Dimple Dell: Centennial Loop

 Dimple Dell Regional Park is a large open space are located in sandy. It features miles and miles of trails. including the short Centennial Loop Trail. This short loop features some nice views, and some nice forest. We added a short spur out to to pond. We’ve done this one before, but I was just looking for a short add-on to the previous short trail we did today.

Quick Details:

Length: The Centennial Loop itself is probably about a half mile. We did .75 with a little extra exploring.
Trail Type: Loop. Loop with spur.
Difficulty: DR3. There is a bit of a climb, but it’s not too bad.
Elevation Gain: About 90 feet.
Restroom: Yes, it was even open today (some TH restrooms close for winter, but I guess not this one).
Dogs? Yes, leashed.
Other Info:

To Get Here:

This trail is best accessed via the Dimple Dell Trailhead: 2765 Dimple Dell Rd.

From i15, take the 106th south exit. Take that east to 2000 east, turn left. Pretty quickly the road will sharply curve to the right, going east again and becoming Dimple Dell Rd. Go about 1.1 miles and there will be a large parking lot on the left.

The Trail:

Somebody either lost a lot of balls, or somebody has been gathering lost balls here.

It’s a loop, so you can go either way, but we opted for east, towards the restroom. This is the only trailhead I can think of that the restroom is so far away from the parking lot.

Mount Jordan above.

Bird nests.

After the restroom the paved trail lets off to bark lined and starts to head down into the gully.

Trail Care guidelines.

Ran into a little bit of snow.

The fire dangers in Dimple Dell and how the pond can help.

Speaking of which the pond is quite dry. Nice view of Fox Point above it on the other side of the gully though.

Bat box.

The empty pond below Little Cottonwood Canyon. We were kind of looking forward to seeing the pond with maybe some ducks. So that was a little disappointing. Landis ventured a guess that maybe they drain it during winter so no one falls through the ice? Just a guess, but it seemed plausible.

We ventured just a little bit further to see the creek. Which was as dry as it’s name sake.

Back to the pond. Now with Bell Canyon above.

Mount Jordan again.

Panoramic.

Heading back to the main loop.

One of the Dry Canyons.

Another bat box.

Back on the main trail, then we will be taking this left to get back up to the parking lot.

Fox Point again.

Heading back up.

There used to be a large amphitheater here. I am not sure why they removed it. It was here as recent as 2020.

Plants and animals in the park.

The steep climb back up. I think it might be a little easier going the other way.

Final push.

Then we have a nice flat meadow to walk across back to the parking lot.

Panoramic.

Fox Point again.

Trail courtesy and rules.

I guess this used to be called the Nature Trail?

Back to the parking lot.

Trail map.

Some kind of large bird. It was too dark to try to identify. I am thinking a hawk of some sort though.

Mount Jordan again.

Moody skies.

That is a great little add on trail, or just a trail if you don’t have a lot of time. Still get a little bit of nature in. It wasn’t too busy today either, which is always a plus. 7 out of 10 squirrels today.

As for difficulty, the climb back up was a bit steep, but it was short. Otherwise it is pretty easy going. DR3.

Dogs are allowed, but should remain leashed at all times.