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A fun out-and-back trail at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.7

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,604' 2,013 m

High

5,463' 1,665 m

Low

1,142' 348 m

Up

1,141' 348 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

Fun out-and-back close to civilization. When it's not rocky, it's sandy, so it's a great option when other trails are too muddy. Moderate climb, fast descent.

Description

Park at the Temple Quarry trailhead which is on the south side of Little Cottonwood Rd at the mouth of the canyon.

This is a fun out-and-back that heads up the canyon mostly parallel to the canyon road and the creek. The first half mile is pretty loose and sandy. Then you'll encounter a road (with no traffic). Just watch for the trail sign straight ahead. From this point on the trail is hard pack and pretty rocky so you'll have fun trying to pick out and navigate the best line. The slope is moderate but the rocks add to the challenge and leg strength needed to make it to the top.

Navigating the trail is pretty simple as there are no other intersecting trails to speak of. Just continue heading straight up the canyon. The end of the trail will take you right up to the large creek, across from some old ruins. Turn back around and prepare for a fun, fast descent!

The trail is also very popular with hikers and dog walkers so keep your speed in check. That being said, the trail is pretty wide and visibility is high due to how straight it is, so there shouldn't be too many surprises.

Shared By:

matt barrus with improvements by Joel P

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 62 votes

#296

Overall
  4.1 from 62 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#35

in Utah

#296

Overall
22 Views Last Month
21,659 Since Aug 10, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

2%
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Photos

Old me on the old bike.
Jan 7, 2016 near Granite, UT
Riding down the Quarry Trail.
Jun 14, 2017 near Granite, UT
Spectacular granite cliffs surround this fun singletrack.
Jun 15, 2016 near Granite, UT
Too early for a March Ride, but extremely scenic. If it wasn't for the road noise you wouldn't know you're near anything.
Mar 28, 2016 near Granite, UT
Creek and old ruins at the end of the trail
Aug 10, 2014 near Granite, UT
Crossing the skinnier bridge about half way up the Quarry Trail
May 4, 2016 near Granite, UT
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2024
Shawn Zenor
Rode up to 3rd bridge. 5.1mi
Sep 2, 2023
Jared Blodgett
Gnarly rocky trail. Hard climb fun — 2h 00m
Jul 21, 2023
Jen Shaffer
1h 20m
Jul 4, 2023
Amanda Clementel
Oct 18, 2022
Patrick Hubbard
Jun 8, 2022
Andy Moore
The canyon is beautiful. The trail is wide like an old road. Does have a few rock sections to keep it interesting. Dirt was perfect. 7.3mi — 1h 02m
Oct 2, 2021
Elijah Moon
Pretty busy but not terrible. Fun climb and descent — 5h 00m
Jun 25, 2021
Joel P
6.7mi — 1h 08m
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