Neffs Canyon

For a pleasant hike that's not real crowded with people (other than the neighborhood regulars), Neffs Canyon is a great destination to go.  Beginning at the Olympus Cove area on Salt Lake's east side, Neffs Canyon is the next canyon south of Mill Creek Canyon.  It runs along the north base of Mount Olympus, and has many springs flowing into it.  As a matter of fact, the famed "Mount Olympus Spring Water" comes from the springs in this area.  The trailhead is reached by turning east off of Wasatch Boulevard (towards the mountains) onto 4280 South, which eventually turns into Oakview Drive.  Turn left (northeast) onto Parkview Drive and then right (southeast) onto Park Terrace Drive.  Take another right (east) onto White Way and follow it to the end where there should be plenty of parking available.

Route to the Neffs Canyon trailhead

From the parking area, a well-marked trail heading to the east takes you to a graded service road, which rises along the north slope of the canyon for about a half-mile past a water tank.  At the end of the service road you reach a wide stream crossing where you can cross on rocks to the south side of the stream.  When hiking in this area as well as further up, you can't help but notice the huge rock slabs that form the north face of Mount Olympus jutting up to the right (south).  Stay on the most worn parts of the trail to reach the 8,000-foot meadow area, which is approximately 2.5 miles one-way from the parking area with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet.

A little known fact about the Neffs Canyon area is that it's home to one of the deepest caves in the United States.  At a measured depth of 1,186 feet, the cave is extremely dangerous and off limits to the novice spelunker.  The Forest Service has, in fact, closed off the cave to keep unauthorized people out.  Admission is granted only to experienced spelunkers.

The north face of Mount Olympus
taken near the mouth of Neffs Canyon

Rock outcrop at the Neffs Cave
entrance up Neffs Canyon