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Crimson Trail, 7 June, 2026

Seventeen hikers invested five hours of our lives in a spectacular trip across the Crimson Trail.

The temperatures were cool and comfortable. Conditions ranged from cloud cover to light rain to scattered clouds.

The wildflowers put on a show that never disappointed while the trail provided stable, dust free footing. Our conversations were pleasant and stimulating as we had such a diverse group today.

Editor's note:  The "Crimson Trail", named for the school colors of the historic Brigham Young College in Logan, follows along the top of a massive limestone cliff above Logan Canyon, known locally as the "China Wall". (You may enjoy this alternative view on hiking the Crimson Trail.)

Trip Summary:
  • 17 hikers: Louis, Jane, Dave W., Ocean, Bruce, Sue, Susan, Madhaven, Teresa, Andrew, Lin, Kathy C., Dave P., Michelle, David, Richard, Brent L. (leader)
  • Drove 7 miles to Spring Hollow Campground and the Riverside Nature Trail
  • Started hiking east on the Riverside Nature Trail about 8:35 am, began hiking west on top of the China Wall about 10:05, lunch at Spring Hollow 11:40 - 12:05, back in Logan at 12:30
  • Cloudy skies with periods of light rain, comfortable temperatures for hiking
  • Hiked about 4.6 miles with 1100 feet of ascent

Thanks to Brent for the narrative, photos and GPS data, and Dave P, Jane, and Dave W for photos..


Starting out from Spring Hollow on the Riverside Nature Trail, on our way to the Crimson Trail

Automobile ford at Spring Hollow Campground The Wind Caves, as seen from the Riverside Nature Trail


Damage from a 2020 rock fall on the Riverside Nature Trail is still apparent
The Crimson Trail trail switchbacks up an open slope as it ascends to the China Wall

Climbing up the east side in black sandstone of the Leatham formation
 The trail follows the base of the China Wall as it ascends

Climbing the last steep narrow section on the east side before getting on top of the China Wall 
Hikers on top of the China Wall, heading west

Looking west over Logan Canyon from the China Wall (China Wall cliffs also are on the north side of the canyon)

Hiking along the top of the China Wall as the Crimson Trail approaches Spring Hollow
Lunch at Spring Hollow Campground

Wild strawberry, Fragaria vesca
 Blue flax, Linum lewisii

Dames rocket Hesperis matronalis, a Noxious Weed, is found in Spring Hollow and along the Riverside Nature Trail


Enchanters nightshade, Circaea alpina, along the Riverside Nature Trail
 Plants growing from an old stump


Ninebark,Physocarpus malvaceus
 American vetch, Vicia americana


Bluebells, Mertensia ciliata
 Fringed loosestrife, Lysimachia ciliata, rare in our area, blooms in late June/early July (photo from 2024)
We saw tall blue lettuce, Lactuca biennis, rare in our area (left). It grows tall with blue flowers in August (2024 photos)
Bigleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza macrophylla


Shells of mountainsnails, Oreohelix sp. (drab-colored living snails emerge when it rains)
 Myrtle spurge, Euphorbia myrsinites, a Noxious Weed, still can be found along the Crimson Trail despite years of effort to eradicate it

Our GPS track shows about 4.6 miles and 1100 feet of ascent and descent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.