Thurston Peak (Francis)

Until the early 1990’s, Thurston Peak was marked as “Francis” on the topographic maps – so called from the USGS survey monument located on its summit.  The new name comes from Thomas J. Thurston, who was an early pioneer that settled in the Centerville area.  At 9,706 feet elevation, Thurston Peak is the highest point along the Farmington Ridge, which separates Davis and Morgan Counties in Utah.  My first hike to this peak was along the easiest route – approximately 3.5 miles north along the summit ridge from Francis Peak.  Francis Peak is easily identified by the two white domes of the FAA radar facility on top.  A well maintained dirt road climbs up Farmington Canyon to this facility, and most vehicles can travel this road in dry conditions all the way to the top without much difficulty.  Views of Morgan Valley to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west are quite spectacular.  Be prepared to hear the occasional roar of jets flying overhead from nearby Hill Air Force Base, which can also be seen below.  A more challenging climb to Thurston Peak (involving a gain of approximately 4,500 feet) can be done from the Adams Canyon area on the west side.  The trailhead to Adams Canyon can be reached by turning east off of Mountain Road (U.S. 89) at approximately 700 North in Layton (1/4 mile north of Oakhills Drive).  This trail can be tricky in a few areas up to the 40-foot waterfall, and beyond it’s more of a “blaze your own way” setup.  Near the top of Adams Canyon, head for the point to the left (north) of the canyon.  Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes as they seem to frequent the western slopes of the mountain.  My hiking partner, Joe, and I came across two rattlesnakes in different areas while hiking this particular hike.

Monument honoring Thomas J. Thurston at the summit

of Thurston Peak – Photo credit: Eric Willhite