Cold Water Trail East #7038

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Driving Directions:
From I-15, take US-89 from Brigham City through Sardine Canyon into Logan. After exiting the canyon into Cache Valley, take the second left onto HWY-23 through Wellsville into Mendon. After about 7 miles, take a sharp left onto Main Street, and an immediate right onto a gravel road (high-clearance vehicle recommended). Follow this road until it ends at the trailhead.

The trail is in great condition up to Cold Water Lake. The vegetation hugging the trail after the lake makes trail running nearly impossible. Beware of vegetation around your feet and head.

In the first mile you'll pass Coldwater Lake (really a small pond). Stay on the main trail after the lake. The trail traverses along the mountainside and then ascends rapidly and steadily as it climbs up towards the ridge. From here you'll have great views of Cache Valley below. The trail is surrounded by thick vegetation in parts—be prepared to bushwhack and climb through trees that have overgrown the trail. It tops out at Stewart Pass.

While this is the end of the trail, you should go left. Run along the ridge to Wellsville Cone. The mountain resembles a cinder cone on its north side. The route drops west into the saddle and then climbs back up south to Box Elder Peak. The summit consists of a pile of rocks; traditionally another rock is added by each runner.

Many types of wildflowers, such as Indian Paint Brush. Expect to encounter many biting flies among the vegetation. Possible to see deer, elk, mountain lion, and snakes.