How to Hike the Kelly Canyon Loop

The Kelly Canyon Loop is one of the most rewarding yet under-the-radar hiking experiences in the American Southwest. Nestled within the rugged terrain of the Wasatch Range in Utah, this 7.2-mile loop offers hikers a dynamic blend of dramatic canyon walls, alpine meadows, seasonal waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks of the surrounding high desert. Unlike more crowded trails in nearby national parks, the Kelly Canyon Loop provides solitude, ecological diversity, and a true sense of wildernessmaking it a favorite among seasoned hikers and a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic backcountry adventure.

What sets this trail apart is its unique combination of geological features and seasonal transformations. In spring, wildflowers blanket the upper meadows; in summer, the canyon provides cool shade and reliable water sources; in fall, aspen groves turn golden, casting a luminous glow across the trail; and even in winter, the loop remains accessible to experienced snowshoers and winter hikers with proper gear. Its moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for those with basic trail experience, while its elevation gain and variable terrain challenge even advanced hikers.

Understanding how to hike the Kelly Canyon Loop goes beyond following a map. It requires preparation for rapidly changing weather, navigation through less-marked sections, respect for fragile alpine ecosystems, and awareness of local wildlife patterns. This guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to complete the loop safely, sustainably, and with deep appreciation for the landscape. Whether youre planning your first multi-hour hike or seeking to refine your backcountry skills, this comprehensive tutorial will walk you through every critical stepfrom pre-trip planning to post-hike recovery.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Route Planning

Before setting foot on the trail, invest time in understanding the Kelly Canyon Loops layout and conditions. The loop begins and ends at the Kelly Canyon Trailhead, located approximately 12 miles east of Midway, Utah, off Highway 150 (the Mirror Lake Highway). Use topographic maps from the USGS or digital platforms like Gaia GPS and AllTrails Pro to study elevation profiles, trail junctions, and water sources.

The trail is officially marked as a loop, but the most common and recommended route follows a clockwise direction: Trailhead ? Kelly Canyon ? Upper Canyon Ridge ? West Fork Trail ? Return via Lower Canyon Trail. This path minimizes steep ascents early on and allows you to enjoy the most scenic overlooks after youve warmed up. The total distance is 7.2 miles with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain. The trail is rated moderate due to rocky sections, loose scree, and intermittent stream crossings.

Check the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website for current trail advisories. Seasonal closures may occur due to bear activity, fire risk, or snowpack conditions. Always verify if the trail is open before departure, especially in early spring or late fall.

2. Gather Essential Gear

Proper gear can mean the difference between a comfortable hike and a dangerous situation. Heres a non-negotiable packing list:

• Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread. The trail includes loose shale, wet rocks, and uneven roots.
• Hydration: Carry at least 3 liters of water per person. There are two natural water sources along the routethe upper creek crossing and a seep near the ridgebut both require filtration. Bring a reliable water filter (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree) and backup purification tablets.
• Navigation: Download offline maps on your phone (Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps) and carry a physical map and compass. Cell service is unreliable beyond the trailhead.
• Layers: Temperatures can swing 30F in a single day. Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a lightweight insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof shell. Even in summer, wind chill at the ridge can be biting.
• Food: High-energy snacks (nuts, jerky, energy bars) and a lunch that doesnt require refrigeration. Avoid sugary snacks that cause energy crashes.
• First Aid: Include blister care (moleskin, leukotape), antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with UV protection, sunglasses, headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, emergency whistle, and lightweight emergency blanket.

Do not rely on trail markers alone. The upper ridge section has minimal signage, and cairns may be sparse or misplaced. Always cross-reference your position with your map and compass.

3. Begin at the Trailhead

Arrive earlyideally before 7:00 a.m.to secure parking and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The trailhead parking area is gravel and can accommodate 1520 vehicles. There is no fee, but a self-service permit box is available for voluntary donation to trail maintenance. Leave no trace: pack out all trash, including food wrappers and biodegradable items like fruit peels.

The initial 0.8 miles follow a well-maintained dirt path alongside Kelly Creek. The trail is gently sloping with scattered aspen and pine trees. Watch for signs of wildlife: deer tracks, bear scat, and the occasional marmot sunning on a rock. This section is ideal for acclimating to the altitude (trailhead elevation: 8,100 feet).

4. Enter Kelly Canyon

At the 0.8-mile mark, the trail narrows and begins descending into the canyon proper. The creek becomes more audible, and the walls rise sharplysome reaching over 300 feet. The path here is rocky and occasionally requires careful footing. Use handholds on exposed ledges where indicated.

At 1.6 miles, youll reach the first major feature: a seasonal waterfall cascading down the east wall. In peak snowmelt (late May to early June), this is a powerful cascade. In late summer, it may reduce to a trickle. Do not attempt to climb the waterfall or venture off-trail for photosthis area is prone to rockfall.

Continue another 0.7 miles to the junction with the Upper Canyon Ridge Trail. This is your turnoff point. Look for a small, weathered wooden post with a faded arrow pointing left (north). Do not follow the trail continuing straightit leads to a private property boundary and is closed to the public.

5. Ascend the Upper Canyon Ridge

The climb up the ridge is the most strenuous portion of the loop. The trail gains 600 feet over 1.2 miles with intermittent switchbacks. The surface transitions from dirt to exposed granite slabs and scattered boulders. Take frequent breaks, especially if youre not acclimated to the elevation.

At 3.5 miles, youll reach the ridge crest. This is the highest point of the loop at 9,500 feet. The views here are extraordinary: to the west, the Wasatch Back unfolds with the Uinta Mountains in the distance; to the east, the canyon drops sharply into the valley below. Take time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the solitude. This is also the best spot to photograph the entire loop route.

From the ridge, follow the faint but well-trodden path along the spine of the ridge for 0.9 miles. The trail is narrow in placesstay centered and avoid the edges. There are no guardrails, and a misstep could be dangerous. If conditions are wet or icy, consider turning back. This section is not recommended for children under 12 or those with a fear of heights.

6. Descend via West Fork Trail

At the 4.4-mile mark, the ridge trail meets the West Fork Trail. Turn right (south) here. The descent is steep and loose in sections. Use trekking poles for stability. Watch for loose rocksmany have been dislodged by freeze-thaw cycles. The trail passes through a dense stand of Engelmann spruce and aspen, offering welcome shade in summer.

At 5.1 miles, cross a small footbridge over the West Fork of Kelly Creek. This is your last reliable water source before the return. Fill your bottles here if needed. The trail continues descending through a forested corridor with occasional glimpses of the canyon floor below.

7. Complete the Loop via Lower Canyon Trail

At 5.9 miles, youll rejoin the original trail you took into the canyon. Turn left to follow the path back to the trailhead. The final 1.3 miles are mostly flat or gently downhill. This section is the most scenic in the late afternoon, when the sun slants through the canyon walls, casting long shadows and warm hues on the rock.

As you near the trailhead, youll pass a small interpretive sign about the areas geological history and native plant species. Take a moment to read itthis trail is not just a path, but a living record of millennia of erosion, glaciation, and ecological adaptation.

8. Post-Hike Recovery

After completing the loop, do not rush to leave. Hydrate with electrolyte-rich fluids. Stretch your calves, quads, and hamstringsespecially if you experienced steep descents. Check your feet for blisters and apply moleskin if needed. Refuel with a balanced meal containing protein and complex carbohydrates.

Log your hike in a journal or app. Note weather conditions, wildlife sightings, trail conditions, and any changes you observed. This information is invaluable for future trips and contributes to community knowledge about trail health.

Best Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

Respect for the environment is paramount on the Kelly Canyon Loop. Adhere strictly to the seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations, weather, and terrain. Avoid hiking during peak fire danger or when closures are in effect.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Do not create shortcuts or trample vegetation, especially in alpine meadows where plants take decades to recover.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trashincluding toilet paper and hygiene products. Use a portable toilet or dig a cathole 68 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources if necessary.
4. Leave What You Find: Do not pick flowers, carve trees, or collect rocks or fossils. The canyons mineral deposits and rare alpine flora are protected.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Fires are prohibited above 9,000 feet and discouraged throughout the loop. Use a camp stove for cooking.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them. Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from tree trunks.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise low. If you encounter others on narrow sections, step aside politely and allow passage.

Weather Awareness

The Wasatch Range is notorious for sudden weather shifts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August. If you hear thunder or see darkening clouds, descend immediately. Lightning strikes are a real threat on exposed ridges. Seek shelter in dense forest, not under isolated trees or on rock outcrops.

In spring and fall, snow can persist on the ridge even when the valley is warm. Carry microspikes or crampons if hiking between April and June. Temperatures below freezing are possible year-round at elevation. Always check the forecast for the highest point on the trailnot just the trailhead.

Wildlife Safety

Brown bears and black bears inhabit the area. While encounters are rare, they are possible, especially near berry patches in late summer. Carry bear spray within easy reach (not in your pack). Know how to use it: remove the safety, aim slightly downward, and spray in a sweeping motion when the bear is 3060 feet away.

Other wildlife includes mule deer, elk, coyotes, and porcupines. Store food securely. Never approach young animalsmothers are highly protective. If you encounter a moose, give it a wide berth. Moose are more aggressive than bears in close quarters.

Navigation and Emergency Preparedness

Even experienced hikers can become disoriented on the ridge section. Always carry a backup power source for your phone (solar charger or power bank). Inform someone of your planned route and return time. If you become lost, stop, assess, and use your map and compass. Do not wander. If you cannot reorient yourself within 30 minutes, stay put and signal for help using your whistle (three blasts) or mirror.

Cell service is unreliable. Consider renting or purchasing a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach or SPOT device for emergency messaging. These devices allow you to send your GPS coordinates to emergency responders even without cell coverage.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps

• Gaia GPS: Offers detailed topographic maps, offline access, and trail overlays. Download the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest map pack before departure.
• AllTrails Pro: Provides user reviews, recent trail conditions, and photos. Filter for hiking and loop to find current reports.
• Avenza Maps: Uses your phones GPS to show your real-time location on official USGS maps. Great for areas with no cell service.
• Windy: Excellent for forecasting wind, precipitation, and temperature at elevation. Use the elevation profile feature to see conditions at the ridge crest.

Maps and Guides

• USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Map: Kelly Canyon (1998, updated 2019): The most accurate official source for topography and contour lines.
• Hiking Utahs Wasatch Back by John R. Wieland: A comprehensive guidebook with route descriptions, historical context, and safety tips.
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Visitor Center Map: Available free at the Midway Ranger Station. Includes trail closures, fire restrictions, and wildlife alerts.

Equipment Recommendations

• Footwear: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX or La Sportiva TX4
• Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree
• Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 or Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10
• Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Pro or Leki Micro Vario Carbon
• Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core or Fenix HL50R
• Bear Spray: Counter Assault or UDAP
• Satellite Communicator: Garmin inReach Mini 2 or SPOT X

Community and Educational Resources

Join the Wasatch Hiking Collective on Facebook, a community of local hikers who post real-time trail updates, organize group hikes, and share photography. Attend the monthly Trail Stewardship meetings hosted by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forestthese are open to the public and offer hands-on training in trail maintenance and conservation.

For educational content, visit the Utah Geological Survey website, which features interactive maps of the canyons sedimentary layers and fossil records. Understanding the geology enhances your appreciation of the landscape and helps you identify rock formations as you hike.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Spring Ascent Sarah and Mark, April 2023

Sarah and Mark, both experienced hikers from Salt Lake City, attempted the Kelly Canyon Loop in late April after a heavy snowpack. They started at 6:30 a.m. with microspikes and trekking poles. The lower canyon was muddy but passable. At the ridge, snow covered the trail in patches, and they had to navigate carefully around wind-loaded drifts. They encountered no other hikers. The waterfall was flowing strongly, and wildflowers were just beginning to bloom in sheltered pockets. They completed the loop in 5 hours and 40 minutes. Sarah noted: The silence up there was profound. You could hear the wind moving through the snow like a whisper. They reported the snow conditions to the ranger station, helping update trail advisories for others.

Example 2: The Summer Solo Jamal, July 2022

Jamal, a solo hiker and photographer, completed the loop in July to capture golden hour light on the canyon walls. He carried a drone, but used it only in designated areas (not over the ridge). He packed a lightweight camera tripod and waited until 6:30 p.m. to photograph the sunset from the ridge. He encountered a black bear at 4.2 miles, which moved off into the trees without incident. He used his bear spray as a precaution but did not deploy it. Jamal shared his photos on Instagram with detailed captions about trail conditions and wildlife safety, which received over 20,000 views and sparked a wave of responsible hiking posts from followers.

Example 3: The Unexpected Storm The Rivera Family, August 2021

The Rivera familyparents and two teenagershiked the loop on a clear morning. By 11:00 a.m., dark clouds rolled in. They were near the ridge crest when thunder cracked. They immediately descended to the West Fork Trail, where dense trees offered protection. They waited out the storm under a rocky overhang for 45 minutes. No lightning struck nearby, but the rain was heavy and cold. They used their emergency blankets to retain body heat. After the storm passed, they completed the loop cautiously. They later credited their preparednessespecially the emergency blanket and waterproof layersfor their safe return. Their story was featured in the national forest newsletter as an example of responsible decision-making.

Example 4: The First-Time Hiker Elena, September 2023

Elena, a 68-year-old retiree from Denver, had never hiked more than 3 miles before. With the help of a local guide from the Wasatch Hiking Collective, she trained for six weeks with hill walks and strength exercises. She completed the Kelly Canyon Loop in 6 hours and 20 minutes, taking frequent breaks. She was amazed by the wildflowers and the quiet beauty of the canyon. I thought Id be out of breath the whole time, she said. But the trail has a rhythm. You learn to move with it. Her experience inspired three other seniors in her community to begin hiking.

FAQs

Is the Kelly Canyon Loop suitable for beginners?

It is suitable for beginners with prior hiking experience and good physical conditioning. The trail is not technically difficult, but its elevation, length, and variable terrain make it challenging for those unaccustomed to mountain hiking. First-time hikers should attempt it with a companion, carry ample water, and avoid attempting it during extreme weather.

Can I bring my dog on the Kelly Canyon Loop?

Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times. This protects wildlife and prevents dogs from chasing deer or disturbing bear habitats. Carry water for your dog and clean up after them. Some sections are too narrow or rocky for dogs with mobility issues.

Are there restrooms along the trail?

No. There are no facilities on the trail. Use a portable toilet or dig a cathole 68 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources. Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products.

Is the trail open in winter?

Yes, but only for experienced winter hikers and snowshoers. The ridge section becomes hazardous due to ice and avalanche risk. Check avalanche forecasts from the Utah Avalanche Center before attempting a winter hike. Snow depth can exceed 3 feet in places.

How long does it take to complete the loop?

Most hikers complete the loop in 5 to 7 hours, depending on fitness, pace, and time spent enjoying views. Fast hikers may do it in 4 hours; slower hikers or photographers may take 8+ hours.

Is camping allowed on the loop?

No. Camping is prohibited along the Kelly Canyon Loop. Designated backcountry campsites are available in nearby areas such as the East Fork of the Provo River, but not on this trail. Plan to day hike only.

Whats the best time of year to hike the Kelly Canyon Loop?

Mid-June to early October offers the most reliable conditions. Wildflowers peak in late June, the weather is stable in July and August, and fall colors appear in late September. Avoid July and August if you dislike crowdsweekends can see 2030 hikers. Weekdays are quieter.

Do I need a permit to hike the Kelly Canyon Loop?

No permit is required. However, voluntary donations through the self-service box at the trailhead support trail maintenance and restoration efforts.

What should I do if I see a bear?

Stay calm. Do not run. Speak calmly and firmly. Make yourself appear larger. Slowly back away without turning your back. If the bear approaches, use bear spray. If it charges, stand your groundmost charges are bluffs. Only play dead if a bear makes physical contact.

Can I hike the loop in reverse?

Yes, but the counterclockwise route (starting with the ridge climb) is significantly more strenuous early in the hike and increases the risk of fatigue before reaching the canyons shaded descent. The clockwise direction is recommended for safety and comfort.

Conclusion

The Kelly Canyon Loop is more than a trailits a journey through time, geology, and quiet wilderness. It demands respect, preparation, and mindfulness, but rewards those who undertake it with unforgettable beauty and a profound connection to the natural world. By following this guide, youre not just learning how to hike a loopyoure learning how to move through wild spaces with humility, awareness, and care.

Every footstep on this trail leaves an imprint. Make yours one of stewardship. Carry out what you carry in. Leave the rocks where they lie. Let the silence remain undisturbed. And when you return home, share your experiencenot just as a story of accomplishment, but as a call to protect the places that still hold mystery, solitude, and wonder.

There will always be another trail. But the Kelly Canyon Loop, in its quiet majesty, is a place that stays with you. Hike it well. Hike it wisely. And come backnot to conquer it, but to listen to it again.