Ferguson canyon is small canyon between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This canyon has gained popularity over the last few year and is a popular destination for rock climbers. This is one hike that the canyon itself is the destination. The hike can be whatever you want to be. You can follow the trail to the end and get to a summit or just make it to the shaded canyon wall and stream.
The trailhead is located off Timberline Drive. Because of the popularity of this trail over the last few years, a new parking lot and trailhead have been established. Follow all signs in this area to help keep it open and accessible. Just off of the parking lot, you can climb up in to a mini ampitheater. If you have kids, have them stand on the stage and yell so they hear their echo. They will love it and you will start the trip off having fun.
The trail follows an utility road up and passed the water towers. At this point you will see the trail start decend into the canyon. Soon the trail will meet up with a small creek coming out of the canyon. The trail follows this creek for almost the entire hike. Continue to follow the trail back uphill into the canyon. The trail will now come to some granite walls. You will often find climbers on these walls trying to finish their next route.
Now you can continue through this canyon and start to ascend out of this canyon to an overlook, or you can just end here in this canyon. The canyon is a quick escape from the busy city and shows just how fast you can get into the wilderness. If you have never been to Ferguson head up there and explore. If you have, it might just be time to revisit.
Also a quick note, dogs are allowed in Ferguson Canyon on a leash. So bring your four legged friend along with you on this hike.
How to get there: From anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley take I-215 east until you reach the 6200 South Exit (Exit 6). Drive east on 6200 S. The road will turn into Wasatch Boulevard. Follow Wasatch Boulevard south until you come to the intersection of Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South). This intersection is located about 1.7 miles after exiting I-215 (There is a 7-Eleven on the South-West corner). Go through this intersection and take you next left on Prospector Dr. Take a quick right and follow this up to Timberline Dr. on your left. Take Timberline for a few hundred yards and you will come to the trailhead. Google Maps
