Hiking Trail Descriptions For ye shall go out with joy. And be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you in singing. And all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 Notice the stillness in nature. Hiking can give opportunities for spiritual growth. Abish Trail---Easy to Moderate, 1.0 mile. A fairly flat trail that ascends gradually from Legacy Lake to Camp Rebekah. It wraps around the south side of Legacy Lake and passes by a beaver pond. Watch for ducks and fish jumping. Trail winds through profuse vegetation and wildflowers in season. Aspen and Fir groves also line the trail. Listen for a hidden brook. Near camp Rebekah the trail passes over a small bridge crossing a small creek. On the south end of the trail it passes by Moose Meadows, which can be marshy in the spring. Deer and moose frequent this area. The trail gives access to a variety of hikes and easily accessible from Camps Abish, Snow, Rebekah, Sariah and Reeder. Baird Cabin Spur---NEW TRAIL - UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Check with trails host for availability. Site of a 100-year old homesteader sheep camp log cabin. Located next to the cabin is a shaded spot along the creek, which is a great place to stop for a cool rest. The historical site will be accessible from Crows Nest Trail. Bald Knoll Ridge Connector---Easy to Moderate, 0.35 mile. Connects Bald Knoll Ridge Trail with Spine Line Ridge Trail. Easy trail from west end following old jeep trail, it takes a moderately steep descent along an old fence line, becoming an easy walk to junction with Spine Line Ridge Trail. Bald Knoll Ridge Trail---Moderate to Strenuous, 3.75 miles. From Reeder Trail it is an uphill ascent along rocky sagebrush and scrub oak ridge then through aspen and conifer. Watch for short side trail leading into the aspens where a circle of benches creates a great gathering place. Sego lillies can be seen on the ridge in July. An ATV service trail crosses over Bald Knoll Ridge Trail. BE CAREFUL to watch the trail signs to keep on the correct trail. Trail switches to a two-track jeep trail at Bald Knoll Connector junction, and leads to beautiful views of the Wasatch Range and to highest point of Heber Valley Camp, elevation 9909 ft. Trail continues to the camp boundary with Uinta National Forest. The national forest road ascends to the top of Bald Knoll, 10,091, where there is a bird s eye view of surrounding mountain ranges. Snow on trail in early part of camp season. Prepare for a long all day hike, filled with the wonders of nature. Beaver Ponds---Moderate, 0.3 round trip. An old ranch road ascending to a series of three beaver ponds. The third is an active beaver pond. A trail leads to the ponds from the No Hikers Beyond This Point post. Do not hike on the road beyond the sign post.
Broken Arrow Trail---Moderate, 1.35 miles. From entrance of Camp Esther Amphitheater, trail ascends through conifer shaded areas inviting solo time. Continues through maples to open sagebrush and scrub oak slopes past Esther Connector trail. Great views of Legacy Lake just out of the tree lined area. Trail curves past Camp Hinckley and then continues its ascent through shaded aspen areas to junction with Smith Trail. Last part of trail is an old ranch road that ends at a junction with northwest end of Reeder Trail, the entrance to Broken Arrow Campsite, and near Crooked Creek beaver ponds area. Crows Nest Trail from Crows Nest Overlook---Moderate, 1.5 miles. Check with trail hosts for availability. Crows Nest Trail goes north from Crows Nest Overlook along the ridge, then descends southeast off the ridge to a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by aspens and firs. Follow trail on the north side of Crows Nest Lake to the dam. You can pick up shells by the dam and enjoy watching for waterfowl. From the dam side of the lake the trail follows an old road down the hill. At tall dead evergreen, turn northeasterly into a forest of aspen and conifer with fields of skunk cabbage. Watch for moose and deer. Pass Baird Cabin Spur to junction with Timber Valley Trail at an old ranch road. Hiking to Crows Nest Lake will take a good portion of a day. Snow likely on trail in early June. Well worth the hike! Crows Nest Loop---Easy to Moderate, 0.3 mile. NEW TRAIL - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Check with trail hosts for availability. Trail loops around Crows Nest Lake, a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by conifers and aspens. You will pass an old wooden bear blind, a fallen log in the lake to walk along, and a canopy of evergreens which provide a beautiful rest area. Eagle Loop Trail---Moderate to Strenuous, 2.5 miles. One of the steeper trails. Traverses through aspens bordering a pond by Eagle Rock Campsite, then climbs up a steep hill, filled with aspen and nine bark shrub, to a rocky sagebrush ridge. On the climb look for aspen trees that have been shaped by snow into the letters C and E. View is spectacular but USE CAUTION when hiking along the ridge. Adult supervision advised at the steep cliff. Sego lilies are often prolific in July. From junction at Spine Line Ridge Trail the trail descends the hill southerly through sage and oak brush to aspens where it crosses a spring creek which is a perfect resting place to listen to the water and watch for wildlife. Trail then takes a northeast gradual ascent through trees and meadows past Shepherd Trail and Jacob s Ladder Trail. Then descends southerly to level out as it nears a beaver pond and turns north onto a camp security ATV trail. Watch for deer and moose in this area. Follow the doubletrack ATV trail as it descends northerly back to the Emergency Exit Road. Follow this gravel road back to the beginning of the loop by Camp Reeder. In late summer wild raspberries and thimbleberries can be found along the roadside. Expect snow on trail early June. This trail was named to honor numerous Eagle Scout hiking trail projects. This is a popular hike. Esther Connector---Easy, 0.2 mile. Connects Esther and Broken Arrow Trails. Some narrow sections along the side of the mountain. Esther Trail---Moderate, 0.95 mile. This trail connects Camp Esther with top of the mountain ridge at Smith Trail. At Camp Esther the trail starts moderately steep to Challenge Course 1, and then through conifers where there is a spot or two with fallen logs to step off the trail and sit. The trail passes Timberlakes Overlook with a view towards our neighbors to the west and benches for resting. It then traverses southerly at an incline through mostly shady canopy of aspens. Around one of the bends in the trail about half way, there is an open meadow perfect for stargazing or playing games! Far West Trail---Moderate, 0.9 mile. 3/2010 2
Starts and ends at different points on Smith Trail high on the ridge above camps Smith and Esther. From north end of the Smith Trail/Far West Trail junction, trail passes watering hole, which eventually dries up in the summer, then comes to Heber Valley Overlook. Overlook area extends a short distance west for further observation. From this vantage point hikers can View the Cascade Mountains, the backside of Timpanogos Mountain, and Heber Valley. Trail curves southeast from overlook past expansive views of the Wasatch and winds up passing through aspen for a short period, then through sage and oak shrub and connects to an old ranch road leading past two access trails to Far West Campsite. (At the southern camp access there is a flagged trail ascending past a prominent boulder to a beautiful 360-degree view). Far West trail continues south on the old ranch road and then SE through open sagebrush areas past an access to Ridgetop Campsite. Then it breaks off from the old ranch road onto a single-track trail that junctions with Smith Trail in an aspen forest. Hidden Creek Trail---Easy to Moderately Strenuous, 0.94 mile. CONSTRUCTION AREA at south end of trail. PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAIL The easiest direction to take this hike is to start at the south end of the trail by Lookout Mountain and Moose meadow Campsite so that your hike goes downhill. The trail descends through conifers and then crosses over Hidden Creek to join an old jeep road. Watch for elk wallow on right/south at the beginning of trail. The trail turns into a single-track trail with switchbacks as it descends through dense vegetation to a fairly flat walk. Make sure you watch for views of Legacy Lake. From here it is an easy walk crossing several more small creeks. Listen for the sound of running water the entire trail and in season watch wildflowers everywhere. Near the North end of the trail where it junctions at Abish Trail, right by a creek crossing, there is an open meadow with fallen logs for resting. This would also be a great area to stop and do some activities or explore. Hidden Creek Trail is an excellent hike that is close to many of the camps and offers much to see. Hinckley Trail---Easy to Moderate, 0.45 mile. From the west end junction with Broken Arrow Trail, the trail moderately descends past Camp Hinckley before crossing the paved road. USE CAUTION when crossing. The trail is flat through the aspens, and then crosses both Abish Camp Road, and Snow Camp Road. Watch for cars. Trail junctions with Abish Trail and Legacy Lake Loop. NEW Jacob s Ladder Trail--- Strenuous, approximately 0.3 miles. This trail is a very steep ascent up the mountain from the Emergency Exit Road to Eagle Loop Trail. Hikers climb many stair like steps created from logs. It follows Hidden creek and is in dense forest half the way. Near the top the trail breaks into meadows where wildlife can be seen. It s best use is in a quick return, descending from the backcountry. Logs are available near the top of the steep climb for resting. NEW Legacy Trail---Easy to Moderate, approximately 1.25 miles. Gives another alternative for Camps Esther and Smith to hike to Legacy Lake. Hike through a canopy of maple trees most of the way. In the large meadow wildlife is often seen. Trail is only completed from the point by the administration building to just off the paved road up from the Maintenance Building. Ask your camp host for directions to continue on to the lake. Legacy Lake Loop---Easy, 0.7 mile. From water recreation area at lake, trail is a fairly flat stroll around Legacy Lake. Watch for ducks on the water, and moose and deer near the willows. Bridge crossing over creek. Valley irrigation lowers the water level in August. Junctions with Abish and Hinckley trails. Best hike for families with small children. Lookout Mountain Spur---Moderately Strenuous, 0.8 mile round trip. A moderate uphill climb on rocky dirt road. Beautiful 360-degree panoramic view. Great place for devotional, picnic or viewing sunrise or sunset. In early morning or nighttime hours hikes should be of a quiet nature in consideration of neighboring cabins located among the trees across the meadow below. 3/2010 3
NEW Maple Grove Trail---Easy to Moderate, approximately 0.2 mile. Trail gives access to Maple Grove Campsite. From Smith Trail descend into a small ravine and back up again. Trail turns into a gentle walk through a maple grove. Benches are provided for resting and contemplation. Trail ends at Maple Grove Campsite in an open meadow. Moose Meadow Loop---Easy to Moderate, 0.64 mile. From south end, gentle walk from Abish Trail around pocket of wetlands; home to moose and deer. On north end, gentle ascents through vegetation crossing several small brooks. Beautiful wildflowers in season. Moose Meadow Campsite is located midway on loop. Narrow Neck of Land Trail---Moderate, 1.7 miles. This trail is a two-track ATV service trail from the Emergency Exit Road to the junction with Timber Valley Trail and Crows Nest Lake Trail. It is the main trail to get to Timber Meadows Campsite and Crows Nest Lake. South of the Wetlands viewing area, the Narrow Neck of Land Trail passes through a narrow corridor of the camp property, boundary with Timberlakes to the east and the rising camp property elevations to the west. Deer frequent this area. The trail turns southeast at an old road to a water tank. Walk along road watching for sign to turn southwest onto the ATV service trail to continue on the trail. Be careful not to follow the road going straight past the water tank. The trail eventually passes by about 14 beaver ponds, beautiful mature aspen and conifers, as well as open sagebrush. Moose are sighted at the beaver ponds. Moderate grades with some level areas. Snow likely on trail in early June. Nature Preserve Trail---Easy 0.65 mile. Trail traverses around Camp Reeder. Beginning at the Emergency Exit Road the trail is a dirt road that goes by a pond where wildlife comes to drink. Watch for signs because the trail leaves the dirt road westerly to a single-track trail. The trail proceeds behind Camp Reeder by the wetlands of the Nature Preserve. Trail ends at junction with Reeder Trail. Reeder Trail---Moderately Strenuous, 1.15 miles. One of the steeper trails especially near the ridge top. The trail begins at the Camp Reeder sign on the Parkway by Camp Reeder and skirts around the camp. This area is part of the Nature Preserve. As the trail leaves the Nature Preserve the steepness increases through conifers. Watch for elk wallow on left/south. In wet years, the meadow s vegetation is up to your shoulders. The trail crests at the top of the sage brush and scrub oak ridge with Bald Knoll Ridge Trail. Spectacular views from Timp Viewpoint, of Legacy Lake, Camps Reeder, Sariah, Snow and Abish. Trail descends through aspen forest to dirt road leading to the Beaver Ponds or Broken Arrow Campsite. Snow likely on trail early June. Sariah Trail---Easy to Strenuous, 0.6 mile. Trail starts at Abish Trail and winds through wooded area between Camps Reeder and Sariah, crosses Sariah Camp Road, follows next to missionary trailer park and crosses Rebekah Camp Road. Watch for cars. Trail takes a steep descent towards Camp Abish. Cross parking area to junctions with trail to Challenge Course 2. Trail leading to Camp Snow is on the east side of the parking area. The trail crosses another camp road, then traverses level terrain through woods near Camp Abish, and finally ends at junction with Hinckley Trail and path to Camp Abish. Sariah Trail provides access to Camps Rebekah, Sariah and Abish and Challenge Courses 2, 3, 4, and 5. Shepherd Trail---Moderate, 2.0 miles. Check with trail hosts for availability. This beautiful trail passes through elk-sensitive areas through the heart of the camp property that has historically been sheep herding acreage. Watch for elk wallows. Stay on the trail. Please limit groups to 15 in this wildlife sensitive area and keep noise to a minimum. Ascent is gradual through aspen and open grass areas. Follow trail marking tape and dead logs when grasses get tall and the path is hard to see. 3/2010 4
From the Eagle Loop junction the trail crosses the spring creek then continues winding through quiet aspen and conifer woods and then back across the spring creek to begin a greater ascent through an old burnt ridge area to an old ranch road. Do not follow old ranch road to north, follow the trail that turns south along the road before entering and winding through aspen/conifer forest. While momentarily opening into a meadow, the trail heads back into the aspen forest. The trail leads to the junction with Bald Knoll Ridge Trail. Snow likely on trail in June. Shepherd s Trail was named to commemorate the legacy of shepherding on the mountain. Smith Trail---Moderate, 2.45 miles. From the Camp Smith Pavilion, the trail is flat then begins to wind through forest shade; both gentle, and steep ascents. At north junction with Far West Trail, it curves southeast through aspen groves with a gentle incline. Deer habitat any time of day. Trail continues out in the open past junction with south end of Far West Trail, then past the junction with path to Ridgetop Campground. It again enters into the aspens for a short distance to Esther Trail junction. Trail then descends at a moderately steep decline joining a dirt road. Here it becomes a short easy walk past Broken Arrow Trail ending at junction with Reeder Trail. Spine Line Ridge Trail---Moderate to Strenuous, 1.3 miles. This trail showcases the vast variety of terrain at the camp, from a rocky ridge to a constant display of aspen trees. Trail begins on the top of a rocky ridge at the junction with Eagle Loop Trail. As the trail passes near the edge of a steep cliff it offers views from the Reeder Overlook to Camp Reeder, Lookout Mountain and Legacy Lake. USE CAUTION, stay on trail, and do NOT throw rocks. Panoramic views on both sides of trail. Trail continues ascent through sagebrush, scrub oak and maple. Medium to strenuous ascent flattens out through open aspen and conifer. Continue southeast past junction with Bald Knoll Ridge Connector. Trail curves southwest through beautiful aspen and conifer woods. A large log lines the trail, which makes a good resting spot. This is an elk-sensitive area. Limit hiking groups to less than 15. Take a moment to be still and to observe your surroundings but stay on the trail. Spine Line Ridge Trail ends at junction with Bald Knoll Ridge Trail. Snow on trail to early June. Timber Valley Trail---Moderate, 2.05 miles. Trail begins at the Narrow Neck of Land Trail/Timber Valley Trail/Crows Nest Trail junction. It is an old jeep trail that ascends moderately through beautiful timber areas on either side of the open meadow area, then into forest shade where there are several inviting areas to step off the trail for some solo time. Listen for sounds of water from the creek that crosses the trail. Continuing on, the trail ascends along the dirt road to Crows Nest Overlook which is a must-see for those willing to make the effort. Hike off the road a little ways to a ridge with a view to a mountain lake and mountain ranges beyond. Prepare for an all day hike from your camp to the overlook. The trail continues south, then westerly to junction with Bald Knoll Ridge Trail. Snow on trail in early June. NEW Valley View Trail---Moderate, approximately.05 miles. Leads to Valley View Campsite. Trail begins at Smith Trail just west of Ridgetop Campsite in the aspens. As it descends it emerges into sage brush and crosses an old ranch road. From top of sagebrush hill hikers will see camp and beautiful view of surrounding mountains. Cross Service Road and continue on to Campsite. Campsite built on old sheepherder s camp with view to Heber Area. Please remember: Use the Official Heber Valley Camp Map. The paved parkway is not for hikers and dirt road trails are not to be used by vehicles. Leave a hike plan with your camp host before departing on a hike in the backcountry. Hike plan forms can be printed from the website or obtained from the camp host. Trails are marked with signs at junctions. Dead logs may mark both sides of a well-worn path. They may also be used to block wildlife trails. Cairns give trail directions in open areas. Trail marking tape tied to limbs and brush give direction on new trails. Hike with a buddy. If you become lost, stay where you are. Leaders call 911 if possible. 3/2010 5
2-way family service radios are useful on the trails. Cell phones may be useful in an emergency but may not always get reception. Stay on trail in wetlands areas in wet or dry seasons. Wetlands are a sensitive wildlife habitat. In elk-sensitive areas, as indicated on the map, limit hike groups to 15. Keep noise to a minimum. Large groups are best divided into smaller groups of 15-20. Use a map to orient the hike group. At each junction rotate a new hike leader to the front to give map experience. Pack out what you pack in. Take time to enjoy the solitude and beauty. 3/2010 6