Highline trail marker
Riverside Park to 1st Dam – aka Canyon Entrance Park
A lot of folks ask what and where I run. To this end, I thought this would be a great way to demonstrate some of that information. I will use Strava as a way to demonstrate the route and I will walk through the distance and route a little bit.
Links to Strava:
This is also a great place to come and record audio and grab a long segment to create your own white/pink noise. Our girls love to come and watch and listen, and at certain times of the year, you can see fish trying to migrate upstream. This is a lock like location, so it is well fenced off, but you always need to be alert if you have children as you just never know.
Once you clear the bridge you head on north to Lauralin and then take a left out around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meeting house. When you come to Canyon road, hang left. You will run down the sidewalk tot he connector and then cross the street.
Once you head up this path you will be presented with a Cheshire cat-like option. You can take the path tot he left – West or to the right East. This route takes you turning right and heading to the East. The little hill is a fun one if you are a stroller pusher. I have 2 strollers. We have a single and a double bob. I have pushed both up this hill and it is a treat. The treat is even more desirable with a solid heat index and high dew point. So be ready for a fun incline before settling into a very simple and well-groomed path.
The trail is the old canal line trail. It is mainly an unimproved road turned into a trail. You run along the bottom of Highway 89 and the parking options above from Utah State University. This is an active wildlife trail where you may encounter a variety of smaller animals including deer and other animals. I have seen quail, many other birds, squirrels, vols, mice, deer and more to name a few. The path from the trail fork runs along and exits behind Herms Inn and the access road to the USU Obstacle Course.
Now, Logan City is going through a difficult decision dealing with leashes and dogs. This trail is clearly marked as leash required, but I have encountered a half dozen dogs off-leash. The good thing in most animal handlers in our area in and around the trail system are quite good with their animals, however, there have been a few where the dog is managing the human. So far, I haven’t had issues, but it is something to be aware of to ensure and foster positive interactions when they occur.
Once you meet the trail break, it continue on east toward First dam, there is a wide sidewalk path that follows the remaining parts of Canyon Road and is even lined with cable fencing to try an maintain and provide the adventurer with great views.
First dam from canyon road – Before getting to Canyon Entrance Park
First dam from canyon road – Before getting to Canyon Entrance Park – double stroller is hard work
Early morning sunrise view of the water at First Dam
Proof I was here ?
After sweeping up the last rise you are welcomed with the views from the pictures above. From here it is about .25 of a mile to the entry of the tunnel or the Park and Canyon Entrance. The park is a common local hotspot to park or meander or lounge based on your chosen adventures and activities for the day.
I wanted to include one last section on this rout and speak to the switchbacks up to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). Many of the routes I do often start here with this last section. The entry is here:
The tunnel is welcoming and very well monitored. You can see multiple globe surveillance cameras. I have run through this tunnel at many different odd hours and have felt very safe, but with any tunnel, be aware of your environment and surroundings. There is a new cut in from the other side of the highway that allows one to skip the tunnel if needed too.
The walkout of the tunnel begins the start-up to the trailhead markers and then up the switchbacks.
From this point, the trail is filled dirt and trail mix. I had a single stroller this day, and I have labored up this hill with a double stroller and it is a chore but do-able. The trail itself is easy to ascend but it is a hearty little segment for sure.
BST Switchback Segments for reference
The link takes you to a few of my many dealings with this segment. It can really be something that wakes you up and reminds you just how human you are that day. It’s a mere .10 of a mile overall with approx 160 ft elevation gain with 3 main switches. Every once in a while, you may be treated with green boas and there are rattlesnakes reported int he area although I have not yet encountered one on the trail or near – at least in this section. If you take this section it joins you to the Highline trailhead
Highline trail marker
Astrid getting leary of dad taking simple photos for his blog posting
And you can be treated with this set of simple views:
Overlooking 1st Dam from the BST bench
Some good old education panels
scorched but in good spirits
water dad, and let’s go home, I’m done with the photos
This trail option leads to many options. As you can see, the variety that is available to the adventurer from the First dam area doesn’t have to originate from a car ride and a parking area, some of us have the great options to branch in and connect from our local neighbourhood. The trail system is still developing and is far from perfect or ideal, but it is evolving to be highly accessible to any who wish to adventure.
I would say outside of the BST switchback extension, this route is very easy to moderate and provides a lot of access. The entry hill maybe a bit for some folks, but if you know it is there and take your time, most folks should be well-positioned to have a great time. There is no access to freshwater or restrooms, so be ready for that, but the First dam parking area has access to both. Also, for the animal lovers, there are disposable baggies – be warned tho – for the ‘purists’ dial back those expectations a bit, folks are still learning and maturing.
ENjoy!
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