Crimson Trail Logan Utah: Hiking the Great Wall of Logan Canyon

We weren’t originally planning to spend several days hiking around Logan Canyon, but after our Wind Cave hike earlier in the day, the dramatic cliffs across the canyon kept pulling at us. Locals call this section the Great Wall, and the Crimson Trail follows the top of those cliffs.

The trail turned out to be much different than we expected. The climb to the rim was steep enough to get our attention, but once we reached the top, the trail became an easy walk along the canyon edge with outstanding views in nearly every direction.

The rock wall was the perfect place to sit down and eat lunch while overlooking Logan Canyon. This wasn’t a hike we felt pressured to finish quickly. Instead, it became a chance to slow down, enjoy the views, and appreciate one of the most scenic sections of Logan Canyon.

The final descent was just as steep as the climb, making the hike feel more challenging than its mileage suggests. Fortunately, the last section follows the river back toward the campground, providing an easy finish to an otherwise moderately difficult hike.

Quick Answer Box

The Crimson Trail in Logan Canyon, Utah is a moderately challenging 4-6 mile hike with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows the top of the Great Wall, offering dramatic views of Logan Canyon, steep drop-offs, and some of the best scenery near Logan.

Difficulty Rating Note

While Crimson Trail is often rated as moderate, the climb to the rim and descent on the opposite side are both fairly steep. Most hikers in reasonable condition should have no problem completing it but expect a couple sections that will get your heart rate up.

Direction Recommendation Note

We hiked Crimson Trail loop counter-clockwise. This route tackles the steep climb first, allowing us to enjoy the easier rim section before descending back toward the river.

What the Hike Feels Like

Steep climb to the rim (hardest part)

• Roughly the first mile.
• Consistent uphill.
• I’d call it a 7/10 effort.

Easy rim walk

• The reward section.
• Mostly level with spectacular views.
• This is where you’ll spend most of your time taking photos.

Steep descent off the far side

• Similar steepness to the climb.
• Harder on the knees than the ascent.
• Requires more careful footing.

Flat riverside finish

• The final half mile.
• Follows the river through the campground area.
• A relaxing finish after the climb and descent.

Our Experience Hiking Crimson Trail

We learned about Crimson Trail while hiking Wind Cave earlier that morning. From the cave, we could see the rocky bluffs stretching across Logan Canyon, and several hikers mentioned the trail to us. Once we noticed the cliffs, we couldn’t ignore them.

We followed the route shown in AllTrails, which begins near Spring Hollow Campground and travels counter-clockwise around the loop. The trailhead is not immediately obvious from this direction, so we simply followed other hikers uphill through the campground until we found the official trail sign.

One group of hikers included a family of five with children ranging from about four to ten years old. The youngest child rode in a backpack carrier while the older kids climbed the hill under their own power. I was impressed by how well the children handled the climb, and it reinforced that this can be a family-friendly trail for those willing to take their time.

Once the family reached the bluffs, they stopped for a short rest before turning around and heading back the same way. After noticing this, I realized several other hikers had done the same thing. Only about half of the hikers we encountered completed the entire loop.

The descent on the far side of the loop was just as steep as the climb. My knees felt the downhill section more than the uphill, but the final half mile along the river provided a relaxing finish to the hike. By the time we returned to the campground, Crimson Trail had become one of our favorite hikes in Logan Canyon.

Parking and Trailhead Information

The Crimson Trail begins within Spring Hollow Campground, located about 1.5 miles south of the Wind Cave trailhead. As you enter the campground, a small parking area for hikers is immediately on the right.

On the day we visited, the lot was already full. There was not enough room to turn our 24-foot van around, so I backed up and repositioned the van toward the highway before leaving the campground.

After exiting, I noticed several overflow parking spaces along the shoulder of Highway 89. We found an open spot there and had no trouble accessing the trail from the campground entrance.

For oversized vehicles, vans, or trucks pulling trailers, the roadside parking may actually be the better option. The campground lot is relatively small and can fill quickly during busy periods. Arriving early will improve your chances of finding a space, especially on weekends and during the summer hiking season.

Is Crimson Trail Worth It?

Crimson Trail offers three completely different hiking experiences in a single loop: a steep forest climb, an easy rim walk with spectacular views, and a peaceful riverside finish. The elevation gain may surprise some hikers, but the scenery more than rewards the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike Crimson Trail?

We completed the Crimson Trail loop in approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including several stops for photographs and lunch along the rim. Most hikers should plan on spending 2.5 to 4 hours on the trail depending on pace, trail conditions, and how long they spend enjoying the views.

Which direction should you hike Crimson Trail?

We hiked the trail counter-clockwise and would recommend that direction. The route climbs steeply to the rim before leveling out along the scenic bluff section. The return includes a steep descent followed by an easy walk along the river back to the campground.

Is Crimson Trail difficult?

Crimson Trail is generally considered a moderate hike. The climb to the rim is fairly steep, and the descent on the opposite side can be hard on the knees. Once on the rim, however, the trail becomes much easier and allows hikers to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Can you hike Crimson Trail and Wind Cave on the same day?

Yes. We hiked both trails on the same day and found they pair together very well. The trailheads are only about 1.5 miles apart, making it easy to drive between them. If you have a half day available in Logan Canyon, hiking both trails makes for an excellent outing.

Is Crimson Trail safe for children and dogs?

Many families hike portions of Crimson Trail, and we encountered several young children on the trail during our visit. However, the rim section contains steep drop-offs in several areas. Parents should closely supervise children, and dogs should remain leashed at all times. The views are spectacular, but caution is warranted near the edges.

Can you hike Crimson Trail in winter?

Crimson Trail remains accessible during the winter months, but snow and ice can make sections of the trail hazardous, especially near the rim and on the steeper climbs and descents. Traction devices such as microspikes are highly recommended when snow or ice is present. Winter hikers should also pay close attention to weather conditions before heading out.

Summary

Crimson Trail turned out to be one of our favorite hikes in Logan Canyon. The combination of steep climbing, dramatic canyon views, and a relaxing riverside finish makes it a memorable trail that deserves more attention. If you are already visiting Wind Cave, Bear Lake, or exploring northern Utah, Crimson Trail is well worth adding to your itinerary.

If you’re curious how we ended up hiking Crimson Trail in the first place, our abandoned Idaho road trip unexpectedly led us to northern Utah and several of our favorite hikes of the trip.

From Logan Canyon to Antelope Island

After leaving Logan Canyon, we spent a few days on Antelope Island where we hiked the Dooley Knob Trail, camped inside the state park, and explored the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. The island offered a completely different experience, trading mountain scenery for open grasslands, wildlife, and expansive views across the Great Salt Lake.

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Would you hike the entire Crimson Trail loop, or would you turn around once you reached the rim? Let us know in the comments below.