Grove Creek Trail

Date Placed: June 21, 2010
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Grove Creek Trail, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Utah
Distance: 4 miles round trip (allow at least 2-3 hours hiking time)
Status: Active

A lesser known hike in the Pleasant Grove area is the Grove Creek Canyon trail. It offers an unparalleled view of the Utah Valley (you can see all the way to the windmills in Spanish Fork Canyon at some points!), and breathtaking waterfalls.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 275 (Pleasant Grove). Go east off the exit. At the intersection with State Street, continue straight through the light onto Center Street. Turn left onto 100 East, then right at 500 North. Follow the road to the very end, and park at the trailhead.

Start up the trail. You will be following the creek for the first half mile as you climb up, up, up. The second switchback offers you amazing views of the Utah Valley. After the second switchback, you will keep trekking up, up, and up. (This is considered a "moderate" hike, though if you're out of shape like me, it's pretty darn strenuous-- 2 miles, 1500+ feet of elevation gain.) You will cross a small waterfall/spring when you are a half mile from your destination. Keep hiking up, up and more up! There will be a first waterfall off in the distance to give you a taste of what's to come. Keep going! When you reach the view area, you will find a bench that someone constructed. Take a well deserved rest and enjoy the amazing view.

When you've caught your breath, continue on the trail for just a little while longer. WATCH YOUR FOOTING! It is wet and can be slippery through here. Cross the footbridge. At the end of the bridge, you will see a pine tree in front of you, slightly to the left. The box is under the rock at the base of the tree.

Notes: This is NOT a hike for young children! There are sheer dropoffs and loose shale on steep mountain sides. It may not be a good choice if you are afraid of heights. Dogs are allowed, though if yours has a tendency to wander off the trail, I'd make sure to keep them leashed and close by. Hiking shoes are HIGHLY recommended.