Ferguson Canyon Trail to Overlook, UT

Overview: Short, steep hike up Ferguson Canyon to an overlook with views of lower Big Cottonwood Canyon.


Hike: The hike starts on a dirt road leading northeast from the small parking area and is well-signed. The incline is gradual to start as you hike up and away from the neighborhood and towards a large water tank. At about a quarter-mile, just past the water tank, the road transitions to a single-track trail as you enter the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.At this point, the trail curves east and becomes more shaded with trees, and the creek will be on your left. Numerous social trails run through the area, but the main trail is quite obvious. Continuing uphill, at about three-quarters of a mile, you will reach a popular climbing area. We passed about a dozen climbing groups on the day we hiked through, which was a lovely spring Saturday.

In this area, the trail becomes vague due to all the foot traffic from the climbers. Nothing and everything looks like a possible trail. Stay somewhat to your left and along the main part of the creek, and you will pick up the main trail again. Once past the climbing area, you will enter the Twin Peaks Wilderness, and the trail becomes distinct again and starts to get steeper. Much steeper. A pole would be quite helpful in this area, but there are plenty of rocks and trees to help maintain your balance. The creek will be to your right during this steep section, which thankfully doesn't last too long.

Once at the top of this steep stretch, the trail crosses back over to the right side of the creek, although there is an old mining trail shooting steeply off to the left that will try to trick you. Once you are back on the right side of the creek, the trail continues steeply uphill, but not as steeply as before. This area had snow and ice in mid-April. Wildlife seems to be abundant in the canyon. At the beginning of the trail, the signs listed some of the animals found in the area, and we saw a fox run past just before we reached the switchbacks.

After a while, the trail crosses back over to the left side of the creek before starting to switchback up the mountainside. Views start to open up at this point. At the corner of the second or third switchback (depending on how you count them), the trail to the overlook continues to the left, while the main trail turns to the right. Heading left, you will see a unique rock feature ahead of you. At first, I thought this might be the overlook, but it's not, although you are very close to it. Continuing past the rock feature, Big Cottonwood Canyon comes into view to your north, and the trail abruptly ends. There's room to stop and rest while you enjoy the views.

Once done, retrace your steps back downhill. A quick visit to the rock feature is worth the few minutes of effort, but there are some steep dropoffs, so I wouldn't take kids over there. The hike back downhill goes by quickly, although the steepest section is tedious. This trail is open year-round and is popular for snowshoeing in the winter. Snow and ice hang on in places well into the spring.

2021-05-13 LindaAnn