Box Elder Peak Out-and-Back

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The view from the summit is incredible. You can see all of Cache Valley on the east, and Box Elder County on the west, and even the Great Salt Lake.

Be prepared for vegetation hugging the trail, often rising higher than average human height.

This is the most popular route to Box Elder Peak. From the parking lot on the north side of HWY 89 in Sardine Canyon, go through the large gate (there for wildlife protection). Follow the old doubletrack dirt road for about a mile until reaching the Wellsville Wilderness area sign on the left and the Wellsville Ridge Trail. Follow this trail to the peak.

The trail has a gradual but steep ascent through the forest until coming out onto the side of the mountain. This section is straight up the mountain with few switchbacks and thick vegetation around the trail. Climb the mountain until reaching Box Elder Peak.

Many types of wildflowers grow here. This trail is popular with bird watchers. It's also possible to see deer, elk, mountain lion, and rattlesnakes.