The Grove Creek to Battle Creek Loop is a strenuous 7-8 mile loop in Pleasant Grove, Utah that changes landscapes as increase elevation from shale canyon and waterfalls, to pines, aspens, and then meadows. On the way down you do them in reverse through the other canyon.
Directions
You can begin this loop at either the Grove Creek Canyon Trailhead or the Battle Creek Falls Trailhead. Both are about a mile apart in Pleasant Grove. You can take two cars, drop one off at a trailhead and then drive to the other to start, or just plan to walk the mile between them at the beginning or end of the loop. I will describe this loop beginning at the Grove Creek Trailhead.
In early July Follow the Flag hangs an enormous American Flag in Grove Creek Canyon.
At the junction take the left path up the hill.
The path never goes right to the river, but it’s nearby. One fall I went down to it and snapped some photos.
After the junction the path rises steeply. In the fall the colors are so beautiful!
There are some switchbacks that give you good views of Utah Valley below.
As you get higher, you see the shale rock in the canyon.
There are some scree fields, which are collections of loose little rocks. The path is stable, but if you are terrified of heights, this trail may not be a good fit for you.
We saw several lizards on the sides of the trail.
As you get higher up in the canyon you get views of a waterfall.
The waterfall isn’t always robust.
The path doesn’t go right near the falls, but you can see them closer along the trail.
The views down the canyon at this point are really beautiful!
Just around the corner you see a bridge and some little waterfalls.
The next section is through the pine trees.
There are a couple little water crossings.
There are aspens along the trail.
The meadows in this section are beautiful!
Grove Creek Spring is a little water source in the meadow. Some people make this their destination.
Just after the spring you turn right along the trail to head south.
You get a great view of the valley and Utah Lake!
There is one more hill up through the aspen trees.
At the top is an even bigger meadow.
You can see Big Baldy to the south.
To the east you can see the front of Timp.
There are some signs directing your way, but a downloaded map is still helpful your first time on this loop.
Follow the trail
There are wildflowers in June.
There are occasionaly views of the city and lake below.
There is a sign to turn right again to head down Battle Creek Canyon.
These pictures don’t show it, but the trail is really steep.
Battle Creek Canyon also has a similar shale.
You have to cross the water a few times.
This shows how steep some sections are. These two photos are looking at the same part of the trail from above and below.
There are some great views down the canyon!
You will arrive at the higher waterfall.
Right after you come to the top of Battle Creek Falls. You see it better as you come around the corner.
You can make a minor detour to the bottom of the falls.
These falls look pretty cool in the winter.
Head down the canyon.
There are some cool views looking back up Battle Creek Canyon too.
Along the way you might see butterflies.
Or maybe even a bighorn sheep.
The wildflowers can be really pretty, especially in May and June.
At about 7.2 miles you arrive at the Battle Creek Trailhead. If you have a shuttle car you are done or if not you turn though the Kiwanis Park to head back to the Pleasant Grove Trailhead.
Stats: Distance – 7.2-8.0 miles roundtrip (depends on if you connect the trailheads or shuttle)
Approximate hiking time – 3 to 5 hours
Elevation gain – 2,611 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At Trailheads
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
