Coyote Trail

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Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

This is a popular mountain biking trail, so watch out for mountain bikers. Also, there isn't a ton of shade along the route. When I went (in late September) there were no water sources along the route, so plan on bringing all of your water with you.

This trail starts at the Coyote Trailhead and ascends via a series of short switchbacks toward the main ridge in the area. After about two miles there is a trail junction where you can either go to the left, on the Riverview Trail, or go to the right to continue along the Coyote Trail.

Eventually the trail hits a series of longer switchbacks, and after about 1,500 feet of climbing (from the trailhead), the trail hits the main ridge. The trail then climbs a few more hundred feet before reaching the top of the main climb, right by the high point of the ridge. This high point comes about eight miles from the trailhead.

From this point, the trail starts to weave in and out of a series of aspen groves and other small forests, which provide the first real shade along the trail. This point also starts a nice, fun descent that heads down to the northern end of the loop. At about 12.5 miles in, there is another small climb that tops out on the western side of the ridge. Along this northern section is where you get the best views of Jordanelle Reservoir.

After about 14 miles, the trail reaches the top of the second notable climb, and opens up for some great views of the Wasatch Back foothills, which in the fall can be covered in beautiful crimson leaves. This section also has the longest descent of the loop, which can be rocky at times but is generally pretty fun and mostly manageable.

The Coyote Canyon Trail ends at about 16.5 miles in. Along this section between 14-16.5 miles you start to get some great views of Mount Timpanogos and the other southerly Wasatch mountains, which can be especially stunning in the shoulder seasons when they're capped in snow.

The trail ends at a fork in the trails where you can go either on the Sheep Bones Trail or the Riverview Trail. Going down (to the right) on the Riverview Trail will take you to the Riverview Trailhead, just off the side of State Road 32. Going slightly left on the trail will take you along the Riverview Trail back towards the Coyote Canyon Trail, and back to the original trailhead. Choosing the third option, the one in the middle, will take you on the Sheep Bones Trail, which eventually meets up with the Lower Riverview Trail, which also leads back to the Coyote Trailhead.

At most of the trail junctions, there is a small sign with a map on it, which makes it pretty hard to get lost or on the wrong trail along these trails.

Aspen groves, great views of fall colors along the Wasatch Back during fall, deer, etc