Manti LaSal National Forest

The trail is located along the bottom and north side of Left Fork of Huntington Creek. It climbs 900 feet from the trailhead at Forks of Huntington Campground (7500 feet) to Millers Flat Reservoir (8400 feet). The trailhead at Millers Flat begins in sagebrush/grass habitat and then continues the rest of the way through scenic stands of spruce and fir. This trail is normally hiked from Millers Flat Reservoir down to the Forks of Huntington, however many people also hike and fish along the lower sections of the trail.

Trail Data

Access: This trail can be traveled from about mid-May into early November. It is possible to travel up this trail and then return to the trailhead at Forks of Huntington Campground via Mill Canyon Trail #063. This would require a 4 mile walk or vehicle shuttle along Huntington Canyon. Total length would be 14 miles. Another loop trip including Scad Valley Trail #170 and Horse Canyon Trail #076 could be done. This loop trip would require a vehicle shuttle or walk of 1 mile along Huntington Canyon and have a total length of 13 miles.

Trailhead: Approximately 32 miles NW of Huntington, Utah, 0.9 miles from Millers Flat Reservoir spillway at the head of Left Fork of Huntington Canyon.

Length: 4 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Travel Time: 3 hours from Millers Flat.

Suitability: Trail is limited to foot and horse travel only. Cross country skiing is possible with adequate snow depths.

Trail Ends: At Forks of Huntington Campground.

Additional Information

Recreational Opportunities: This trail is one of the most popular day hikes on the Price District. Numerous waterfalls and pools occur along the creek which provide opportunities for photographers and anglers. The Left Fork of Huntington Creek is recognized as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Brown, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout all inhabit these waters. Dippers are frequently encountered along it. Other wildlife that may be seen include Coopers Hawks and deer. Trail use is moderate throughout the summer and big game hunting seasons.

Geology: This trail begins (when viewed from bottom to top) in the Mancos Shale (approximately 100-120 million years old). About 2.5 miles up the trail it crosses the "Blue Slide" which is a blue-gray sandy shale member of the Mancos. The trail finally reaches the Blackhawk Formation (approximately 78-82 million years old) from which most of Utah's coal is produced.

History: This trail was originally constructed for the purpose of access to the Millers Flat area for fire suppression activities and grazing of livestock. The trail was approved as a National Recreation Trail by the Chief of the Forest Service on September 14, 1979.

Special Considerations: The trail is in a travel restricted area (see Travel Map), and is limited to foot and horse use only. The "Blue Slide" and other steep cross slopes can be hazardous to travel when wet. Access to the upper trailhead from Millers Flat Reservoir requires hikers to wade the creek. Wading may be hazardous during spring runoff and during the irrigation season. Any drinking water obtained along the trail should be appropriately treated before use.

Maps

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