The Spanish Fork Cross, as known by locals, is a very short yet rewarding hike that leads to a giant white cross on a hill that overlooks the town of Spanish Fork, Utah to the North, and has amazing views of the mountains and Spanish Fork Peak to the East and South. The Spanish Fork Cross trail is near the Spanish Fork Reservoir and Campground, and is perfect for kids and dogs. 

In Winter the trail is 3 miles RT from the first gate, and in Summer the trail is only 2 miles RT since you can drive further up. Dogs are allowed off leash once on the trail, however they do need to stay on leash in Summer as you walk through the campground and on roads. 

Directions

From SLC, head south on I-15 and take exit 257 towards Spanish Fork Canyon. Drive 4.1 miles and turn right on Powerhouse Rd (at the Chevron). Drive 0.9 miles and turn left on Spanish Oaks Dr (there’s also a sign for the Spanish Fork Gun Club). Keep following this road until you reach the first gate, where there is another sign for the Gun Club. In Winter, you’ll need to park here in front of the gate on the side of the road, then walk up the road. In Summer, you can keep driving past this gate and park in the main parking lot.

Here’s a driving map.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 3 miles RT (from the first gate)

Elevation gain: 390 ft

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash (once on the trail)

Kid friendly? Yes!

Fees/Permits? None

The first gate may be closed as you drive up. If so, just park on the side of the road near the gate.

As a hiker, you will always hike on roads at some point. Didn’t matter to me – it was the first sunny, warm day in the area in months!

In summer, this is where you would normally park. Keep walking up the road. Just an FYI – dogs are NOT allowed at the actual reservoir so swim time will have to wait for the pups.

Walk past a 3rd gate, and you will now be hiking through the campground.

You’ll pass this opening and a kid’s playground on your left.

This is where the official TH starts – in between the brown post and yellow sign. From here the trail is really easy to follow – follow the signs for “Escalante Cross”.

At the first trail split, turn left and go down some stairs.

At the bottom of the stars the trail turns right, and you are now technically in Snell Canyon.

Once again, turn left.

You will gain a little elevation as you make your way to the ridge.

Looking down from where we just came from, and a great view of the reservoir.

Keep following the ridge towards the large white cross.

You will see the large white wind turbines on your right.

Made it with all 3 dogs! I didn’t see a single person on a Sunday afternoon on this trail, yay! It took us about 35 minutes from the first gate to reach the cross.

Plaque on the bottom of the cross.

This cross has three name: Spanish Fork Cross (known by locals), Escalante Cross (as marked by the trails), and Dominguez Hill (as marked by this plaque).

This was a great little hike!

April 2020

 No snow in April, and the main parking lot was open this time. There were a LOT of people fishing in the reservoir.

 What a perfect hike for Easter weekend!

Soaking up as much sun as possible!

Check out my video!

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

Spanish Fork Peak

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