Blackridge, Sidewinder and Diamondback Loop is a beautiful hiking and mountain biking route in Yellow Fork Canyon in Herriman, Utah. This trail begins on the west corner of Blackridge Reservoir heading north.
The trail then curves around the hill so it’s facing west. It crosses a maintenance road and then winds up the hill to the southwest.
Soon you come to the intersection for Blackridge and Sidewinder Trails. You can go either way, but I will describing this counter-clockwise, starting with Sidewinder that heads up and around to the north. There will probably be a mountain bikers or trail runners on this trail. Everyone has been very courteous for me, but be aware and prepared to step to the side if needed.
On this trail you are likely to see lots of beautiful wildflowers and a few cacti!
As you head along the mountainside you get different views of the Salt Lake Valley.
The bench on the north side of the hill has painted rocks near it.
Here are the views from the bench, looking southwest towards the Copper Mine and east towards the Wasatch Bench.
Here is a view of the local neighborhood and a few closeups of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and downtown Salt Lake City.
Continue around the mountain and see the hillside dotted with Desert Indian Paintbrush.
Up on the hill there were lots of crows circling.
When you come to the next intersection, you can take an optional detour to a lower bench. It’s mostly if you want a little added workout.
This trail heads down to the corner of the neighborhood by the Friendship Drive Trailhead.
Return back up the hill to the Sidewinder Diamondback intersection sign.
Head right to continue our hike along the Diamondback trail. This section winds back and forth up the hill.
At the top is a bench with great views from all sides!
Now you can head down the path to the south with a view of Blackridge Reservoir below.
There are a few isolated huge boulders along the trail.
Further on there are a few random trees on the hillside.
Soon you arrive at the last overlook bench and the junction to Erik’s Trail that heads up further into Yellow Fork Canyon.
Now head back down to the trailhead. Be aware of the downhill cyclist sections of trails to avoid them if on foot.
While hiking I saw a raven overhead. Please leave no trace and clean up trash. Both the raven and I were disappointed in this broken water bottle and he dropped it shortly after I took this photo. I also saw quail and other birds, but didn’t get a good photo. There weren’t many insects about, but I did see a couple grasshoppers.
Stats: Distance – 3.6 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 1-3 hours
Elevation gain – 495 feetÂ
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Yes
Seasons to hike – Year Round (use micro-spikes in winter)Â
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
An abbreviated version of some of this trail is called the Overlook Bench from Friendship Drive. In May you can check out the Fallen Officer Memorial Trail . Other trails nearby are Rose Canyon Spring Trail, Sensei Trail, Hidden Hollow Trails, Prayer Flag Hill, Turtle Hill, Eagle Mountain Petroglyphs, and Powell Lake.
