Go outside and play: Old Ephraim’s grave
Usually having a big head is considered a bad thing.
But for one local celebrity, it earned him a trip all the way to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
Old Ephraim, the last known grizzly bear in Utah, weighed 1,110 pounds and stood around 10 feet tall, according to the local sheepherder, Frank Clark, who shot the bear to death in 1923. His skull was later purchased by the Smithsonian Institute.
To visit the rest of Old Ephraim’s remains, several routes are available to both hikers and mountain bikers.
One favorite loop for hikers begins about 10 miles up Logan canyon. Near mile marker 383, turn right following Right Hand Fork and continue on the paved road for another mile and a half. Take a left onto a gravel road that leads to the Right Hand Fork trailhead about a half mile from the junction.
Start hiking east on the trail. A little more than a mile from there, the Willow Creek trail combines with the original path. Go left on the new road for another mile and look for a trail with a sign pointing to the Ephraim Cutoff.
The route from there is relatively well marked with cairns along the way. The path continues on for several miles before reaching a saddle, where another trail joins it from the left. Continue south along the saddle until the trail descends another mile and a half. There, you should reach a junction with a trail coming from the left called Long Hollow Road. Keep going towards the right for another half mile until you reach Old Ephraim’s grave.
A large, stone monument marks the site of the bear’s burial. The height of the marker is supposed to represent the actual height of Old Ephraim.
The trail’s loop continues towards the south for another mile and a half. After passing a few water troughs, look for the Steel Hollow trail to the right. This route continues down several miles to the junction with Ricks Canyon. Stay to the right in the direction of Right Hand Fork Road and eventually the initial trailhead.
All around expect a good 11- to 12-mile hike. Other trails to the grave are also available.
For those wanting an easier route to see Old Ephraim, his skull is on permanent loan from the Smithsonian and can be seen in the basement of USU’s Merrill-Cazier Library in the Tanner Reading Room.
The exhibit is open to any visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-jcox@cc.usu.edu