This is a shortcut to the highest bench and 360 degree viewpoint at the top of the Blackridge, Sidewinder and Diamondback Loop trail. This route cuts off 1.4 miles.
This trail begins at the Friendship Drive Trailhead. There isn’t a parking lot, but there is room for several cars without parking in front of homes.
Head up through path as it heads back behind the homes.
Soon you will arrive at the first bench. Both these are taken from about the same spot, the first looking east back along the Friendship Access Trail and the second photo showing the Diamondback Trail that will take you to the top.
Head up the hill until you come to the trail junction with Sidewinder. Stay right on Diamondback for this main trail, but there is an optional tiny addition to detour left I will describe at the end.
Head up the hill continuing on Diamondback. Here is the view from this point.
Up on the hills there were lots of crows circling.
This section winds back and forth up the hill to the top, which keeps it from getting too steep.
At the top is a bench with great views from all sides! These first two are looking back the way you came up.
This is the view looking the other direction down at Blackridge Reservoir.
If you choose, you can add a little detour to an additional look out bench with painted rocks. First you will pass this hillside with lots of Desert Indian Paintbrush.
On the north side of the hill is the bench with the painted rocks around.
Here are the views from the bench, looking southwest towards the Copper Mine and east towards the Wasatch Bench.
Stats: Distance – 2.4 miles round trip (optional detour adds 0.3 miles)
Approximate hiking time – 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 387 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Yes
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other trails nearby are Blackridge, Sidewinder and Diamondback Loop, Fallen Officers Memorial Trail (in May), Sensei Trail, Hidden Hollow Trails, Prayer Flag Hill, Turtle Hill, Eagle Mountain Petroglyphs, and Powell Lake.
