Random Rambler: Deer Ridge Loop

The Deer Ridge Loop AKA West Bluff Off Leash Test Area is a nice trail in Draper that features amazing views across the Salt Lake Valley and Utah Valley too. It is also an off-leash dog park so it is a great pace to take the doggos and enjoy some scenery. The trail is also a the best starting point for Alien Tower which is a super easy to reach, and super neat sub peak (highly recommended). We were running a little short on time today so we did not do that today. The awful, awful inversion was particularly rough this week, so I thought this would be a great option to get above it, which it normally is, however unfortunately for pictures, but fortunately for our health, the wind had already blown most of it out. Hooray, we can breathe! So, no complaints, it is still a nice trail to enjoy this time of year.

Quick Details:

Length: About 1.9 mile balloon.
Trail Type: Balloon, out and back option, connector option.
Difficulty: DR3. little bit of a climb, but not bad. Well graded old dirt road.
Elevation Gain: 330 feet.
Restroom: Yes! Newly built flush toilets and running water.
Dogs? Yes, unleashed even. But pay close attention to the signs to ensure you leash them when required.
Other Info:

To Get Here:

Take exit 288 for 14600 So. Keep left at the fork. Turn right on Traverse Ridge Rd, turn right on Deer Ridge Dr . Take that to the end.

Clouds above Little Cottonwood Canyon (Passenger Seat Photography (PSP)).

Potato Hill (PSP).

The summit is 6056 feet (PSP) Oof! It is like driving up a canyon, but, without canyon views, more like driving up the side of a mountain! I kind of hate it, but manage.

Old water tower (PSP).

This sign is new.

On the other side of the restrooms, new as well.

Seriously people? If you wouldn’t do it in your own sink, why would you do it in a public sink?

The upgraded trailhead is absolutely amazing! They just did this last year and now we have restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas, and defined parking. It is really great! I am glad that Draper recognized it's popularity and invested in it for the people.

The Trail:

Heading up.

The trail is nice and wide. The area was starting to be developed into a neighborhood, but the developer threw a hissy fit when Draper said they wanted to preserve some of the area as open space. So currently, development has been halted. Considering how much Draper invested into the trailhead, I hope for good! But I know there is possibility of it being further developed. But I also know Draper is being really firm in wanting to preserve some open space.

You can see Alien Tower across the way.

Starting to be get a view of the Salt Lake Valley.

Very short icy/muddy section. It wasn’t too bad.

Salt Lake Valley.

Utah Valley. This short ridge between the hills offers a view into both valleys.

Salt Lake again. You can see Antelope Island and The Claw from here.

A nice break from the climb for a bit.

It’s kind of hard to make out here, but the split for the loop is here on the left. It’s a little more steep so I prefer to stay to the right and come down that way.

Fun clouds.

Salt Lake Valley again.

Panoramic.

Better view of The Claw. I think it is kind of fun to have a large easily identified object to look for in the valley when I am in the mountains.

Fire hydrant. Another sign that the area was starting to be developed.

Back to the climb. Oi.

The valley again.

Again.

Another panoramic.

The trail goes through a little gully for a bit near the top.

Continuing up.

We made it to the top! Phew. Now we get to enjoy some flat for a little bit.

I’m not sure where this trail goes.

Enjoying the flat for a bit.

Remains of an old car.

The turn off for Alien Tower. It will only add about 8/10ths of a mile out and back and about 200 additional feet of elevation. I would have done it, but like I said we were a bit short on time.

Alien Tower up on the ridge.

What is this? It looks like Draper has been very busy the last few months in adding new trails through here.

I wonder who Doug is. Draper does have a tendency to name trails after people.

When I googled “Beware of Doug”, a Far Side cartoon came up, and well, since another trail we will see in a minute directly references The Far Side I guess that must be it. Draper, you silly. For more proof see where I found Waynes World Drive.

Anyway, it looks like it is a 1 mile loop, popular with mountain bikers.

Continuing around the loop.

The Rex Maneuver. I didn’t realize it at this point in time, but there is a Far Side comic on the pole. We’re going to cross this trail again soo where I did see it that time.

This is also a mile loop, but for hiking only.

The SL Valley again.

Panoramic.

Antelope Island.

Mount Jordan.

Box Elder Peak and Mount Timpanogos.

Crossing The Rex Maneuver again.

Next to that sign is where the main trail starts to head back downhill.

Passing by Beware of Doug. In looking up these trails I have found that they are AKA The Far Side Trails, so that confirms it. Draper really is silly.

The SL Valley again.

Panoramic.

Both of the “Far Side Trails” intersect here.

Beware of Doug.

The Rex Maneuver.

With the accompanying comic.

The Beware of Doug trail doesn't have the associated comic on the poles, but it's easy enough to google.

Utah Valley.

American Fork Canyon and Mount Timpanogos.

Dry Canyon and Box Elder Peak.

Panoramic.

Rounding the corner to the view of the SL Valley again.

Sewer line.

SL Valley.

Another panoramic.

Back down to where the loop connects to the main trail.

Back on the main trail.

The Telegraph Trail. That one looks alright, but probably not one that I would enjoy very much, but maybe I will check it out one day.

SL Valley.

Utah Valley.

Alien Tower.

Panoramic.

The SL Valley again. This is the one spot you can switch back and forth between the 2 valley views.

Continuing down.

Back down to the trailhead.

Remember to leash your dogs at this point. This is one of the most amazing off leash areas we have in the valley, and I would like to keep it. So please, follow the rules, and clean up after your pups. Lets prove that we deserve it!

Another access point to the Telegraph Trail.

The new amazing trailhead.

Panoramic showing the whole thing. The improvements include 2 year round restrooms with running water, drinking fountains, 2 picnic areas, and 44 actual parking spots. Draper really went all out on it.

Utah Valley again.

The old water tower on our way back (PSP).

Heading back down the mountain (PSP).

Potato Hill (PSP).

Little bit o sunset (PSP).

The mountain is casting a shadow on the clouds (PSP). This is always fun to see.

Color (PSP).

The shadows again (PSP).

That is always a nice trail. I generally prefer to add Alien Tower to it, but with a time constraint the Deer Ridge Loop is still great. I love the views into both valleys. It’s a little bit busy, but not too bad. 9 out of 10 squirrels today.