Coal Creek Trail

Trail Route: Coal Creek trail from Coal Creek Parkways trailhead to Red Town trailhead



Update - Old Trailhead and Parking Lot Open
The roadwork and new bridge are complete - old trailhead is open again

Trail Report:
The trailhead of this hike is located right off Coal Creek Parkway between 405 and Newcastle. Its a small dirt parking lot which fits about 6-7 cars. This first part of this hike can be popular on weekends, the upper part of the hike is less crowded.

In 2007-08 there was alot of winter damage in the Coal Creek Park, you would see lots of knocked over trees and erosion around the trail. Most of the damage has been repaired - logs cleared, new bridges built, etc. The hike starts out very close to Coal Creek. After leaving the trailhead you can hear the parkway for a while, but soon it fades away as you get deeper into the park.

The trail is very well packed and seems well traveled over the years. The first half mile is very enjoyable and is mostly flat - making for a nice creekside adventure. At about .3 mile you will meet the intersection with the Forest Drive Trail. This is an access point for those reaching Coal Creek from Forest drive and the local Bellevue trail system.

The old damaged bridges have been replaced with new wide bridges over Coal Creek.

After the bridge the trail becomes very forest-like, and less creekside. The area is full of deer, birds and small forest animals. The trail becomes fairly narrow at this point. Another new bridge is here -- along with the old bridge next to it.

The primrose trail is closed and is not accessible as an alternate trail from the Coal Creek trail.

Past the Primrose trail, the route follows an old railroad road.

There are a couple unmarked intersections on this upper part of the trail. The first is a fork in the trail. Take the trail to the LEFT (it wont seem correct, but the trail to the right simply goes back up to the nearby neighborhood.)

After passing a clearing and a slight uphill, the trail continues along the old railroad path. After this point you will reach a gravel access road. This is another unmarked intersection, continue straight and slightly uphill.

The Coal Creek trail continues off to the left - there is a sign at this intersection. The trail narrows for a while and continues on a very cool stair/bridge built over one of the small streams.

After a short distance the trail has been much improved with a cleared and mulched path.

Be on the look to the right for a old railroad turnaround -- its not just a cement landing in a clearing, but shows how the area was used in years past.

The trail passes the North Fork Falls with two new viewing areas to get up close.

After the new bridge, the trail splits - you can take either route to reach the coal mine shaft and informational sign (now moved next to the cave).

The trail continues up to a meadow area that is across the street from the Red Town Trailhead which serves Cougar Mountain and its great trail system.

To return to the Coal Creek Parkway trailhead, simply turn around and re-trace your route back down. The elevation change is only 460 feet, and there are no steep hills. Its a very nice creekside hike for anyone.

Coal Creek Trail at EveryTrail
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Basics:

Area - Coal Creek Park (Near Bellevue, Washington)

Trails - Coal Creek Trail (N1), Cougar Mountain Regional Trail (Non-detailed Map , Upper section Map -- Note: neither of these maps show the unmarked intersections)

Elevation - Gain of 460 feet - start at 180 ft to top of 640 ft

Length - 6 miles out and back - 2 hours easy hike

Trail - Trail varies from single track to gravel roads. A couple good stops along the way.

Bikes - Not allowed on this hike

View - no true views, but lots to look at -- waterfall, railroad history, coal mines

Getting There - Take I-90 to Coal Creek Parkway - head east. The trailhead is on the east side of the road before you reach Newcastle.

Fee- None, free parking

Other Trails - Only real connecting trail on this hike is closed. This hike does lead to the Cougar Mountain trails system.

Johnson Canyon Trail

This is one of the easiest hikes in the Snow Canyon State park. Its is easily access from the Red Mountain Resort or the parking lot across the street.

From the Resort, take the Inspiration Trail toward the park until it meets with the paved trail along Snow Canyon Road. After passing the Park Welcome sign, look for the Johnson Trail gate on the right side.

The trail is closed March 15 - October 31st

The trail is well marked and maintained - however there is no water/facilities available at the trailhead so come prepared.

The dirt trail is mostly flat, but the trail surface can be bumpy with lava rocks or mixes of sand and sandstone. Tennis shoes are ok for this hike, but watch your footing.

The only intersection on this trail is with the Scoot Cave trail - which looks fairly unused.

Continue on the main trail toward the Canyon.

There was water running at the time we visited in late January with the sounds of small frogs crocking.

After passing over the small creek, you will see a fenced trail barrier. Be sure to look up at this point to find the large freestanding Arch spanning 200 feet above the fence. A number of folks who did this hike completely missed the Arch, since its not obvious unless you are looking for it.

You can continue on the trail through the rest of the canyon or just turn around and head back to the way you came.

Johnson Canyon Trail at EveryTrail

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Washington, Utah

Basics:
Area - Snow Canyon State Park (near St. George Utah)
Trails - Johnson Canyon Trail (see map)
Length - Easy 2 miles roundtrip
Duration: 60 mins ~ 90 hours (round-trip)
Trail - Mix of Sand, Dirt, Sandstone trail surface
Bikes - No bikes allowed
View - Canyon views
Getting There - Snow Canyon Road from Ivins or Highway 18 from St George. Look for the parking lot on the left before the pay station booth.
Fee- $6 per car - but trailhead is before the pay station.
Weather - Very Sunny

Hidden Pinyon Overlook

This about 2 miles from the entrance of Snow Canyon State Park (originally named Dixie State Park) outside of St. George Utah. Upon entering the park, you do have to pay a fee of $6 per car.

Depending on the season be sure to bring extra water for this hike. We did it in the afternoon and again at Sunrise. Both times are great times to do this hike - watching the sunrise over the Canyon walls was fantastic and make for better photos with the morning light.

If you are looking for a free/walkable hike from the Red Mountain Resort I would suggest doing the Johnson Canyon trail hike (which is prior to the Pay Booth for the park -- its also easily accessed from the Inspiration trail from the Resort.

For this hike to the Hidden Pinyon Overlook, you need to drive your car to the trailhead. For a general map of the Park, click here.

The parking lot/trailhead serves a number of trails including the Three Ponds, Whiptail (paved) and Hidden Pinyon trail.

From the Parking Lot, head due north/uphill on the paved trail and be on the lookout for the Hidden Pinyon dirt trail on the left side. You can take the Three Ponds trail as well as it all ends up at the same point.

After walking on the sandy sections the Hidden Pinyon trail quickly enters an area of small canyons surrounding several large sandstone formations. At two points you do need to scale/scramble on sandstone - its nothing difficult.

After passing through the canyons, you will meet up with the (unmarked) Three Ponds trail, just keep to the right.

Soon the landscape will open up with some great vistas of the Park. The trail will continue on a mix of sandstone/dirt. 

Continue on the trail looking for the large intersection sign. Some folks probably call it a day and return on the Hidden Pinyon trail, but be sure to continue toward the Hidden Pinyons Overlook.

The Three Ponds trail continues over the edge at one point, but stay left continuing toward a large rock plateau.

Be sure to scale the final/highest plateau to get the best view (its well worth it). Look for an easier access point around the plate on the left side.

Take in the gorgeous views - my photos really dont do it justice.

On the return, you can re-trace your steps or take the quicker Hidden Pinyon route (turn left at the Large sign intersection).

We found returning via the Hidden Pinyon route was a nice change form the canyon route.

The Hidden Pinyon trail intersects with the Whiptail paved trail at one point, feel free to just take the Paved trail back to the Parking Lot.

Hidden Pinyon Overlook at EveryTrail

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near St. George, Utah


 Basics:
Area - Snow Canyon State Park (near St. George Utah)
Trails - Hidden Pinyon, Three Ponds, Whiptail (see map)
Length - 1.5 miles roundtrip
Duration: 60 mins ~ 90 hours (round-trip)
Trail - Mix of Sand, Dirt, Sandstone trail surface
Bikes - No bikes allowed
View - Great views
Getting There - Snow Canyon Road from Ivins or Highway 18 from St George. Look for the parking lot near the Three Ponds trailhead.
Fee- $6 per car
Weather - Some shade in the small canyons, otherwise in the open under the sun
Other Info - You will need a car to reach this trailhead within the park.

Honolulu - Diamond Head trail

Date of Hike: May 2, 2009

Hike Route: Diamond Head trail - up and back

If you are visiting Honolulu, this is a great quick hike to take. Its close and provides some of the best views in the Island. I decided to book Viator's Diamond Head Crater Sunrise Small Group Adventure for this hike, since they provide the transportation, guide, water and any gear you might want. The hike is accessible by other means, but really its just easier to book the tour and relax.

We started at 6am and the sun was already up, but that's ok since it provides for some very spectacular views on the way up. Note: depending on the time of the year, you may or may not see the sunrise. But don't worry -- the hike is a great morning experience anyway.

The hike starts from the parking lot of the State Monument park. The area is open 6am to 6pm -- and there is a vehicle/walk in fee -- again if you book the tour this is all taken care of.



The trailhead area consists of a parking lot and restroom area. The trail starts as a very bland cement walkway.



About 1/4 the way up, the cement trail ends and it starts to get interesting! Its all dirt and rock trail until you reach the old military bunker at the top. This is a very arid area, so there isnt much to see -- other than the views.


About halfway up the trail, the views start. There are a couple places to stop along the way and take photos. The trail is wide enough for two way traffic and there are handrails provided along steep inclines.


At about 3/4ths up - there is a great photo-op area. This is very easy to miss, its located off the left near a hairpin turn. If you are looking for it you will see it. If you miss it, just hit it on the way down. The "planks" jetting out from the area make for some great photos.


Near the top, there is a tunnel on the way into the old bunker built in the early 1900's. This used to be a UN-lighted tunnel so you had to bring a flashlight. But they installed some low lights so you can see where you are walking.


There is a steep staircase up on the final leg of the hike. After the stairs you wind up in the old bunker. Its very cool and fun for kids. There is a very shallow opening at the top of the bunker where you pop out to views of the lighthouse. Most folks will have to duck or crawl out of the bunker -- its really that shallow.


Another final set of stairs lead to the summit of Diamond Head. The views on a good day are incredible.


To get back down, you turn around and re-trace your steps down the trail. I would suggest doing the 6am Tour Option for this hike. You avoid most of the crowds -- and you can get back to your hotel in time for a big breakfast. Plus you still have the whole day to relax.

If you are visiting Honolulu, I would highly suggest this book: Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond. Its the best guide book and has lots of "local" favorites that other books ignore.


View Diamond Head State Monument in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Diamond Head State Monument (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Trails - Just one -- the Diamond Head trail.
Length - 1.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (but some steep stairs near the end)
Trail - Out and back route. Well traveled and maintained trail. Trail is a combination of cement, very compact dirt, rock and stairs. Summit is 762 feet above sea level.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes, basically the whole hike is view
Getting There - Google Map or book a hike tour
Fee- Yes for parking and walk-ins
Weather - Can get hot, bring water and sunglasses
Other Trails - nope - just this one

Blue Mtn (Australia) - Valley of the Waters

Date of Hike: July 2008

On a trip to Sydney, I went for a hike in the Blue Mountains. My cousin was nice enough to take me out to the Valley Of The Waters area near Wentworth Falls. There are a number of hikes in the area, including the Darwin walk which is very close to the train station. The Valley of the Waters hike is located a bit out of town and is best reached by car.

This Book is a great small sized guide of Sydney and short hikes -- including some info on the Blue Mountains.


The Hike starts from the parking lot and the Conservation Hut Restaurant (which has food and drinks -- although is a bit touristy). The hike is listed as "hard" -- since its basically straight down and back up without any easy "out" options.



The hike quickly descends down dirt steps under the eucalyptus trees. The day we went it was a fairly cool winter day (maybe about 60 degrees F). The trail is popular and is well maintained.

There are a couple great look out points just a short distance down from the Conversation Hut.

The view from the Queen Victoria Lookout on a nice clear day...


After the "photo op" areas, the trail quickly descends down a very steep metal staircase. The staircase is narrow and only allows one person to go up or come down. Its well designed and sturdy.

After the second bank of stairs, it leads to a very cool area where the trail goes right into the rock mountainside. This is a great area to take a break, have something to eat or drink. You can also look upon the valley below from here where the waterfalls are located.

The hike continues down to the various falls below. The hike back up is nothing to under estimated for non-hikers, but its easy to take your time coming back up.

Make sure to bring water and sunscreen on this hike.

For detailed information on Blue Mountain hikes, check out this site. There are a couple good books on doing hikes (or "walks") in the Blue Mountains including this Lonely Planet book.



View Larger Map

Basics:
Area - Valley of the Waters - Blue Mountains (Near Wentworth Falls, NSW)
Trails - Valley of the Waters Track
Elevation - Drop of 265 meters
Length - 1.4 kilometers Out and back
Trail - Dirt trail and steps, metal stairs -- lots of stairs!
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Queen Victoria Lookout, Empress Lookout, and waterfalls
Getting There - Directions from Sydney
Fee- None, free parking
Other Trails - Lots, and there is a more popular Darwin Trail (which is very accessable from the Train Station)