Adams Canyon: Layton’s ‘signature hike’

                    The main Adams Canyon waterfall, 3 miles up the canyon.

IF the Layton City area has a “signature hike,” it would have to be Adams Canyon. Some believe you are not a true Layton resident if you haven’t ever hiked this canyon.

Located directly east of the Oak Hills Drive and Highway 89 intersection on the City’s east side, this hike is truly a four-star outdoor experience.

This canyon offers plenty of shade, serenity and opportunities to experience nature at its best.

Shade and trees dominate most of the hike after the first mile and the climax is a refreshing 50-foot-high waterfall, complete with a wading

pool.

This is the most popular mountain hike in North Davis County and one that is suitable for families with young children and also canine companions.

                                    Some of the rugged rocks the trail traverses.

(However, there are several rugged rocky outcroppings to cross by in the upper reaches of the trail and one stream crossing.)

To the waterfall, this hike is about 3.5 miles long, one-way, climbing about 1,400 feet, according to the Davis County Web site

http://www.daviscountyutah.gov/trails/

The hardest climb is probably the first half-mile along sandy switchbacks overlooking Highway 89.

Besides the signature waterfall, there is also one giant tree on the side of the trail; numerous little cascades of water; and great mountain scenery.

The fastest of hikers can probably reach the waterfall in about an hour, but most should plan on 90 minutes to an hour.

K Achter, a resident near the mouth of Adams Canyon, donated land some years ago to help create the Adam Canyon trailhead.

The canyon was named for Elias Adams, a pioneer who settled at its mouth and constructed a sawmill. The stream, the North Fork of Holmes Creek, is titled for Samuel Holmes, a trapper who was living in the area when the pioneers arrived in 1849.

Hikers may also encounter mountain bikers during the first mile of the trail, since it also accesses the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

There are several primitive camping areas in the canyon. However, fire restrictions in the summer season may apply in the canyon.

There’s a good, solid wooden bridge to cross the creek about half-way up the canyon.

The majority of rescues or accidents in Adams Canyon are from hikers going above the waterfall. There, the trail is rocky and rugged and traversing that area is not advisable.

Hikers should also not hike alone in the canyon, if possible, to increase safety. They should also carry their own water, as the stream water is not

safe to drink.

Occasionally, a rattlesnake might be spotted along the trail on a hot, dry day, but this is rare.

Adams Canyon is very crowded on weekends and holidays. The waterfall is also at its best in the spring.

             The smaller, hard to find waterfall at the mouth of Adams Canyon.

There is also a smaller waterfall located near the mouth of Adams Canyon. However, the current trail was re-engineered some years ago to avoid private land and then this waterfall was mostly forgotten. It is possible to still reach the falls by backtracking from just beyond the top of the sandy switchbacks.

--The Adams Canyon trailhead is east of U.S. 89 and Oak Hills Drive junction in east Layton (about 700 North). Access the frontage road on the first or second road that heads east off U.S. 89 going north from Oak Hills. Park on the pavement of the frontage road or in a dirt area that is just west of and below a reservoir.

                          Enjoying the cool waterfall after a long summer hike.

-What do some hikers say about the Adams Canyon hike?

According to TripAdvisor.com:

-“Charles G” from Layton said: “This hike sucks in the begging about 400 yards of steep sand switchbacks feels like you go a foot for every 5 steps. After that its pretty awesome. Great views beautiful stream and several waterfalls. Going down the switchbacks at the end will put a workout on your calves and shins. But worth it.”

-“Phillip C” said: “Never hiked before. This had some difficulty to it, but I survived. Well worth the 4 hour trip up and down. The water was cool and views were awesome!

”Katie” from Layton said: “Beautiful hike. Mostly groomed trail. Easy to follow. A few rocky sections were its a bit technical. The first section is very sandy and steep switchbacks. Once you get past that first half mile it's nice hiking.”

-“Suzanne J” said: “This hike is absolutely gorgeous year round. It is one of my very favorite little escapes. And the falls are a splendid congratulations when you reach them. I would highly recommend this trail.”