The Great Western Trail is a continuous cross-country trail stretching from Canada to Mexico, through Idaho, Utah and Arizona. The trail is a combination of single-track trails and dirt roads, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah and Wasatch County in particular. Through Wasatch County, the trail follows the county line atop the ridges and peaks of the Wasatch Mountains offering breathtaking panoramic views and overlooking fascinating historic mining areas. The trail continues south, skirting Mount Timpanogos wilderness area with its waterfalls, wildflower meadows, snowfields, and rocky landscape, then drops into the forested South Fork of Provo Canyon. From here, it's another climb to Strawberry Ridge overlooking Strawberry Reservoir, countless mountain peaks, ridges, and deep canyons. Wildlife is abundant along the length of this route. Difficulty is moderate to advanced where the trail traverses some challenging terrain.
This portion of the Great Western Trail is 65 miles long and can be accessed at several points so distances can be varied. Two recommended points of access are from Wasatch Mountain State Park and Strawberry Valley. From Wasatch Mountain State Park, take Snake Creek Road left past the WMSP Visitor Center to the ridgeline where it intersects the Great Western Trail, or find a parking spot in the canyon and ride to the ridge to meet the trail. In Strawberry Valley, turn right from US Hwy 40 at the visitor center turnoff and travel approximately one mile to Clyde Creek road on the right. Turn onto this dirt road and follow it to the ridgeline where it intersects the Great Western Trail. From this point, the trail follows dirt roads both north and south before it picks up single-track trail again. For detailed maps of these areas contact Pleasant Grove Ranger District in Pleasant Grove at 435-785-3563 or Heber Ranger District, just east of Heber City on US Hwy 40 at 435-654-0470.
