Alien Tower is an unusual structure with a view and is part of the Deer Ridge Off Leash Area in Draper, Utah. The whole trail allows dogs, but some parts require leashes, so keep an eye on the signs. This trail begins at the end of Deer Ridge Drive. There are two trails that begin here. The Telegraph Trail is also from this trailhead, but for this trail head straight beyond the chain and continue up the large dirt road. As you get a little higher you start to get a few views of the valleys on either side.
Right after the chain is a wooden fence and then the wide path continues up the hill in a very gradual incline.
There are great views both directions, towards Alpine and the Salt Lake Valley.
Sadly, on the day I took these fall photos a fire had just started in Provo Canyon, so that’s what the smoke cloud is. The views of Lone Peak and Alpine are beautiful.
It’s crazy to see all the homes built up in Suncrest on the top of the hill.
Keep an eye out as you climb. There is a loop in the middle of this trail. The main wide trail keeps going forward and then loops around counter-clockwise. If you want the slightly shorter, but steeper route, you will need to make a sharp turn to the left. This is from just passed it and looked back to see the left option. In this photo the left is where we came up and the right is the path to head up. I am standing on the other route to get to the top.
Here is a screenshot of my trail routes so you can see the options. The green dot is the parking area. You head up the trail and then is the split shown in the photo above. You can go either way around.
The wildflowers were just starting to bloom in mid-May!
In mid-October most of the wildflowers are long gone, but there were a few fall blooms.
The trail is quite wide, so this is a trail that could be done with a larger group. The incline is gradual. We saw many dogs on and off leash and luckily all were well-behaved. We also saw birds like this turkey vulture.
In that last photo you can see a bit of a split. It doesn’t really matter because the trail rejoins and heads off to the left at the top of that little hill.
One you get near the top you can actually see the “Alien Tower” if you look carefully. The path is mostly scrub oak.
The Alien Tower is actually a triangulation tower used in surveying to help tell how tall the different peaks are. This one is just over 6500 feet. There are some great views in all directions.
This trail is mostly exposed and is always breezy at the top, so bear that in mind as you hike.
Stats: Distance – 2.5 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 538 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks,
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – April-November
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other nearby trails are Jungle Trail, Ghost Falls, Draper Suspension Bridge, Ann’s Trail, Little Valley Instructional Trail, Lupine Trail, and Telegraph Trail.
