Car Graveyard | Farmington Canyon Trail Adventurin'
This was such a fun hike! Yes, it was a car graveyard. Yes, seeing the old cars was awesome. Yes, it has waterfalls. Yes, we had to cross several rivers. All of these things make for a good hike in our book, but even without the cars, this hike was incredible! The views were gorgeous and the trail was easy enough for the littles but hard enough to feel like a real-deal hike. We give it 10 stars! Can't wait to go again.
We have included detailed in directions below. Just drive up Farmington Canyon Road passed this sign 1.6 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Packing up the toddler and pups!
The trial starts in the North East corner of the parking lot. There is no sign. It goes straight up, then levels off.
This shot is looking back at the parking lot from the trailhead.
The colors in October are incredible.
Five minutes into the hike the kids spotted a small cave on our left.
The first car is at the second river. This picture is of the first river, more like a stream.
Wild berries.
Here is the second river. Marked with a tire. There is also a beautiful waterfall here. This spot is exactly 1 mile front the trail head.
Leave the main trail and head up behind the waterfall to find the first car!
Back to the main trail and on the search for the next car.
We found this metal structure on the left side of the trail right before we reached the second car.
The second car was our favorite! It was so old! This car is located off the right side of the trail. We decided this was a good spot to eat our snacks and take a break from picking up rocks every seven inches (hiking with toddlers).
The third car is just up the trail a little ways on the left side. This one is smashed up pretty good.
After car number three we decided to head back since we had been hiking for 3 hrs and needed to get back. But if you continue on the trail there is a fourth car at the third river crossing! (Not to much further from the 3rd car). And now we have an excuse to go back!
This is a great hike for all ages especially younger kids. My 2 year old could have walked the whole thing if she wasn't so slow and stopped to pick up rocks so often. The kids loved finding the cars and exploring them. The views were amazing. The trail is moderate and the hike was pretty easy. We all loved it. Perfect addition to your Fall Bucket List!
Directions to Farmington Canyon Trail Head: Drive like you are going to Farmington Pond, but instead of following the sign to "parking" take the right fork and head up the canyon on Farmington Canyon Rd. There will be a large dirt parking on your left, keep going straight ahead until you pass the National Forest sign. The trailhead is located 1.6 miles passed the Wasatch National Forest sign. You will see a dirt parking straight ahead. Park there. The trail head is in the northeast corner of the parking lot. And goes straight up!
This hike took us almost 4hrs. We hiked with 2 moms and 7 kids ages 2-11. 2 of them wanted to be carried half the time, or wanted to walk very very slowly and pick up rocks every 7 inches. Plus they took their time exploring each car. If we cut out all the distractions, I would estimate 2 hrs RT.
Distance: 3.8 miles The waterfall and 1st car are exactly 1 mile in.
Time: 2-4 hrs
Elevation gain: 1,166 ft
Moderate
Pets friendly
Kid friendly
Trail is well maintained
No bathrooms
Parking at trailhead
Take plenty of water and snacks
Not well shaded, be sure to take sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Yes, this hike is the best!
Yes, this hike is the best! We were introduced to it in the summer and have been back twice already! We also liked that there were three perfect spots to build fires along the trail. What a treasure of a trail, so close by!