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Willow Heights
4.7 ★★★★★ 230 Google reviews · Running trail in Brighton, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Willow Heights' 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.
Trail leading to a lake (and a meadow) where hikers can spot moose.
What runners say about Willow Heights
“Fun easy moderate trail with beautiful colors for the fall and great views of the canyon between trees.”
“Is not too crowded and very scenic and serene.”
Great hike! The first quarter mile is pretty steep but it gradually levels out to the open meadow on top with the lake. A little difficult to find the trailhead, or parking area for that matter, as there is no 'large shoulder' to park on. Elevation at start is 7800 and at top is 8500.
It was a welcome return to a beautiful place. I hiked it decades ago, and this time with my son. A great family hike, plenty of space for a picnic. Highly recommended.
Gorgeous 2.5 mile loop hike in the aspens and pine trees! Park on the side of the road near the rock that says "Willow Heights". Know that dogs are not allowed in the canyon, and there aren't any restrooms nearby.
This lake is beautiful! The hike is great too! There is a fork that you can choose to go right and have a more direct and intense route or left that goes around with a little less intense climb. Both pretty easy. We went at 4:30pm and saw a handful of people.
Trail conditions & character
“Fun easy moderate trail with beautiful colors for the fall and great views of the canyon between trees.”
“There is a fork that you can choose to go right and have a more direct and intense route or left that goes around with a little less intense climb.”
“A little difficult to find the trailhead, or parking area for that matter, as there is no 'large shoulder' to park on.”
“Is not too crowded and very scenic and serene.”
“Trail only gets close to the lake once along the loop so that’s the only access to the lake.”
“Know that dogs are not allowed in the canyon, and there aren't any restrooms nearby.”
“The only downside is you have to park alongside a busy road, as there's no parking lot or restroom.”
Plan your run at Willow Heights
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near Brighton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wasatch Crest Trail
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Donut Falls
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Cecret Lake Trail
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Bloods Lake Trailhead
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Hiking area with alpine lakes and mountain views, a kid-friendly trail, and a pit toilet.