Pole Canyon Trail - Hiking in Manti LaSal National Forest

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Manti LaSal National Forest
Hiking - Pole Canyon Trail

This trail ascends along the bottom and north slope of Pole Canyon to Gentry Mountain. It climbs 1650 feet from 7950 feet in elevation to 9600 feet. The trails begins in spruce/fir stands and passes through scattered Douglas-fir for the first mile. It then enters sagebrush/snowberry meadows intermixed with Aspen and Mountain Mahogany until it intersects with Forest development road (FDR) 250 on Gentry Mountain.

Trail Data

: Access: This trail can be traveled from about mid-May through October. It is possible to travel up this trail and then return to the trailhead via Bull Pasture Trail #072 or Wild Cattle Hollow Trail #172. Loop trips including these two trails would require a vehicle shuttle or travel along roads. Total length would be 9 miles and 11 miles respectively.; Trailhead: Approximately 20 miles from Huntington, Utah on the northeast side of SR31 (Huntington Canyon).; Length: 2 miles.; Difficulty: Difficult (All methods of travel).; Travel Time: 2.5 Hours from Huntington Canyon.; Suitability: This trail is suitable for foot, mountain bike and horse travel.; Trail Ends: On FDR 250, along Wild Cattle Ridge on Gentry Mountain.

Additional Information

Recreational Opportunities: This trail provides scenic views of Huntington Canyon and River, East Mountain, and Gentry Ridge and Hollow. Wildlife that may be encountered include deer and Coopers Hawks. Elk are often seen in this area in early spring. Trail use is light throughout the summer and moderate during the big game hunting seasons.

Geology: The trail begins in the Mancos Shale (approximately 100-120 million years old) and climbs through the Blackhawk Formation, from which most of Utah's coal is produced. It then travels through the Castlegate Sandstone, named for exposures in Price Canyon where its sandstone cliffs seem to form a gate into the Castle Valley. The trail ends in the North Horn Formation (approximately 60-70 million years old) on top of Wild Cattle Ridge. Most of the rocks you will see represent cyclic deposition along the shoreline of an ancient sea. Fossilized snails, clams, fish, and plants can be found.

History: The trail is in a travel restricted area (see Travel Map), and is limited to toot, horse, and bicycle use only. The area is also grazed by cattle and several cow trails intersect this trail on Wild Cattle Ridge and can make the trail route confusing. During the summer, lightning poses a hazard along the ridge tops especially during the afternoon hours. Any drinking water obtained along the trail should be appropriately treated before use. Due to the general lack of snow at lower elevations, this trail is not considered skiable.

Maps