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Deer Creek/Dry Creek/North Mountain Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 208 Google reviews · Running trail in Alpine, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Deer Creek/Dry Creek/North Mountain Trail'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.
Short hiking trail leading to Horsetail Falls, passing through a forest and alongside a river.
What runners say about Deer Creek/Dry Creek/North Mountain Trail
“All along the way you can hear the raging water pass through the beautiful rock formations on its way down the mountain.”
“The first 1/10 of a mile doesn't have much shade but once you get past that there is quiet a bit of places to stop for shade.”
I have Hiked up to Horse Tail Falls at least 3 times, but I always hike up the North side of the River. When I looked up this trail on AllTrails it is on the South Side of the river.
This is always a fun hike. Not too far. It is on very much of a straight up incline all the way. One spot with about 100 yards worth flat. If you are headed to Horsetail Falls, when you come to the trail marker for the trails pointing you to the right and up the trail. Instead go left.
This is an exceptional hike. Not for the faint of heart but well worth the trip up to the falls. All along the way you can hear the raging water pass through the beautiful rock formations on its way down the mountain. Plenty of places to rest and survey this incredible landscape.
Absolutely gorgeous! VERY icy in January, glad I brought ice cleats. I look forward to hiking the trail again when it's warm outside.
Trail conditions & character
“I thought it was hard to find looking spot for the waterfall, but I was doing it mostly for the hiking so that wasn't a big deal.”
“People have fallen in this river and died so I am very cautious, but it is steep and there are only random Cairns hinting at good view spots.”
“The first 1/10 of a mile doesn't have much shade but once you get past that there is quiet a bit of places to stop for shade.”
“Hike is either mild or medium depending on your hiking level.”
“If you are headed to Horsetail Falls, when you come to the trail marker for the trails pointing you to the right and up the trail.”
Plan your run at Deer Creek/Dry Creek/North Mountain Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
Running trails near Alpine
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lambert Park South Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
Popular site for hiking amid poppies, with remnants of a homestead and views of the mountains.
Three Falls Ranch Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 58 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with wildflowers and bridges, as well as a restroom.
Horsetail Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Challenging hike to a waterfall on a creek (Horsetail Falls) or river amid rockier terrain.