Logan Canyon has a hike for virtually everyone

By Brooke Buddell

March 9, 2006 | The winter season is coming to a close, the temperatures are rising and the snow is melting, for residents and visitors of Logan, the canyon is a great place to lace up those hiking boots and get them dirty.

There are many hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Below are a few favorite hikes in Logan Canyon, also how to stay safe while hiking and the reasons hiking is healthy for you; all this to get you geared up for the hiking season.

For beginners or power walkers a common trail would be the River Trail, which is 3.7 miles long and runs along the Logan River from the mouth of the canyon up to Guivanah-Malibu Campground. The hike has many different trail heads with the easiest being at Second Dam

"I like to go on this hike when I'm training for marathons, Lindy Phippen, a junior majoring in public relations, said. "It's an easy up hill climb to stretch out my muscles, yet still give me some workout."

An intermediate hike with a happy ending is the Wind Cave. The 4 mile roundtrip hike ends with open caves you can walk through. The trail head is across from the Guivanah-Malibu Campground about 5.3 miles up US 89 according to the Cache Valley Hiking Trail Guide Brochure.

Jardine Juniper is another favorite hike in Logan Canyon as it is an 8.8 miles roundtrip and an intermediate level. The trail head is at the Wood Camp turn-off, about 10.4 miles from Logan on US 89. According to the brochure the end of the trail leads into Jardine Juniper, "an old tree that is estimated to be 1,500 years."

Meagan Whitehead, a senior majoring in interrior design said the Jardine Juniper hike is her favorite.

"It is long enough, but not to long and it definitely gives me a workout, " she said. "The scenery and views of the hike are beautiful, and it's always fun to see that historical tree at the end of the hike."

More difficult hikes include the White Pine Lake, which is 9 miles roundtrip at a high elevation. The trail head begins at the Tony Grove Lake and ends at a lake at the top of Tony Grove above the campground. One more difficult hike to notice is the Naomi Peak hike. This hike is 6.4 miles round trip and provides great views of the Smithfield canyon and gorge, also of Cherry Peak. The trail head begins at Tony Grove lake. "Naomi Peak is the highest point in the Bear River Mountains of northern Utah and southern Idaho."

"The Naomi Peak hike is the hardest hike i've done in Logan Canyon, very challenging but very worth it. If you have some energy left over it's fun to hike an extra two miles to the west where you hit the 'High Creek Lake,' we go swimming and tan on the shores for a little rest before we head back down." Said Whitehead.

"Hiking, which is a combination of walking, climbing, weight training and aerobics, is like working out in your own personal outdoor health club." iVillage Hiking. Hiking is a great way to workout and burn calories. According to the iVillage workout rating key cardio and weight loss score high, strength scores medium, and flexibility comes in at low. As long as you are stretching before and after your hike, you are getting an all around good workout.

Not only does hiking workout your body, but it helps the mind to. According to iVillage, hiking is relaxing while challenging at the same time. "The great thing about hiking is that it is not a competition or a race. You can control your pace and pause to enjoy the views as you please. Hiking also offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and is a great way to whip your heart, lungs and muscles into shape while taking in the sights."

Desert Safety Tips gives advice as hikers prepare.

"One gallon of water per person, per day is the absolute minimum that should be carried, When planning a hike, remember that water weighs approximately 8 pounds per gallon. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Stick with your itinerary, and let them know when you return," the site stated. "Do not travel in the desert back country without taking along appropriate maps such as USGS topographic maps, which show land contours and specific features. Good hiking shoes, loose fitting natural-fiber clothing, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must."

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