Our family visits a number of destinations throughout the summer season, including remote lakes, spectacular views, waterfalls and historic sites. Along the Wasatch, several hikes honor local schools and cities that lie in the shadows of these mountains. Those that trek to these locations are rewarded with valley views, a sense of accomplishment and respect for workers who built them for all to see.
My 3-year-old son selected this hike from a list of several options, offering our family a healthy activity as we climbed to this very visible goal. It was a good workout for him, although he still had plenty of energy to race back to the trailhead and the park.
Finding the trailhead: Your journey begins at Kiwanis Park, located at the east end of Battle Creek Road (200 South in Pleasant Grove). Follow the road behind the water tank and above the collection pond, where plenty of horse trailer parking is available. You begin by hiking north through Kiwanis Park and taking the middle path up the dry slope, which is located just northeast of the restrooms. You may want to take a few moments, either before or after your hike, to view the monument in the park, reminding visitors of a skirmish that took place between Indians and settlers at this site.
Trail description: This trail climbs steadily up the hillside and offers great views of the valley below. Flocks of doves fly up to greet you, and there are still some beautiful wildflowers to be seen along the way. The first third of the hike is the steepest leg of this journey, although the rest is still relatively rugged. Generally, it is a fairly dry and steep hike, but shaded sections make the visit more enjoyable.
Beginning at the north end of Kiwanis Park, several trails can be seen leaving the northeast end near the restrooms. Take the middle path, which begins a steep climb immediately and after a few hundred feet, branches left where a large yellow metal structure is seen, partially hidden by a large shrub. Follow this path as it steadily ascends.
As the monument comes into view, the route becomes easier to navigate as it enters areas of scrub oak and other vegetation. It appears and disappears several times, but seeing the goal at hand makes the hike seem easier.
After passing through a small ravine, which had a little water running through the bottom, the path maintains a steady course to the destination. Watch for low branches as you walk through the shaded sections.
As you approach the end, a steeper climb finishes off your journey for a well-deserved rest. The local Kiwanis Club recently upgraded and stabilized this monument, which overlooks Pleasant Grove. Three-inch-wide white aluminum strips are laid out on the ground to form the big G, and some hiker names can be found on these white strips.
Recommended season: Spring, summer, fall.
Cautions: It is definitely a location you want to hike early in the day to avoid the summer heat. We recommend beginning your hike around 6 a.m. to arrive before the sun rises and the journey becomes uncomfortable. Hikers should also bring plenty of water. This route will cause you to perspire, and replacing this moisture will be important.
This is definitely not a hike if lightning is possible. Take the route at a pace comfortable to you, and take breaks to catch your breath if the views don't take it away.
Vegetation: Oak, sagebrush, maple, juniper, chokecherry, sego lily, wild rose, mountain mahogany, grasses.
Wildlife: Jays, lizards, insects, yellow chickadees, eagles, deer, squirrels.
Length: 0.75 miles to G Monument (Approximately one hour)
Elevation: 5,225 feet at trailhead, 6,076 feet at the monument
Brian Brinkerhoff hosts "Backcountry Utah: Utah's Outdoor Radio Magazine," which airs 9-11 a.m. Saturdays on AM 630 KTKK. He is author of "Best Easy Day Hikes: Salt Lake City," published by Falcon Press. For more information, visit his Web site at www.backcountry-magazine.com.