This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Description: Mount Timpanogos is the first thing you see after passing through the gate. Less than half a mile later, the road ends and the trail starts on the south side of the creek. Cross over a footbridge to the north and start a steep climb, with drop-offs. Watch for bighorn sheep on the rocky ledges above Battle Creek Falls at 0.63 miles. After the waterfall, the trail mellows out along the creek, crossing a log footbridge. Cross the creek one more time, leave it and stay high above it as you enter scrub oaks. The oaks lead you into a series of grassy meadows - check out the views behind you. At 2.46 miles, you come to the trail junction for the Great Western Trail; go left. Hiking through another series of meadows, you arrive in the largest one, Grove Creek Junction, at 3.4 miles. It's all downhill as you enter an aspen grove and then Grove Creek Canyon. You pass by a spring and Indian Campground. The trail drops to the Grove Creek Waterfall. Sit on the bench and enjoy the view. The trail from the waterfall has dangerous drop-offs and loose rocks on the upper section. When you arrive at the Grove Creek parking area, hike down to the creek behind the restroom and follow the dirt road back to the Battle Creek Trailhead, completing your loop.
Directions: On Highway 146 in Pleasant Grove, go east on 200 South. The road leads into Battle Creek Canyon and parking area.
Photo, text and graphic by Steve Baker (baker@sltrib.com)
All hikes are listed at http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors