Manti LaSal National Forest

This trail is located on steep slopes with loose, rocky soils. It climbs 2,100 feet from 7,300 feet in elevation to 9,400 feet. The trail lies mostly on a southwest aspect and experiences afternoon temperatures in the 80's during summer. Vegetation along the trail includes sagebrush/grass, juniper, and pinyon at lower elevations. At higher elevations you will find scattered Subalpine Fir, Douglas-fir, Mountain Mahogany, Aspen, and Englemann Spruce.

Trail Data

Access: This trail can be traveled from about mid-May through October. It is possible to travel up this trail and then return to the trailhead via Pole Canyon Trail #073 or Wild Cattle Hollow Trail #172. Loop trips including these two trails would require a vehicle shuttle or 4 miles of travel along roads. Total length would be 10 miles and 12 miles respectively.

Trailhead: Approximately 16 miles from Huntington, Utah, on the northeast side of SR31 (Huntington Canyon).

Length: 5 miles

Difficulty: Very difficult (all methods of travel)

Travel Time: 5 hours from Huntington Canyon

Suitability: This trail is suitable for foot and horse travel only.

Trail Ends: On Forest development road (FDR) 250, along Wild Cattle Ridge on Gentry Mountain

Additional Information

Recreational Opportunities: This trail provides scenic views of Huntington Canyon and River, East Mountain, and Gentry Ridge and Hollow. Wildlife that may be encountered include deer and elk in the spring and golden eagles. Trail use is light throughout the summer and moderate during the big game hunting seasons.

Geology: The trail begins in the Mancos Shale (approximately 85-100 million years old) and climbs through the Blackhawk Formation, from which most of Utah's coal is produced. It then travels through the Castlegate Sandstone, named for exposures in Price Canyon where its sandstone cliffs seem to form a gate into the Castle Valley. The trail ends in the North Horn Formation (approximately 60-70 million years old) on top of Wild Cattle Ridge. Most of the rocks you will see represent cyclic deposition along the shoreline of an ancient sea. Fossilized snails, clams, fish, and plants can be found.

History: This trail gets its name from a time when the Forest Service issued early May grazing permits. Cattlemen would drive their bulls up to a pasture located just under the top of the ridge. Here they would await the later arrival of the cows.

Special Considerations: The trail is in a travel restricted area (see Travel Map), and is limited to foot, horse, and bicycle use only. Only the most expert of mountain bike enthusiasts should attempt this trail. The area is also grazed by cattle and several cow trails intersect this trail on Wild Cattle Ridge. During the summer lightning poses a hazard along the ridge tops especially during the afternoon hours. It is recommended that you take plenty of water, as this is one of the most strenuous trails on the Forest. Any drinking water obtained along the trail should be appropriately treated befor use. Due to the lack of snow at lower elevations, this trail is not considered skiable.

Maps

USGS 7.5' MAP(S): Rilda, Candland, Wattis
USFS MAP(S): Manti-LaSal Travel Map, Manti-LaSal Recreation Map