Summit Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trailhead is located next to a small camping area and a seasonal creek. We were there the weekend after Labor Day and there wasn't anyone camping there. There is no water at the trailhead, make sure you bring plenty for the hike. We saw a huge mule deer buck and cows along the trail and also signs of a mountain lion (two mule deer carcasses around mile 5), be advised to keep children and dogs close.

The trail is well marked, but has a LOT of rocks, hiking poles are recommended. There are many places along the trail to camp.

The trail makes a slow and steady climb up from the parking area through the forest, with limited views the first two miles and is fairly well shaded.

Just past the second mile, the trail runs along a ridge with very nice views to the north and west of the surrounding area. From here until about mile eight, you'll be hiking mostly in the sun.

At mile three, you leave the views behind and pass through a large meadow and cross a small seasonal creek. The trail continues the steady climb until around mile six with occasional views to the north and west. The trail steepens slightly here and continues another mile and you start to see views to the east and down into Leeds/Hurricane area of Utah.

The trail continues to climb into the forest along the ridge with views mostly to the west, until mile 16, with a small descent around mile 10. You can catch views of Pine Valley and Gardner Peaks to the west.

The trail then continues to climb up through very rocky areas, then across several meadows, crossing a small stream (Further Water) until you you reach the branch "trail" for Signal Peak. The views up there are nice, but trees and terrain block a lot of the view.

The return trip can be made via the Pine Valley Trail or Oak Grove Trail (currently closed).