Hiking the Highlands: A Guide to Exploring the Great Outdoors in Logan Canyon
When a university is located near a place like Logan Canyon, it’s only expected that its students become avid hikers. Utah State University is no exception. Students have fallen in love with being in the mountains.
People might wonder why young adults would want to wander around the mountains with limited connection to the outside world, but Tyson Merrill has an answer for them. Merrill is a first-year student with a major in data analytics, and he’s also a hiking enthusiast.
“I love to hike because it gives a sense of accomplishment and I find it relaxing and very beautiful. Getting away from the world is nice! Take a deep breath and enjoy the amazingness of the valley! It makes you wanna cry just how pretty it is and how you feel with your loved ones,” Merrill wrote.
In addition, the mental and physical health benefits of hiking are undeniable. According to the National Park Service, hiking improves heart health, builds muscles and bone strength and decreases certain respiratory risks. Many studies have also proven that spending time outside improves mental health.
Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety and can lead to a lower risk of depression, according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University.
“Taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many health benefits it can even be prescribed by a doctor,” the National Park Service website states.
There are dozens of trails crisscrossing throughout the canyon, and according to National Geographic, the stretch from Cache Valley to Bear Lake that Aggies call home is also the “Last Unspoiled Place.” With trails ranging in difficulty, length, accessibility and views, there’s no wonder there’s a hike for every outdoor enthusiast.
Since there are so many trails, every hiker has a different favorite. Anya Cole, a sophomore studying psychology and yoga studies, described one of her best hiking experiences.
Karston Berkley follows behind Jordan Barrus hiking up Crimson Trial on Friday, Oct. 6.
“I think the trail right across from First Dam is awesome because I went on that trail as a moonlight hike, and if you go to the left and under a cave, there’s a bunch of graffiti, and you can walk along a pipe,” Cole said. “It’s really pretty, especially at night.”
Sawyer Hill is a senior studying outdoor product design. One of his favorite hikes in Logan Canyon is a popular spot known as the Crimson Trail.
“The Crimson Trail is a loop, so you never see repetitive sights,” Hill said. “It’s pretty moderate, but you get a really good view of the canyon and Logan City.”
Carter Ellis is a sophomore studying exercise science. He enjoys hikes for the splendid views and gorgeous sights of Utah State’s backyard, especially with the changing leaves in the autumn weather. He hiked on Crimson Trail recently and really enjoyed his experience.
“It was awesome,” Ellis said. “Super pretty with all the colors of the fall changes are amazing. There’s a lot of orange when I went two or three weeks ago. It was great. I loved it; the temperature was fantastic. It was one of the better hikes I’ve done recently.”
Maille Walsh is a senior majoring in biology. As an outdoor lover, she’s been on several trails and shared what each was like.
“My personal favorite is the river trail that connects up with the Stokes Nature Center,” Walsh said. “Right now, you get a lot of beautiful colors in the valley. You’re next to the water the whole time. It’s fairly easy, you can go as long as you want. It does hit an incline eventually, which is great if you’re looking for a little bit more intensity.”
Walsh said that Wind Caves “kicked her butt” but had breathtaking views.
“The last one is towards the end of the canyon, over by Garden City or Bear Lake,” Walsh said. “It’s about a mile; it’s less intense than Wind Caves, but again, you have that really pretty incline. You can see valleys all over the place; it’s great.”
Merrill, ever the passionate hiker, talked about many hikes that he’s done with friends and his sister.
According to Merrill, Spring Hallow is very shady, with water features and a public bathroom. It’s a more leisurely hike available in the fall, with some incredible rock formations.
High Line Trail was super easy and flat in Merrill’s eyes, with good views of the USU campus and a fun tunnel, but Bonneville Trail was a little more complicated.
“Lots of ups and downs. Leg burner and not quite as pretty,” Merrill wrote.
Merril said Hobbit Caves was not a long hike, and he recommends pulling off and crossing a river for some fantastic rock formations. He also talked about Mount Naomi and said climbing was challenging but rewarding, as it’s the tallest peak in the Bear River Mountain Range.
With all of the trails available, it only makes sense Aggies hit the hikes. Hiking experts shared some of their tips for a great time in the canyon.
“[My] only tips are that you need good footwear for a few of the jagged rocks. Also, dress warm because Cache Valley gets cold!” Merrill wrote.
With a more humorous twist, Hill shared some advice of his own.
“Go do it, and wear sandals,” Hill said.
On a more serious note, Hill also added what a hike should be.
“I think the ideal hike is the one that’s well-mapped,” Hill said.
Cole shared her recommendations for a fantastic time outdoors.
“I would say get a group of friends and go,” Cole said. “Explore, and you’ll be delighted with what you find.”
Hiking is incredible on its own, but hiking in Logan Canyon is unmatched in the opinion of many Aggies. Ellis agreed with the sentiment.
“Take it all in,” Ellis said. “It’s one of the best places to hike because Logan is one of the best places to find nature.”