Hiking the Moose Hollow Trail, Jeremy Ranch, Utah

No worries about avalanche danger, great views of the area, dogs are allowed, it’s never too steep, has several scenic overlooks, and best of all creates a loop. This trail is very popular in summer with mountain bikers, so the best time to hike with dogs is winter to avoid having them get trampled on and prevents hikers from having to move out of the way less often. If you came in Summer, this would be a great trail run as well. There are sections where technically, dogs are supposed to be on-leash, so be aware of signs.

Directions

From SLC, head East on I-80 through Parley’s Canyon. Take exit 141 for Jeremy Ranch and turn left. Turn left at the first stop sign. At the round-a-bout, take the first right onto Jeremy Road. Drive 1 mile and park along the road. If you reach the winter gate, you’ve gone too far. The trail starts on the left (West) side of the road just past a house. Parking is right along the road. Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 5.6 miles RT (to the overlook)

Elevation gain: 1,245 ft

Time: 3-5 hours

(depends on how much snow there is and what season you go)

Dog friendly?Yes, on leash (but can be off leash with an eCollar in Summit county)

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

The Moose Hollow Trail is managed by Basin Recreation, and therefore the trail is really well managed and marked. They do an excellent job at keeping trails clean and available for the public. The trail immediately heads uphill and does one switchback.

We all kept an eye out for moose on this trail, but we never actually saw any! You’ll want to keep a leash handy in case you do come across wildlife.

Hiking above Jeremy Ranch and the golf course. The hills on the other side of the lower houses is where the 24-7 Connector Trail is located – another great year-round trail.

At 1 mile you will cross the first of two roads. Leash your dog to cross. The trail picks up to the left of the private gate.

Continue on the Moose Hollow Trail. Dogs can now be off leash.

The trail name actually turns into “The Avenues” – not to be confused with The Avenues neighborhood of SLC and The Avenues Twin Peaks. Stay left. This is the 2nd road but it was actually snow-covered. In summer, you’ll want to leash your dog here again to pick up the trail.

On your right you will now see the sign for Switch Back Trail – take this and it will head up further into the hills. Dogs now have to be on-leash again.

The trail cuts through more trees and also begins to leave the neighborhood area, and becomes prettier.

You’ll see one more Switch Back Trail post; keep left. And in another 50 yards turn left again. There are other signs that say private property – you can’t really get lost.

Charlie and Tallie play in the deep snow!

Great view of Jeremy Ranch, Utah! After what feels like you may have missed a trail split, you’ll arrive at a “T”. If you go left you will create the loop.

To Reach the main Overlook

Instead, go right following the sign that says dead end. The dead end actually leads to the Moose Hollow Overlook. Only 1/2 mile to go!

After 1/2 mile you will reach another sign that says end of public trail. Hike past this another 20 feet (to that lone pine tree) and you will reach the Overlook!

Moose Hollow Overlook!

In the distance you can see one of the ski resorts as well as Toll Canyon & Summit Park Peak (the peak on the right).

We took a break at the overlook to refuel with snacks and hot tea. Of course Charlie just HAD to sit on my lap 🙂

In case you are wondering what snowshoes I have, I wear the MSR Lightning Ascents. I have had these for about 10 years or so and they’ve been awesome. If you are beginner you can buy cheaper ones from CostCo for around $60-80. If you aren’t ready to buy, REI does rent snowshoes for $12/day if you are member, and $30/day for non-members.

Back on the Loop

To contiue on the loop, go back to the “Dead End” trail sign and stay left (West).

The loop will connect you back down to the upper road section. Stay left again here, until you see the Moose Hollow sign.

Summer

Summer looked SO different compared to to hiking it in Winter. First, it was extremely green, and secondly the “overlook” was really overgrown. There had to have been close to several feet of packed snow when I did it, because there were hardly any trees. In Summer, the trees were so tall you could barely see anything from the top. The same spot had an opening to look out to the South, but I definitely prefer this trail in winter. However, this did make for a great trail run back down.