The Grotto, located in Hornet Canyon in Farmington, Utah is the local’s hidden spot for cooling off in hot temperatures for both humans and dogs. This well shaded trail leads to a small, but deep pool perfect for two people sitting in to cool off on hot summer days. Prefer standing under a shower of cold water? Then stand under the overhand where 30 ft water weep drips constantly, creating a fun “shower” of fresh mountain spring water. Don’t forget your swimsuit for this trail – it’s quite the refreshing experience!
Directions
Drive North on I-15 and take exit 322 and veer right for W 200 S, then turn right again on S 200 E. Turn left on Woodland Drive at the cemetery. Follow this up the hill through the neighborhood as it curves around and up a hill, which turns to dirt. Park at the small reservoir surrounded by a gate on your right.
From SLC, use this driving map.
If coming from the North such as Ogden, use this map.
This trailhead is the same for Davis Creek Waterfall and Flag Rock.
Trail Info
Distance: 3 miles RT
Elevation gain: 430 ft
Time: 1-2 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, but better for age 12+
Fees/Permits? None
From the parking lot at the reservoir, hike up past this gate hiking North.
You’ll pass by a farm on your left.
Pass around a 2nd gate.
You should now be hiking East and can easily see up Steed and Hornet Creek Canyons.
In high water years or early Spring, you’ll need to cross the stream. I highly recommend enclosed water hiking shoes. They keep rocks out when hiking in and out of water.
As soon as you cross the creek, about 20 feet, look for the Steed Creek TH sign on your right, up on the hill.
Some sections of the trail have a drop off to the right, but it’s not bad at all. With little kids, you might want to hold hands.
The trail is pretty overgrown, but not so bad that you need to wear pants.
At the very first trail split keep right. Staying right is much easier, is in more shade and follows the creek. Left takes you up Hornet canyon and the trail is steep with loose rock.
You should hike down some wooden stairs and cross this little plank board.
Immediately turn left after this plank and follow the stream uphill.
Following the stream is perfect on a hot day.
You’ll pass by this camp fire ring on your left.
On your right you’ll pass “Moss Rock”.
“When in three, leave them be!” Keep an eye out for poison ivy – this was right on the trail.
Turn right at the logs, following the trail, making a tiny switchback.
You will see one more trail branching off to the right – stay straight (north) following the stream below to your left.
From the cars to here it should only take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Playing under the water weep/overhang.
Cringing at how COLD the water was. On a really hot summer day this would be so perfect for the dogs and fun to stand under the falls.
The Grotto waterfall.
This is such a fun little spot! Can’t wait to come back in my swimsuit on a hot day!
May 2019
We took another trip up to The Grotto to let Charlie cool off and play in the water.
The water felt sooo good!
This time we even hiked all the way up to Hornet Canyon Waterfall – to get there just follow all the signs. I’ve updated my map below to include how to get there. From The Grotto is another .70 miles and 800 ft elevation gain – super steep with loose rock, but worth it! Not great for kids, but really pretty.
Trail Map
Nearby Hike
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