This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This is a Wasatch classic, ending in a glorious, cliff-rimmed meadow overlooking the valley. The route is simple: Bear left up the drainage. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot. You will see two trails, but they rejoin within a few dozen yards, so either works. The trail bends southeast and then passes a large water tank after a quarter mile. At one-half mile, you will see a creek, and the trail jogs left. Ascend the steep drainage. At 1.5 miles, you will see a Mount Olympus Wilderness sign. At 1.75 miles is a stream crossing. Many hikers stop here, but the highlight is a meadow about 2.3 miles from the trailhead. Take in the soaring cliffs in all directions and follow the footpath to a junction a few yards to the north. Bear left and follow the path 0.1 mile to a makeshift campsite overlooking Millcreek and Olympus Cove.
Because of this year's heavy precipitation, the trails are more grown-over than I have seen previously. You can still see them easily, but long trousers are suggested. Enjoy the flowers — I saw lupines, geraniums, leafy Jacob's ladder, larkspurs, Indian paintbrushes, columbines and balsamroot. Destination Neffs Canyon overlook
Hiking time 3.5 hours
Round-trip miles 5 miles
Elevation gain 2,350 feet
Difficulty Difficult
Trailhead restrooms No
Dogs allowed Yes
Bikes allowed N/A