Roadside Attraction Horseshoe Springs

Skull Valley

Overview

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RATING: Roadside or Easy Hike

LENGTH: 1+ hours (0.4 mile)

MAPS: SALT MOUNTAIN, UT

Wed

50 | 25

Thu

56 | 34

Fri

58 | 37

Sat

55 | 41

Sun

45 | 33

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SEASON: Fall, Winter, Spring (Buggy in late spring through mid-fall)

WATER: None, bring all you need.

Wed

50 | 25

Thu

56 | 34

Fri

58 | 37

Sat

55 | 41

Sun

45 | 33

View Full Weather Details

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

access: paved

The lovely Horseshoe Springs

Horseshoe Springs is one of few bright spots in Utah’s West Desert that early travelers following the Hastings Cutoff trail found in otherwise desolate and challenging landscape. Horseshoe Spring is the confluence of two large springs that form a horseshoe shaped pool. Travelers would pause here to rest, get water, and prepare for the arduous section of trail through the Cedar Mountains and then across the Salt Flats and finally to the more hospital Pilot Range beyond.

The springs were used by Goshute Indians and visited by Jedediah Smith in 1827, well before the time of the emigrant travelers that came in 1846. This was also a stop on the now infamous Donner-Reed party route.

Today, in addition to a historical site, the area is a Wildlife Management Area. Several informational signs mark the trailhead, and a dirt trail meanders around the springs. It is an interesting place to visit. Recommended, especially if you happen to be passing through the area.

Note: Bugs can be bad in the late spring, summer, and early fall. I recommend visiting in cooler times of the year, or your visit is likely to be short.

Dirt trail along the springs.

Getting There

Horseshoe Sperings is in Skull Valley, about 50 miles west of Salt Lake City on I-80. Go west on I-80 from Salt Lake City to exit 77, signed Dugway / Iosepa. Go south off the highway on UT-196 for 9.6 miles to mile post 27.3 and the signed Horseshoe Springs on the right. Follow the good dirt road a short distance to the springs and parking area.

The Cedar Mountains in the distance.

Route

From the trailhead, a log walk crosses a small stream, then the trail meanders in a large loop around the bank of the spring and back to the trailhead.