The nights are getting crips, and the shadows are growing longer, but the “off-season” can be the best time to get out and explore the local trails. Late fall through early spring can be an excellent time to enjoy some of the many trails that Farmington has to offer. With easy access to Farmington Canyon just minutes from the valley floor, these trails can offer an excellent opportunity to stay active throughout the off-season. As the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches, the crowds on the trails will also fall back just like the pending hour on our clocks. With fewer people hitting the trails during this timeframe, you get a little deeper sense of solitude and more opportunities to see wildlife that you may not encounter during the peak season. As with all outdoor activities, be sure to dress appropriately for the current conditions and take the same necessary precautions as you normally would. When snow is present, it can be a good idea to carry Yak tracks, or micro spikes for additional traction on some of the steeper portions of the trails. 

Flag Rock via Firebreak Road: Choose your own adventure

Flag Rock, via Firebreak Road, has something to offer for everyone looking to explore the many trails that Farmington has to offer. This dog-friendly, action-packed trail offers fantastic views of the Davis County area, including Antelope Island, Farmington Bay WMA, and the Great Salt Lake. Of course, you are also treated to a majestic view featuring the American Flag atop a rocky outcropping, mounted at the same height that the World Trade Center stood in New York City, prior to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This is an outstanding hike or trail run that can be completed as an out-and-back or looped trail. There are several access points for this hike, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The most popular route starts south of the trail from the Davis Creek Trailhead parking lot. The first mile of the trail is relatively flat and follows along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). The trail crosses over Steed Creek before hitting the fork that leads to the main Flag Rock Trail, noted by a trail marker featuring an American Flag. The trail becomes adventurous from this point and becomes challenging as it begins to gain elevation quickly. During the ascent, there is an off shoot of the trail that leads over to Patsy’s Mine. This was an old mine that was built by Patsy Morely in the early 1900s in hopes of finding silver. A once explorable mine, the entrance has recently been closed off and is no longer accessible. After you return to the main trail, you will continue up several more switchbacks before finally reaching the top of the hike, where the flag stands. At this point you can choose to return the same way you came up or take the trail to the north that loops back down to Firebreak Road. This is a great trail for anyone looking to add a little challenge to their winter hiking and gives you the ability to choose how you want to explore it.

Firebreak Road (BST): Always reliable and rewarding

Firebreak Road and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail are great resources for access to dirt trails when we begin to get some heavy snowfall. The road intertwines with the BST in several places and can be accessed from several points in the community. This trail offers a bit of a more mellow experience while staying lower in elevation and avoiding hefty climbs. A popular access point to Firebreak Road as a hike or trail run can be found via the mouth of Farmington Canyon. There is Bonneville Shoreline Trail access via the Farm Mountain Bike Park, or you can start from the Skyline Drive parking lot. You can head south along the BST from this point and as it intersects Firebreak Road, there are dirt options all the way to Bountiful via this trail. It is relatively flat in most places, with some sections containing some descent ascents depending on how long or what portion of the trail you are on. This is a great route during peak winter season when higher elevation trails are snow packed, or conditions don’t permit safe access on foot. 

Davis Creek Trail: Farmington’s waterfall

The Davis Creek Trail is a classic Farmington area hike that leads to a beautiful large waterfall. This is considered a strenuous and challenging route, especially in the off months when trail conditions are not the greatest. Due to some portions of this trail, it is best accessed in early winter or spring, depending on the snow conditions. Dogs may accompany you on this trail and may be off leash in some areas. The trail is approximately 2.7 miles out-and-back with several smaller waterfalls along the way. The north side of the trail can be hazardous, so it is recommended to stick to the south side of the trail which is marked well and typically traveled year-round. This is a beautiful trail that rolls through thick wooded areas with beautiful views the entire way. This trail can get hot during peak season, so it is nice to enjoy during the cooler months and helps to cut down on the crowds. Sometimes overlooked in the winter, this is always a beautiful trail worth exploring. λ