Rose Canyon

Rose Canyon is a lovely mild canyon climb located in Herriman. The trail is an old dirt road and follows a small stream, going through some nice forested areas. The map makes it really confusing as to what the canyon is actually named, but I am pretty sure my initial reading of Rose Canyon is correct. Last time we were here we did the Yellow Fork Canyon trail and I have been meaning to come back and check this trail out, so today was a good day to do just that.



Quick Details:

Length: We did a 3 mile out and back today, but the trail does continue and I am aware you can connect to the Yellow Fork Canyon trail and make it a loop. Or there are additional loop options.
Trail Type: Out and Back with a loop option.
Difficulty: DR3. It’s an old dirt road so it is wide and well graded.
Elevation Gain: We did about 400 feet.
Restroom: Yes, there is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Dogs? Yes, leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends.
Other Info: There is an extensive network of trails in the area, so lots to explore.

To Get Here:

From i15 take exit 289 for Bangerter Highway. Go about 5 miles and turn left on 13400 S. Go about 3 miles and turn left on 6400 W./Rose Canyon Rd. .6 miles later turn right to stay on Rose Canyon Rd. 1.4 miles later turn left to stay on Rose Canyon Rd. About 2 miles later will be the trailhead parking.

From there, take the fork to the left of the bridge to hike up.



Heading up this canyon isn’t bad really (PSP (Passenger Seat Photography)).



Just keep a good eye out for deer (PSP).

The Trail:



Rose Canyon to the left and Yellow Fork Canyon to the right (over the bridge). Or the gate to the right.



The creek isn’t much more than a trickle right now.



Making our way up. The trail is nice and wide.



It’s kind of hard to see, but some snow-shoers have packed down a nice path for us. This makes it much easier to climb.



The woodpeckers sure like these 2 particular trees.



The creek again.



Able to see the ridge ahead now.



The tree’s on the ridge to the north.



The creek has worked itself down into a deeper channel here.



Tree’s on the ridge.



The ridge to the west.



The creek again. I also love that random patch of color from the leaves that died off before falling.





Pretty forest.





Hard to tell for sure in winter, but it looks like there are a couple of springs here.



Normally that sign would be enough to get me to turn around, but I remembered the map showed the areas that are open space, and the sign looked super old so I figured it was left over from long ago.

Upon reviewing the map when I got home, I see there is a disclaimer that says some of these trails may cross into private property and you may be considered a trespasser. o.O. I think so long as you stay on the main trail, it isn’t a problem, but you know, use your own discretion.



The creek again.



More pretty forest.



Pretty section of trail.



More creek.



Thick forest.



A nice little clearing.



There are a couple of electrical boxes along the way. I wonder if there were plans to develop this canyon like there were for the Alien Tower area. Doing a quick google search didn’t yield any information, so, I don't know.



Still nice and wide.



Pretty section.



Not sure if that is a side trail, or a game trail.



Enjoying the wintry forest.



Another little clearing.



Some more spring looking things.





Lower ridge line.





Snowy trees.



Another clearing.



The ridge to the south.





More trees.



The trail again.





More trees.



Is that a … street light? Random.



More of the ridge to the north.

The snow had starting to get a little thicker so we set a 1.5 mile or until it gets really awful limit today and we had hit 1.5 miles. I kind of wanted to keep going just a little further, but Landis was done. Probably a good thing to make sure we get back before dark.

I guess if we had gone just a little bit further we would have hit the Rose Canyon Spring, which I think is the source for the creek. Meh, next time.



The trail that continues up.



Panoramic.



Back to the street light. It does not appear to be in operational condition.





Heading on down.



One of the little clearings again.



The southern ridge.

I am not quite sure when “This is an acceptable amount of snow coming down while we hike” turned into: “This is all together way too much snow to hike in” but it happened. I am definitely glad we turned back when we did.



The northern ridge.



Snowy forest.



A higher peak along the ridge. I thought I saw a name for this, but now I can’t find it again, I might have confused it for Breecia Knob, which is definitely much further west.



Rose Creek again.



That higher peak again.





The lower springs. These remind me somewhat of Cascade Springs. The way they seep out in wide spans.



Unfallen leaves adding a smidge of color.



Nearing the trailhead. Just in time, the snow was really starting to come down!



I love that mountain horn to the left. I don’t know why, but I do.



Once again as we drive down the canyon (PSP).

We saw quite a few more deer on the way out, so just be careful coming down, particularly this time of year while the deer are coming down looking for food.

That was a great winter hike! The trail is popular enough that is was packed down, but not so popular that we didn’t see a lot of people. Maybe not my favorite mild canyon climb in winter, but it was still quite nice. 7 out of 10 squirrels.



As for difficulty, its pretty easy going mild climb. DR3. Might be a little more tough if the snow isn’t packed down though.

Dogs are allowed. leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends!