Killyon Canyon | Emigration Canyon

Hiking Killyon Canyon - Emigration Canyon Hiking Killyon Canyon

Emigration Canyon

Overview

RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike
MAPS: MOUNTAIN DELL, UT

Tue

Rain and snow likely after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. East southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

50 | 28

Wed

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

35 | 30

Thu

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

36 | 22

Fri

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 37. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

37 | 26

Sat

Snow likely before 2pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

41 | 26

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: A small stream during parts of the hike.

Tue

Rain and snow likely after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. East southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

50 | 28

Wed

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

35 | 30

Thu

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

36 | 22

Fri

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 37. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

37 | 26

Sat

Snow likely before 2pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

41 | 26

View Full Weather Details
More open views nearing the ridge.

More open views nearing the ridge.

Purchased by Salt Lake County in 2010, Killyon Canyon is now an open space preserve for all to enjoy. The canyon, tucked up near the top of Emigration Canyon, is particularly popular with dog owners, as it is one of the trails along the Wasatch Front dogs are allowed the hike.

The trail begins at about 6000 feet of elevation and meanders alongside a perennial stream to the ridgeline at almost 7000 feet. En route, the hike passes through nine distinct forest plant communities and passes several old growth conifers. The thick riparian growth and tree cover make this a tolerable hike during warmer seasons.

Note: Dogs are NOT allowed beyond the 4-way junction at the top of the ridge.
Break time before the return!

Break time before the return!

Getting There

The trailhead is up Emigration Canyon on the east side of Salt Lake. From downtown Salt Lake, travel east on 800 S. This becomes Sunnyside Avenue. Follow Sunnyside Avenue which turns into Emigration Canyon Road at the mouth of Emigration Canyon.

From the mouth of Emigration Canyon, continue up the canyon for 6 miles. When the canyon makes a sweeping bend to the right, stay straight on Pinecrest Canyon Road. 0.3 miles after turning onto Pinecrest Canyon Road, a small parking area on the right is the trailhead. This is currently signed Killyon Trailhead Parking. If you reach a juction in the road, you have gone 0.1 miles too far.

Heading back down the trail from the ridge.

Heading back down the trail from the ridge.

Route

From the parking area, follow the road up the canyon. In just a couple of minutes, at the junction, go right on Killyon Road. It turns to dirt after a few minutes as it winds its way through a neighborhood. About 0.5 miles from the parking area, the road ends, and the trail begins.

Note: For the first half of the hike, the stream is followed closely and dogs can have access to water if needed. During the second half of the hike, water is a bit more challenging to get.

About 0.6 miles from the end of the road, a signed junction is reached. Left goes to the Left Fork of Killyon. Stay right at the junction, on the marked path toward the ridge.

Note: The trail up the Left Fork goes about 0.3 or so miles, then generally becomes indistinct.

From the Left Fork junction, the trail begins climbing a bit more steeply, then turns east and rises steeply through aspen to a 4-way intersection on the ridge. Unfortunately, the ridge is quite densely vegetated, so the views aren't great. Return the same way.

Note: From the 4-way junction, east goes down to Affleck Park in about a mile, south goes to the top of Emigration Canyon in about 3.5 miles, and north goes to Lookout Peak.

Maps

Route / 4.34 miles / Elevation Range 5,899 - 6,755 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead Parking

12T 439827mE 4515753mN

N40° 47' 26" W111° 42' 48"

End of Road

12T 440088mE 4516565mN

N40° 47' 52" W111° 42' 37"

Jct - Stay Right

12T 440685mE 4517311mN

N40° 48' 17" W111° 42' 12"

Ridge / 4-Way Jct

12T 441720mE 4518018mN

N40° 48' 40" W111° 41' 28"

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