Dream Packer Trail Adventures: Ephraim Canyon--Scandinavian~Mirkwood

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Ephraim Canyon--Scandinavian~Mirkwood

(updated August 25, 2023)

I have split the Ephraim Canyon trails into now 7 different posts. Please read them all before venturing there. Here is a link to a recent video. (I had to turn the sound off.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIn2_Ick-9I

The Mirkwood and Scandinavian are fairly new (2020-21) but are definitely favorites during the summer season.

Here is a good overview of the trail system: http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/ephraim-canyon.htm?fbclid=IwAR37zkiiH2kL_LBdM3GCRfJfqYL_51tvuO9cA1ngpIiDZNhHfdFL5Gz3ENI

And here is another good site: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1p3r3Yz3gtqybACufeLvwVtiQCaL9bIBg&shorturl=1&ll=39.33094206778154%2C-111.49722740998462&z=15

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/scandinavian/

(Remember to click on any photo to open enlarged images.)

Scandinavian Trail, May 16, 2022

Yay!!!! as of July, 2023, A GATE has been inserted to make this obstacle passable for horses and humans at about .2 miles in on the Scandinavian Trail. Thank you to whoever did this.

Thank you to whoever put in this gate .4 miles in on the Mirkwood Trail!! As of August 25, 2023, we didn't even have to go through the gate, but rode around it.

Logging area, Mirkwood Trail, August 25, 2023

Loop done on August 25, 2023. Included the Templar, Mirkwood, Scandinavian and Stop Watch trails. Total mileage=5.9; Downed timber=1 spot; Gates=2; Boggy spots=2;

On October 8, 2020 we parked at Ponderosa TH and rode up to Willow Creek Road TH. From there we went on a trail recon and found a lovely trail that sort of paralleled the Willow Creek forest service road (0051). It begins at the intersection of FS road 0051 and the canyon road. See the photo below☺. I found out later it has a name: Scandinavian Trail. https://www.trailforks.com/trails/scandinavian/

Here is a photo (2020) of the entry with the smiley face paper plate. Since this photo was taken, this entrance has been revamped and no more smiley face. 😂, But an actual trail sign.

Same spot as above only 2.5 years later.

There are a few new trail signs.

Here is our track for that day, October 8, 2020--6.75 miles round trip. 85% soft dirt, 15% slightly gravelly or rocky. Altitude=7,388' to 7,848'.

The above ride was stellar...soft trails, vibrant colors, forests of maples, evergreens, aspens. Almost perfect. Just missing a water feature. It included Stop Watch, all of Scandinavian and even rode a portion of a trail we found out is named "Patriot." I had originally thought it was "Maple Syrup", but that trail has been closed, re-routed. Too bad, somehow I like the name Maple Syrup better

The following photos are from our October 8, 2020 ride of the Scandinavian Trail:

NEXT UPDATE--OCTOBER 14, 2020 ride included most of what is called "Mirkwood" Trail. This trail was just completed in 2020 and is amazing in my opinion. Why? Soft, wide dirt trail that has many ups and downs and winds through forest of aspen, evergreen, maples, willows and has expansive views of the Ephraim area. We will be going back here often. Only thing missing is that water feature.

The following photos are on the Mirkwood Trail:

This was our track for Oct. 14, 2020. About 7 miles. We parked at Ponderosa. It included part of the Ponderosa Trail, most of the Scandinavian and Mirkwood trails. Elevation=7,382' to 8,068'. Trail conditions=90% soft dirt, 10% gravelly or somewhat rocky.

For more information run a search for "Mirkwood" trail in Ephraim Canyon.

(Update: We went on Saturday, May 15, 2021 and only saw one other person on a trail--he was riding a bike on the lower trail. There is a small stream across the Scandinavian for horses and dogs to drink, but it disappears later in the season.)