Big Rock Candy Mountain (Sevier Canyon)

Stats

Length:	6.75 miles
Difficulty:	Moderately Strenuous
Estimated Hike Time:	3 hours
Trail Type:	One Way
Elevation Low:	5,605 feet
Elevation High:	5,870 feet
Total Elevation Gain:	265 feet
Optimal Season:	Early Spring to Late Fall
Best Access Point:	Richfield

Summary

A longer kid friendly paved canyon trail through a picturesque twisty canyon arriving at Big Rock Candy Mountain.

Hike Images

Overview

Starting out as a mining claim in the late 1800's and named after the song in the 1920's, The Big Rock Candy Mountain is a major hub for ATV enthusiasts along the Paiute ATV trail as well as travelers along Highway 89 heading through southern Utah. Sevier County has created a hiking/biking path starting just south of the city of Joseph that follows the Sevier River to the Big Rock Candy Resort.

Directions

gps coordinates of trailhead:

38.589332, -112.257773

Trail Information

This trail is a great way to get kids to enjoy longer hikes as it is paved, little elevation gain, and with spectacular rock formations. The trailhead starts out at the mouth of Sevier Canyon right along HWY 89. The paved trail follows the Sevier River and besides a few small hills, is relatively flat. The trailhead has a put toilet and an information sign. Take the trail south down a small incline as you head to the mouth of the canyon. You will cross a long wooden bridge over the Sevier River. Enjoy the downhill since this will be the only downhill on the way to the Big Rock Candy Mountain. Once you are inside the canyon the rocks will take on its own personality in both colors and wind and river carved formations. The Rocks start out with a drab sandstone but quickly change to yellow, purple, red, and even blue. There are several pinnacles and sandstone hollows throughout so keep your eyes open. Once such pinnacle is framed by a pond surrounded by luscious flora. Depending on the time of year you will see kayakers and river rafters floating by. There are many fishing opportunities along the Sevier River.

Along the way you will make one big S curve and a few smaller curves which takes the monotony away from walking a paved trail. You will know you are near the end once you round the last corner and Big Rock Candy Mountain pulls into view. Right before you cross the River to the Big Rock Candy Resort you will cross the Sevier River one last time. Right before you do, the Hiking/Biking trail meets up with an ATV trail leading from Monroe across the Antelope Range so listen for motors coming. All the people on ATVs I have met on this part of the trail have been extremely nice and respectful. The resort has a nice restaurant with great daily specials. Once you have had a nice break you can continue your hike if you wish behind the resort along the side of Big Rock Candy Mountain through Lemonade Springs. This is named by the taste of water coming through the canyon (it isn't sweet by any means but has a slight acidic taste reminiscent of unsweetened lemonade).

Additional information: If you decide to take bikes, it is really fun to take the trail starting at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort since it is noticeably downhill.

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Posted By: Adam Gilbert

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