The trail starts just east of a gun shooting area. There is a battered trailpost in the mouth of the drainage canyon. The landscape is very dry and sparse, but the panoramas are beautiful. Sagebrush, a few trees, clumps of grass and cows grazing add charm to the island. The best time to hike this trail is spring and fall. Because of the dryness, bring plenty of water for you and your pet. You arrive at a trail split at .69 mile; go left. This section is the steepest on the loop. At 1.12 miles, you reach the top and trail junction; go left. You are now on the Stansbury Island bike trail. The bike trail is virtually flat for the next 2.5 miles, as it traverses to Tabby's Canyon. Watch for mountain bikers on the trail. At 2.4 miles, the flat trail takes you high above Tabby's Canyon and meanders to the canyon junction. At the junction, the bike trail continues southwest, but you take the road trail down the canyon. This junction is 3.6 miles into the hike. As you make your way down, stay to the left on all road splits. At the bottom of the canyon, use cow paths heading south, or blaze around the base of the mountain completing the loop. Enjoy the island.
Directions: From Interstate 80 in Tooele County, take Grantsville exit 84. At the stop sign, go left and cross the train tracks twice. Follow the gravel causeway north across the salt-evaporator ponds. When you leave the ponds, look for a bulletin board in the road fork. Take the less-used, right fork. On this dirt road, take the first left, which crosses a canal heading north. Take the best road east (right). Continue east toward the first canyon. Drive up toward the canyon and park. Cars are OK in dry conditions.
Destination — Island views
Difficulty — Moderate
Round trip — 5.80 miles
Hiking time — 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain — 891 ft.
Trailhead restrooms — No
Dogs allowed — Yes