In North Willow Canyon, park near the campground and start hiking on the dirt road. It is possible to drive to the trailhead in a four-wheel drive with high clearance. Hiking on the road, you come to a junction after crossing a dry creek bed. Go left on the dirt road marked 001 and stay left in this area when the trail splits. During the early summer, the trail is blooming with yellow mule-ears and red firecracker penstemon. At 1.6 miles the road splits again, this time stay to the right. If you cross a creek near here, you are going the wrong way. Hikers arrive at the trailhead just up from where the road splits. At the trailhead, take the trail on the right into the sagebrush. This section is getting overgrown. You will come to a dilapidated sign that reads, "Deseret Peak Wilderness." At 2.5 miles, you arrive at a welcoming aspen grove, leaving the exposed sagebrush behind. In the aspens, the trail goes gently up and levels out, then drops into shrubs. You arrive at the stream flowing from North Willow Lake. At the stream, leave the trail and bushwhack near it to reach the lake. North Willow Lake is small. What a treat to see the Great Salt Lake hiking around it. Take it in!
Directions: On Main Street in Grantsville, turn south on 400 West. Drive about four miles and turn onto the North Willow Canyon Road. It's about 61/4 miles to the campground and parking. If the road is dry, cars can be driven to the campground.Destination Lake
Difficulty Strenuous
Round-trip miles 7.2 miles
Hiking time 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain 2,385 feet
Trailhead restrooms Yes/campground
Dogs allowed Yes