Difficulty: Moderate ◼︎
Length: 5.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,250 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead coordinates (copy + paste): 40.8076, -111.7230
Directions: At the hairpin turn on Emigration Canyon Road, turn onto Pinecrest Canyon Road. Keep left at the fork after 0.5 miles, then continue for about 1.5 miles to reach the trailhead. At the coordinates you will find a small dirt parking area with room for about five cars. There are a few additional informal parking areas along the street, just be sure to regard signs and park respectfully in this residential area.
A pleasant trail with wide open views, the Miners Trail is true to its name—about a mile before the top, those who know just where to look can find the entrance to an old mine tunnel behind a pile of boulders. The first portion of the hike follows the contour of the mountain, wrapping around and then back into a narrow canyon. This section leads to the tunnel and is almost completely flat, so it can be enjoyed by all types of hikers. Just before the 2 mile mark, the trail crosses a small stream. Immediately after the crossing, a large old tree stands in front of a rocky area—a quick peek around the boulders will reveal the gated tunnel which heads straight back into the mountain. Two bars near the bottom of the gate are removable, though I am not brave enough to have actually utilized that knowledge. Just after the tunnel, the trail becomes very steep, narrow, and slippery as it climbs to the top of a ridge which backs onto Red Butte Canyon and provides a glimpse of Salt Lake City in the distance. For days when you aren't feeling up for a steep climb or the snow is piled too high, the mine tunnel makes for a great ending point.
