Crimson Trail | Logan Canyon

Hiking Crimson Trail - Logan Canyon Hiking Crimson Trail

Logan Canyon

Overview

RATING: Moderate/Strenuous Hike

Sat

Sunny. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.

45 | 22

Sun

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

40 | 26

Mon

A chance of snow showers before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

33 | 18

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

34 | 14

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 14

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Late spring, summer, fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None, bring all you need.

Sat

Sunny. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.

45 | 22

Sun

A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

40 | 26

Mon

A chance of snow showers before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

33 | 18

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

34 | 14

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 14

View Full Weather Details
Panorama on a bit of an air pollution day.

Panorama on a bit of an air pollution day.

Crimson Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Logan Canyon. Particularly in fall, this is one of the best hikes to see fall foliage lighting up the canyon. When I lived in Logan, I made this hike at least once a year and often more. The trail has a steep initial climb up the canyon wall to the top of a limestone cliff where it ambles along the top of the cliff with exquisite views before descending back to the canyon floor. The trail is narrow and perched right on the edge of the cliff in spots. Those with an intense fear of heights might not enjoy this hike.

The hike goes between Spring Hollow Campground (mile post 464.85) and Guinavah - Malibu Campground (mile post 465.8, across from the Wind Caves Trailhead). If you have two cars, you can avoid hiking the Riverside Trail back, and shorten the hike. My recommendation, though, is to make the full loop. The Riverside Trail between Spring Hollow and Guinavah is lovely.

Note: The hike can be made in either direction. If you are worried about the day being hot, I would recommend starting at Guinavah and hiking the trail clockwise. Going up from Guinavah is more likely to be shaded until mid-afternoon, where starting at Spring Hollow it is likely to be sunnier more of the day. I prefer to start and Guinavah and hike the trail clockwise, which is described here.
The Logan River on the Riverside Trail return.

The Logan River on the Riverside Trail return.

Getting There

The trailheads are up Logan Canyon at Spring Hollow and Guinavah/Malibu Campgrounds. From the mouth of Logan Canyon, take 89 east about 4 miles.

Spring Hollow is on the right. Park at the trailhead parking area and follow the Spring Hollow Road uphill to reach the trail proper.

If starting at Guinavah, continue on another mile. It is also on the right, just past the Wind Caves trailhead. Once in Guinavah, follow the campground road left as it passes through part of the campground and crosses the Logan River. Right after the Logan River crossing, go right and follow the road to a signed trailhead parking area.

Limestone cliff view near Spring Hollow.

Limestone cliff view near Spring Hollow.

Route

Crimson Trail Proper (4 miles / Though the trailhead sign says 3)
From the Guinavah trailhead, follow the signed trail. It begins climbing immediately and soon reaches the junction with the Riverside Trail. Go left here, on the Crimson Trail. The trail begins climbing in earnest with steep switchbacks climbing up the ridge. By my measure, the trail climbs about 1000 vertical feet in a little over a mile. Phew!

Once up on top of the cliff, the trail flattens out and the views open. Across the canyon, the Wind Caves is visible during much of the hike, and at about the same elevation the trail is at. Views both up and down the canyon are excellent, with the Cache Valley visible in the distance as the trail meanders further west. The limestone cliffs historic Lake Bonneville left behind make for a dramatic backdop to the canyon walls.

All too soon the trail begins its steep descent to Spring Hollow. Switchbacks lead to a wide trail and junction. Go right, down the Spring Hollow Campground. Once at the campground, either follow the main road back to the parking area and your second car.

Riverside Trail Return (1.6 miles)
If you did not spot a car, take the first major trail on the right which is the Riverside Trail. The Riverside Trail has many informational signs and it meanders along the river up to Guinavah, and is a lovely family hike on its own.


Maps

Route / 4.15 miles / Elevation Range 5,048 - 6,076 ft.
Full Loop / 5.83 miles / Elevation Range 5,031 - 6,076 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 442080mE 4623542mN

N41° 45' 42" W111° 41' 48"

Riverside Trail Jct

12T 441947mE 4623488mN

N41° 45' 40" W111° 41' 54"

Spring Hollow Crimson Jct

12T 440638mE 4622006mN

N41° 44' 52" W111° 42' 50"

Spring Hollow Riverside Jct

12T 440409mE 4622572mN

N41° 45' 10" W111° 43' 00"

Spring Hollow Crimson Trailhead

12T 440404mE 4622634mN

N41° 45' 12" W111° 43' 01"

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