Salt Lake City: Slate Canyon Loop
This hike, a best-kept secret among locals, climbs 3,000 gritty feet to spring-fed conifers, aspens, and meadows in the Wasatch Range outside Provo.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 13.5
Waypoints
SCL001
Location: 40.2446594238281, -111.627296447754
Pass gate and switchback E toward the concrete Brigham Young University “Y” on the mountain
SCL002
Location: 40.2466087341309, -111.621597290039
Follow spur trail N to base of the Y. Bear R @ 3-way
SCL003
Location: 40.2478981018066, -111.620300292969
Walk a few yards N of trail to look down on the Y. Bear R onto lesser-traveled Slate Canyon Trail
SCL004
Location: 40.2449607849121, -111.617797851562
The Altar. Outcrop overlooks Utah Lake and beyond to the Oquirrh Mtns.; trail enters Slide Canyon
SCL005
Location: 40.2458915710449, -111.606002807617
Perfect, flat campsites in pristine mountain meadow. Trail wanders past aspens and chest-high underbrush
SCL006
Location: 40.246711730957, -111.594802856445
Near treeline, turn R onto Slate Canyon Trail; year-round spring 100 ft. E under dogwoods
SCL007
Location: 40.2426910400391, -111.593101501465
Exit aspen grove where trail hits 8,130 ft. then quickly descends S into Slate Canyon through verdant meadows
SCL008
Location: 40.2316703796387, -111.584396362305
Enjoy shade under cottonwoods before taxing canyon descent
SCL009
Location: 40.2251091003418, -111.622299194336
Exit canyon; go R @ 3-way onto Bonneville Lakeshore Trail N toward Y parking area
SCL010
Location: 40.2350921630859, -111.626853942871
Skirt ridgeline above aqua-tinted Provo Lake; in .6 mi., R @ 3-way for short, steep climb to parking area