1st Dam to Switchbacks – Logan Canyon, Utah
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:
1st Dam to Switchbacks
1st Dam to Switchbacks (another look)
Included High Trail
So the route details:
Below is a map demonstrating where you can park at the First Dam Park area. This route has other options for parking listed above. You can use the map below as a reference and follow it up to 2nd Dam to serve your parking needs.
- 1st Dam – See map below
- Stokes parking areas (lower and upper)
- 2nd Dam
This route is often included in the Bridger look off routes (Bridger Look OFf Route) but I wanted to call this out and describe it a bit differently as it is a shorter route.
Once you have located parking at First Dam, you will start by accessing the trail using the tunnel. Once through the tunnel its a hard right and ignore the daunting switchbacks that provide you access to High Trail and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Once you come to the left turn take that and wander through the little park, the house and make your way past the Water treatment facility. Once you pass the fenced off transformers, you will have your first ascent. This is adjacent to the High Line trail that is to your left and high above you. You will climb this steady hill and then be treated to a natural descent that leads you to cross under the road bridge and adjacent to the river.
Once you climb out from under the bridge the trail leads right tot he multi-use pathway bridge and it leads you out to a sign talking about cougars – not the BYU type looking for marital partners and eternal bliss, rather pesky mountain lions and bobcats. Yes, this is an active wildlife area and plenty of evidence of cougars, and there have been physical sightings in the last 2 calendar years. So be aware.
The trail continues by turning left and heading up the gentle grades. It is a mixed-use path shared by hikers, runners, bikers, strollers and sometimes by a car or two – it should be further up, but it’s known to happen. You will meander with the river on your left, most of the trail is in great shape. you will pass the water testing facility. Then you come to the parking feature for upper stokes. A bit farther up the trail, you will come across the Stokes Nature Center facility. Once you pass Stokes, the remainder of the trail is a mix of rolling inclines with moderate false flats. You will pass the water spill area on your left, the multiple options to stop around the water above 2nd Dam and then the bridge on your left. The last uphill along the river is a bit toilsome, but you are greeted with a last sweeping downhill into the relief area that I like to call Logan Canyon’s Sleepy Hollow – Yes I have run in Sleepy Hollow New York also. Once you get through the hollow on your left just before the switchbacks you will be greeted with this sign:
That’s it, folks. You know have the option of going on to Bridger look off, turning around for an out n back and many many more. This is a great 4 mile-ish out and back. It provides the adventurer with multiple options to trail diversions and water options. Many of these options are quite friendly to humans and animals of all ages – with correct supervision and training of course. Note, the river is an active waterway, and it is a swift-moving waterway. At any moment a serene and peaceful outing can turn tragic if you are not present and “in” the moment with your participants and those you may be stewarding on the outing.
So be safe, enjoy the trail and have fun. Stop, embrace and be in the moment, it’s ok to let life stop for a few minutes to indulge in the simple breath of life. Yes, I went there, b/c this is one of the many reasons why I choose to adventure. Sometimes solo, ofttimes with family. And when possible with close friends and associates. Carry on!
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