Flag Rock sits just east of Lagoon, along the west-facing bench on the rocky mountainside. It’s an easy hike that leads to amazing views of Davis County, that the whole family can do. Short on time? Hike to Patsy Mine and call it good. The trail has little shade, but if you hike the way I went, you’ll cross Steed Creek—a great place to let the dogs drink and the kids cool off by playing in the creek.
Distance: 4 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1,000 ft.
Time: 2–4 hours.
Dogs: Off leash.
Family friendly: Yes.
Click Here for a detailed trail guide.
The Bowman Fork Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon, and is popular for summiting Gobbler’s Knob. I usually do this hike after work during the week when I don’t have time (or sometimes the energy) to hike to the summit, so my goal is always White Fir Pass. I like this trail in the summer months because it’s well shaded, cooler, and follows a stream the dogs can drink from and play in. In Winter, it’s a nice place for some solitary snowshoeing because you will hardly see anyone up there.
Dogs are allowed off leash on odd days only, and there is a $3 fee per car upon exiting the Canyon.
Distance: 5 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1,300 ft.
Time: 2–4 hours.
Dogs: Off leash on odd days; leashed on even days.
Family Friendly: Yes.
Click Here for a detailed trail guide.
Grandeur Peak (8,299 ft.) is one of the high points in Millcreek Canyon, offering fantastic views of the Valley and into Parley’s Canyon. Grandeur Peak is a perfect intro to Peak Bagging. A fairly short trail with moderate elevation gain makes it one of the easier peaks to summit with little effort (compared to some of the other peaks in the area). For beginning hikers, this may be considered a tough hike due to the same reason Peak Baggers consider it easy—it is 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,900 ft. Dogs are allowed off leash on odd days only, and on even days they must be leashed. There is a $3 fee per car upon exiting Millcreek Canyon.
Distance: 6 miles round trip.
Time: 4–5 hours.
Elevation gain: 2,900 ft.
Dogs: Off leash on odd days only; leashed on even days.
Family friendly: No.
Click Here for a detailed trail guide.
Grove Creek Canyon is located to the east of Pleasant Grove, Utah. It wends through a somewhat narrow canyon that eventually connects with the Great Western Trail. Along the way you’ll have an amazing view of South Mount Timpanogos and two waterfalls. At the top of the second waterfall, there is a bench to rest and take in the view, and a bridge that crosses the creek. This is where most people turn around, making it a nice 4-mile round trip hike. Avoid this trail when it’s really hot out, as there is zero shade. As always, bring plenty of water for both you and your dog, although dogs can drink from the stream at the bridge.
Distance: 4 miles round trip.
Time: 2–4 hours.
Elevation gain: 1,500 ft.
Dogs: Yes.
Family friendly: Yes.
Click Here for a detailed trail guide.
Alicia Baker is owner of Girl on a Hike, a blog that follows Alicia and her hiking companion, Charlie, a Golden Lab, on their outdoor adventures. She has lived in Utah for four years, and loves exploring everything from the High Uintas to the San Rafael Swell desert. In 2016, she and Charlie hiked and backpacked 700 miles. Girl on a Hike has been awarded as one of the Top 100 outdoor, camp, and hiking Blogs in both 2016 and 2017. You can reach her at girlonatrailmail@gmail.com or on Instagram and Facebook @GirlonaHike.
