Difficulty: Moderate ◼︎
Length: 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,325 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead coordinates (copy + paste): 40.6868, -111.5569
Directions: If the Cabriolet is running, park at the lowest Canyons resort lot and ride it up to the resort base area. If not, it is easier to drive further up towards the resort and park in the premium parking next to the Pendry construction site, or in the gravel lot next to the Silverado Lodge, both of which are free in the summer. The trail starts near the bottom of the Orange Bubble chair across from the Grand Summit Hotel. Start walking West up the dirt service road from the chairlift, and you will see the trail on your left after about 0.2 miles.
The best hiking route from The Canyons base area, Holly's is a peaceful trail that makes its way up the resort at a gentle incline. For the most genuine nature experience, stick to the path and try to avoid deviating onto the service roads, which is discouraged by the resort. The trail wanders through aspen groves and cuts across a few ski runs, and if you are visiting in the early season you will notice a few gentle streams crossing the path. After rising above the Sun Peak Lodge, you'll find yourself at Alpine Lake. This snowmaking pond near the top of the Orange Bubble Chairlift is populated by Tiger Trout, and catch and release, barbless fishing is allowed. Head left around the lake and continue on the trail for a few more minutes into the trees. This will lead you to Red Pine Lodge, where you can take the gondola down to spare your knees the return trip and reduce the total mileage by half. If the gondola isn't running, the hillside above the lodge is still a great spot to sit and take in the view before trekking back down to the base.
