Located in Cache County, five miles northwest of Wellsville, this is an unforgettable hike in an offshoot range of the Wasatch Mountains that still offers plenty of solitude and isolation. The superb views alone are worth the steep climb, and the many plants en route are a bonus.
Most of this area is federally mandated wilderness. Motorized vehicles and even bicycles are prohibited. Hiking and horses are the only ways to legally travel here.
Trail rating: ***
Scenic rating: ***
Distance: About four miles from trailhead to the mountain saddle and another two miles northward to the high point of the area — the 9,372-foot Box Elder Peak.
Elevation gain: 2,700-foot climb to the mountain saddle. Another 1,200 feet up to the high point.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time required: All day to enjoy the area.
Directions to reach the trailhead: Go north of U.S. 89 into Cache County and then turn left (northwest) at the Wellsville turnoff and head for Mendon on U-23. Turn west in Mendon on 300 North and travel about two miles on a dirt road (OK for cars in dry weather) to the trailhead.
Trail description: Starting elevation is 5,400 feet with lots of early morning shade. Trail overgrowth is amazing, and some leafage halfway up the trail resembles some gigantic stuff you'd expect to see in a "Jurassic Park" adventure.
There are no side trails to get lost on along the way.
Highlights: Although this isn't an easy hike, the spectacular patchwork view of the farming lands in Deweyville below the saddle is fantastic. The Bear River meandering through the area is also a fun sight.
The trail hits the saddle directly above Crystal Springs and from there the path is above the main timberline and easy to follow. You can meander with little possibility of getting lost.
Hawk-watching is popular in this area, especially if you take the trail to the right (north).
Wildflowers also dot the hillside in early summer, and patches of snow may exist on the eastern side of the mountain.
However, for Box Elder Peak (9,372 feet) or the Wellsville Cone (9,356 feet), you'll want to go left (south). The trail climbs gradually along the saddle as it passes Mendon Peak (8,766 feet) and Scout Peak (8,687 feet). The trail also intersects the Stewart Pass trail. This is another suitable path to the area or an option for a loop adventure, though you'll be five miles from the Deep Canyon trailhead if you go that way.
Another 1.6 miles beyond the Stewart intersection is the Wellsville Cone, and Box Elder Peak is an extra mile from there.
Tidbits: Some reports claim the Wellsville Range is the steepest mountains in the world. They certainly are among the steepest in Utah — especially near Sherwood Hills. However, geographically speaking, there is no standard for determining the steepness of mountains, and parts of the Brooks Range in Alaska would surely exceed the Wellsvilles.
Besides the Stewart Pass trail, there is also Rattlesnake Canyon (northeast of Sherwood Hills) that traverses the Wellsvilles as so does the Coldwater Canyon from the Honeyville (west) side.
Cost/charges: None.
Cautions: Watch for summer storms, as cloudbursts are not uncommon.
Water: There is only a small stream along the early part of the trail. Carry your own water.
For more information: Contact the Logan Ranger District, 1-435-755-3620.