
Directions
Google maps is outdated, and doesn’t show the newly paved road to reach the parking lot for this trail head. From I-215 head North on Foothill Drive, and turn right on 2100 S. Turn right again on Lakeline Drive. Turn left on Benchmark Dr. It will say Dead End, but keep going. As of April 2020, there is a construction gate but you are allowed to continue through. Drive all the way to the end of this new road and park at the end.
Here is a driving map up until Benchmark Drive.
Trail Info
Distance:
Main trail: 0.8 miles one way
South Trail: 0.8 miles one way
North Ridge: 1.4 miles one way
Elevation gain:
Main trail: 990 ft
South Trail: 1,007 ft
North Ridge: 1,060 ft
Time: Roughly an hour RT
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? No, due to steepness
Fees/Permits? None
Turning left on Benchmark Drive, you will see a dead end sign. Continue past this, through a temporary construction gate, until you reach the end of the road.
The brand new TH and parking area. As of April 2020 there are no signs regarding hiking, but I can see that in the near future with the homes being built that it will be very limited soon.
The sign “recommends” keeping dogs on leash but it is not required. However you should always have a leash handy in case you see wildlife or hike by other dogs that are leashed.
Start by hiking up the main trail. It dips down, then right back up.
The entire hike you will be hiking East, along a ridge. The trail is very wide.
At 0.4 miles the trail splits. Here you have the option of going either way – both of which will take you to Parley’s Canyon Overlook. I prefer hiking left, then looping down from the right.
The trail gets very steep. Make sure you have good hiking shoes and a trekking pole to help. The trail takes you right between these two trees.
Already amazing views. See the trail just ahead? That is the other trail you can take.
The trail levels out for a few minutes before one last push to the overlook.
Charlie strikes a pose in the wind with Grandeur Peak in the distance.
Soooo happy to be outside exploring new trails!
Make sure you carry plenty of water and sunblock – there is zero shade on this trail and can get really hot mid-summer.
I like to make this a loop, and hike down the North Ridge. This is looking back at the Overlook, from where we just hiked from. My photo from 3 days prior showed snow and it was already gone from here!
The trail kind of fades out as you make your way over to the North Ridge, but its really easy cross-country hiking so just pick a route that looks good. Once you reach the ridge you’ll be back on a well traveled trail.
Looking at the trail we hiked up, the Main Trail, from the North Ridge.
Trail Map
Three ways to reach the overlook – pick your route!
Blue: North Ridge
Yellow: Main Trail
Purple: South Trail
Recommended Gear
Nearby Hike
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