Heughs Canyon Snowshoe

Heughs Canyon is a great little snowshoe to do on the Wasatch Front near Salt Lake City. This hike is a little tough to catch with good snow coverage because of its low elevation and southwest facing aspect. If you do catch a good storm, it can be a great place to go that's a bit warmer than going up one of the major canyons such as Millcreek or the Cottonwoods. The canyon is really beautiful at the top, and the steep cliffs gain extra contrast in winter. The best part is the low traffic and proximity to town.

You can bring dogs on the hike, which is great, but we did see a possible cougar den and a small carcass just next to it the day we went. We did not see tracks, but it is well known that mountain lions roam these parts. You shouldn't be more concerned here than on any other nearby trail, but when it comes to your dog's safety, it's worth keeping in mind.

The trail is steady and only becomes steep at one part near the end. There are a few down-valley views along the way that can be beautiful if the conditions are clear. There isn't much avalanche danger, and it would take significant storm event to escalate avalanche hazards on this terrain. There are steep cliffs above, but there isn't really enough space for a slide to build up. There are several crossings across a creek, including a bridge and some fallen logs. At the top of the trail is a scree field, and when covered in snow it can be hard to tell where you can and can't step, so be careful.

When you arrive, park on the street below the trailhead or you could get towed. The trail starts just nearby a private home, and you basically walk on their driveway to get there, so be respectful. Chances are you will only need microspikes unless there has recently been a deep snowfall. This hike is fun in the summer, but it is significantly prettier in the winter. Even though it's not a particularly avalanche-prone spot, it is always recommended that you check the Utah Avalanche Center rating and avoid high danger days.