Mining Fork Trail

USGS Quad - Deseret Peak. Major destinations include South Willow Lake and North Willow Lake. Trail junctions include Stansbury Front Trail and Stansbury Crest Trail. Leashed pets are permitted. The Mining Fork Trail starts from the end of the Mining Fork Road which is strictly a 4-wheel drive road. This trail gives access to South Willow Lake. There are mines along the Mining Fork Trail, but the State of Utah recommends that you do not enter them for your safety. This trail is a relatively short easy hike if you start from the end of the Mining Fork Road. However, the Mining Fork Road is strictly a 4-wheel drive road. If you don't have a 4-wheel drive vehicle then drive up South Willow Canyon Road about a mile past the Guard Station and park at the Medina Flat trailhead. Take the Big Hollow Trail heading north to the junction of Mining Fork Road, about ¼ mile and turn west. This will add about 2 ½ miles to the hike but it will take you through some stands of fir, spruce, and aspen. Where the road meets the trailhead the area opens into a bowl and in the spring is covered with wildflowers. The trail passes through the bowl and rises to meet South Willow Lake at the base of 1,000 foot cliffs. Hawks are plentiful and you might even see a golden eagle or mountain lion. Be prepared for rattlesnakes and ticks are sometimes a problem. The lake is rather shallow so there are no fish. Be sure to take enough drinking water with you. You may want to consider a different route back for an extended hike.

At a Glance

Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	This trail enters the Deseret Peak Wilderness Area, follow the proper rules and regulations.
Closest Towns:	Tooele, Utah

General Information

Directions: Access #1: From Salt Lake City head west on I-80 and take the Stansbury-Tooele exit. Follow the signs to Grantsville. In Grantsville turn south on Cooley Street and head out of town. Turn west on the South Willow Canyon Road and take it to the junction with Mining Fork Road. Follow Mining Fork Road to the end where the trail begins heading west from the end of the road. Access #2: Via Stansbury Crest Trail. Follow directions above to South Willow Canyon Road. Follow it to the end at the trailhead sign. Take the Mill Fork Trail to the junction of Dry Lake Trail. Follow the Dry Lake Trail to its junction with Stansbury Crest Trail then head north on the Stansbury Crest Trail to Mining Fork Trail. The distance from trailhead to junction with Mining Fork is about 3.5 miles.