Hiking to the Willard Fin in Willard, Utah

There are so many mines in the area, that the Fin also has the nickname of “lightning rock”, for the amount of high metal content under it in the earth. Besides that, the Fin offers a great hike with amazing views all around. Willard Bay to the West, Willard Canyon below, and Grizzly Peak to the East. There is nothing technical about this hike, so it’s great to bag a fairly easy peak. The best time of year to hike this is Spring and Fall. Summer is extremely hot with no water or shade. Even in April, Charlie was too hot so make sure you start early to beat the heat and bring plenty of water and sunblock.

Directions

From SLC, head north on I-15 and take exit 357 for 750 N in Willard, UT. Turn right and drive 1.1 miles, past the only light, to where the road turns to gravel, and turn right. Make sure you park south of the corner house, at the pullout on the right side. Here’s a driving map.

*UPDATE 2021* I’ve been told there is now a no trespassing sign here. You now need to park further down the road, and add on about 1 mile of hiking each way.

Trail Info

Distance: 6.6 miles RT

Elevation gain: 2,000 ft

Time: 2-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash (beware of dirt bikes)

Kid friendly? No

Fees/Permits? None

Hiking to the Willard Fin: What to Expect

Start by walking up the dirt road from the parking area, and follow it North. Pick what looks like a good spot, and hike up to the next ledge.

Now you should be following the aqueduct North. Follow this until you reach the dam, and cross the water. After you cross the small dam, hike up to meet the old ATV road/trail.

Now you should be on the trail! Follow the trail as it continues in a NE direction for about 2 miles.

Hiking through the one shaded section.

Right as the trail turns South, you’ll see a split. Stay right. It seems like going left takes you to White Rock, but it doesn’t – it actually stays on the south side of Facer Creek, gaining more elevation.

The trail levels out for a little bit before hiking up another steep section. In this section two dirt bikes passed us, so be careful with your dogs hiking too far ahead of you.

Loving these views on the upper half of the trail!

Summit of the Willard Fin

It took us just under 2 hours to summit. What a view of Willard Bay to the West!

Looking down into Willard Canyon, where I hiked just 5 days earlier. I could finally see the waterfall! Binoculars would have been fun to have up here!

Great views to the East as well! The peak above and to the right is known as “Black’s Peak” (8,257ft) to locals.

I wanted to hike up a little further to really get a good view of the fin.

Super cool how much it sticks out!

Typical lab – he found a mud pit to lay down in and cool off on the way down.

Check out my video!

Trail Map

When I did this hike, you could park at a different location, so the beginning of the trail will be slightly different. Just make sure you reach the aqueduct and follow that north.