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Adams Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,211 Google reviews · Running trail in Layton, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Adams Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging outing on a sandy-and-rocky trail to a waterfall and other cascades.
What runners say about Adams Canyon Trailhead
“The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow.”
“It's beautiful, but it's hard to get there, be prepared with plenty of water and good shoes for the trail, the first 10 minutes are full of sand so be prepared for that.”
“It starts out having not many trees and then as you get further to the waterfall, the trees get denser and thicker and more shade is provided.”
“Great views, clearly marked just fun and totally worth it.”
I was visiting my brother and his family this past June 2024 and they took me for a great hike up Adam’s Canyon Trail. It’s approximately 3 1/2 miles and the prize was an up-close view of the main waterfall. I loved this hike! There were some challenging obstacles along the trail, but I was pleased overall.
This hike was just the perfect amount of difficulty for me! We took the upper trail, which is much longer than the lower one. Not too hard, but definitely not easy for someone regularly works out and doesn't go on hikes often.
Did this beautiful yet challenging (due to the incline) hike last week with my family of 4 (kids ages 7 and 11). There were many other families with their small kids as well, even younger than mine which was impressive!
Wanted to do a quick hike during our weekend stay in Salt Lake City and THIS was the trail! 3.6 miles round trip (roughly 3 hrs). I’d say fairly easy if you’re in shape. The parking lot was easily accessible and the restrooms…WOW. Very clean! Most friendly dogs were off leash, and not too many people at the waterfall.
Trail conditions & character
“It's beautiful, but it's hard to get there, be prepared with plenty of water and good shoes for the trail, the first 10 minutes are full of sand so be prepared for that.”
“After that the trail does descend a little bit and that's when you start following the creek for pretty much the rest of the incline.”
“The parking lot at the base is equipped with drinking water and restrooms, so you can go there without worry.”
“The first part of the hike has deep sand you walk through uphill and then it turns into a regular hardened dirt path.”
“It starts out having not many trees and then as you get further to the waterfall, the trees get denser and thicker and more shade is provided.”
“The parking lot at the base is equipped with drinking water and restrooms, so you can go there without worry.”
“Most friendly dogs were off leash, and not too many people at the waterfall.”
Plan your run at Adams Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteutahoutdooractivities.com
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Layton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Adams Canyon Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall and a mix of wide and narrow paths.
Adams Canyon Waterfall
4.9 ★★★★★ 263 reviews
Waterfall hike, known for its canyon vistas, and also popular for dog walking.
Fernwood trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Fernwood Recreation Site
4.7 ★★★★★ 376 reviews
Trails lead up the hills to a picnic site overlooking the city at this public recreation area.