On a 93 degree day, this trail was the perfect choice. The Hidden Oak Trail (also known as Snell Canyon) starts at the end of the road just east of Spanish Oaks Reservoir. Most of the trail is through thick oak and pine trees, so it is very shaded. Bring your bug spray as there were a lot of flies and gnats, particularly the first half mile. It's only 1.25 miles to the overlook , but it feels further because of the climb. From that point the trail gradually starts to disappear in the tall grass and shrubs, though many people will bushwhack much further up Snell Canyon. Highlight: playing with a spotted fawn who kept running up the trail and then waiting for me to catch up. The trail is a gradual climb until just over one mile, at which point there are two steep switch backs leading to an amazing view of the Spanish Fork City and River Bottoms. Other fun trails in this area include: Look Out Point, Escalante Cr...
As much as I love standing on top of the Cascade Saddle, overlooking Squaw Peak and Provo, this run is not for the faint of heart. Miles 3-5 are VERY STEEP and the terrain is rough with many sections of loose rocks. Miles 6 and 7 are steep down with poor terrain. This trail took much longer than anticipated - of course we are not in the same kind of shape as we were when we did this run in 2011 so we are partly to blame. None-the-less, be prepared for a grueling and beautiful experience. And don't roll an ankle! By the way, we saw two monstrous bull moose, and a few deer as well.
The sign doesn't lie. This is a tough, rugged and overgrown trail. Next time I'll cover my legs - I'm completely broken out in hives. My socks were so full of stickers that I just threw them away. Mile 7 is purely for your entertainment. Do not follow! Envision thick scrub oak on a steep hillside - the wrong side of the hill. All that said, it was beautiful and I didn't want to turn around. Had I known I was that close to a road, I would have looped back for an easier run on a private dirt road. The trail starts at the west end of the Spanish Fork River Park. Cross the bridge and follow the dirt road 1/2 mile until you come to the trail. The sign doesn't lie. This truly is a "very difficult trail". From this point on, the trail is overgrown and can be hard to follow, although there are fence posts marking the way for the first three miles. The trail cuts just below "Lone Rock Peak" (probably not an off...
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