snowmelt is turning our rivers and creeks into dangerous water flows, it was still a great way to get out into the sunshine. This past winter/spring has been very wet and has prevented the warmer hiking season from starting sooner. I have been dying to get out of the snow and hike in a tank top and shorts. This hike got me excited that the season has finally started and I am ready to get up into the canyons from some of the higher elevation hikes! I cannot wait!
What You Want to Know
Take Me There!
Parking for the trailhead is on Wasatch Boulevard. This will add a nice warm-up to your hike. You travel through the neighborhood to get to the trailhead. I have seen cars parked on the street right below the trailhead, but technically you are not supposed to park there.
The directions from Wasatch Boulevard are a little confusing, hopefully this will help you:
Once you park head east on Canyon Cove, do NOT turn onto Heugh's Canyon Drive (I know, it doesn't make sense!), turn left at Oak Canyon Drive, then right at Canyon Winds Lane and continuing walking towards the mountains. You will see two brand new houses and a the trailhead straight ahead.
How long is the hike?
This is a 3.5 mile out and back trail with a 1,988 elevation gain. Follow the trail along the river until you reach a rock quarry than scramble over the rocks and to the right (South), you will be able to hear the waterfall keep heading towards the river and you've made it!
What Do I Wear?!
As I always say, plenty of sunscreen and water. The trail walks through a stream at one part if the water is high and you hike this in the spring, so wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet. I have hiked this with both my FiveTen Access approach shoes and my Anhu Montara's. Both were great, whatever you feel most comfortable in. The trail isn't too crazy until you get to the rock scramble. I felt it was pretty hot and wish I had worn shorts when I wore leggings.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! There are plenty of dogs on the trail and they can enjoy the cool water the entire way. The river was running pretty fast so just make sure to keep an eye on them when they are by it.
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