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Recently Utah Outdoor Activities received an email from one of our visitors asking us why the Ferguson Canyon Trail was not listed on our website. The answer to this question is because we have never hiked this trail before. So, we made it a point to get out and hike this trail, and in this article we will share our experience with you.
Although, this trail is rated as “hard”, it all depends on how far you choose to hike. There are several points of interest that could be considered a great place to end your hike and return to the trail head. These include a beautiful canyon surrounded by cliffs, the upper waterfall, the overlook, or the upper meadow. For us the turnaround point was the overlook.
Trail Information:
The Ferguson Canyon Trail begins in a neighborhood just off of Wasatch Blvd in Cottonwood Heights. The parking area is very small and can fill up quickly especially on weekends.
From the trailhead the trail makes its way up a dirt road leading to a water tank and then meanders its way through groves of trees and runs along a little creek.
Towering Canyon Walls:
As our hike continued, we came upon a beautiful canyon with cliffs on both sides. At this point the trail became a little more difficult due to the boulders, creek, and elevation gain. Also, on this hike, water was running down parts of the trail due to spring runoff.
Trail was Deceiving:
At one point we thought the trail ended and we actually back tracked, until we ran into some local rock climbers who explained the route. They also told us about the upper waterfall a little farther up the canyon. Once we figured out, we had to go around a rock face and walk through the creek we made are way to the “upper waterfall”. From this point the trail was nothing but elevation gain and now we know why this trail was rated “hard”.
Waterfall:
At this point in the trail there were several “waterfalls” cascading down the mountain side. The upper waterfall is located in a beautiful nook with a little pool of water surrounded by places to sit, relax, and enjoy the views. The trail from this point was again a little deceiving as you had to cross the creek in order to continue up the mountain.
To the Overlook:
Once you pass the upper waterfall the trail is steep, requires several creek crossings, and you begin the switchbacks. Eventually you leave the creek behind, and the trail becomes very hot and dry.
The Overlook:
After pushing our way up the switchbacks, we finally made it to the overlook or what we considered the overlook. This rock outcropping high on the mountain side offered many places to sit down, relax, and enjoy the view of the Salt Lake Valley.
Upper Meadow:
Although our hike ended at the overlook, for those looking for more the trail continues on to what is called the upper meadow.
No matter where you choose to end your hike on the Ferguson Canyon Trail, the effort to get to each location is worth it. This trail offers beautiful views, nice shady areas in the canyon, and the creek that follows the trail most of the way enhances the experience.
Pet Friendly:
The Ferguson Canyon Trail is a pet friendly trail as it is not located in a watershed area. Please remember that all pets must be on a leash and it is the owner’s responsibility to clean up and pack out any waste your pet may leave behind.
Trail Stats:
Approximately 4.0 miles round trip to the overlook.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Hard
Pets: Allowed
Trail Head Location:
7721 Timberline Dr, Cottonwood Heights
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