Escalante Cross Trail, Spanish Fork Canyon

Stats

Length:	0.80 miles
Difficulty:	Kid Friendly
Estimated Hike Time:	30 - 45 minutes
Trail Type:	Out and Back
Elevation Low:	5,271 feet
Elevation High:	5,486 feet
Total Elevation Gain:	215 feet
Optimal Season:	Early Spring to Late Fall
Best Access Point:	Spanish Fork

Summary

A pleasant, kid friendly hike to a historical monument.

Hike Images

Overview

According to the writings of Fathers Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante on September 23, 1776, the party traveled out of the canyon and climbed atop of this hill (now known as Dominguez Hill) to get a lay of the land. They were the first non-natives to see Utah Lake and Valley. A cross made from steel beams, and supported with steel cables now marks this historic place, and hikers can enjoy the same view as these early explorers.

Directions

gps coordinates of trailhead:

40.069056, -111.599094

Trail Information

The hike itself starts going slightly down into a ravine of scrub oak and maple trees. After about a quarter mile through the canyon, the trail will split. There is a wooden post here, but unfortunately the markings directions have fallen off, so it's not much help. The trail to the right heads up into Snell Canyon, which will eventually lead to Loafer Mountain. Take the trail to the left leading away from the mountain. You will climb quickly up the ridge with two switchbacks on top of a knoll and down to a second knoll (almost a false summit). From the second knoll you will see the cross and the rest of the trail. Looking toward the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon you will get a great view of the Spanish Fork Canyon Wind Farm. Heading back about 400 yards the trail will split and you can take the alternate loop back to the reservoir.

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Posted By: Adam Gilbert

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