Deuel Creek Loop

Dogs Unknown

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This is a quick trip to Deuel Creek and back, starting near the Bountiful B, and hiking across the Viewmont V.

For all the frustrations this trail has due to other land uses, this can be a very enjoyable hike through wide open grass fields and along a gentle, soothing creek.

For a shorter, easier hike, skip the Deuel Creek section. This just makes a tighter loop around the ATV pit area.

I've found that some people will illegally ride their ATVs on the hiking trail.

This hike is in proximity to a gun range and a rifle range, so you'll hear gun-shots and see warning signs along the way. Nevertheless, I've done this many, many times and haven't felt like I was in any eminent, mortal danger.

Drive as if you were going to the Lion's Club gun range, but before reaching it, pull off into some side parking near the start of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail starts easy with a gradual descent until you reach a 3-way junction. You'll split right, and note the left fork as where you'll link back up on the return. Shortly thereafter, the trail forks again and quickly merges back on itself. Take either fork; one is more challenging than the other.

Now coming into view is the Viewmont V. Hike right across the road that leads to the rifle range and onto a faint trail that quickly picks up definition (this is where its nice to have the ankle gators). This is a fun downhill section that connects to the south side of the Deuel Creek Canyon. Now comes the push into Deuel Creek! Don't stop! There's only one little 3rd-class section.

Eventually, you'll find where the trail rolls over to the north side of the canyon. Enjoy the steep, technical hike out of the canyon. Once you hit the fire-break road, turn left, and quickly leave it to join up with the Bonnoville Shoreline Trail again. From here you can choose to hike across the dam, or take a nice scenic side-trail across a fine little bridge with a plaque next to it. Either way, you'll quickly have to cross a busy (and I mean busy) road that people take to get to and from the ATV pit area. Keep an eye out for trucks, 4-wheelers, and dirt-bikers speeding up and down the road, some sober, some not.

After the crossing, the trail goes level for quite some time, and has its own charm. This is the last leg before joining up as mentioned earlier, and has a crux like Deuel Creek, but much easier. Push through it! Don't miss the switchback that starts the uphill battle or else you'll wind up in private property. It can be hard to spot in the dark if you're not watching for it. After some tough uphill jogging, things ease up a bit before topping out on the Lion's Club Road. Do your Rocky Balboa dance, stretch, and re-hydrate.

Note that the air here can be absolutely rancid during the winter months, especially if we're going through inversion. At such times, it's best to just do your treadmill indoors. On the other hand, winter can be an ideal time to hike as there will be less traffic and shooting to deal with.