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 Reporter |
Summary: Mt.Thurston stands at 9706 feet and is the tallest peak in Davis and Morgan Counties. There are several trails that can take you to the top of Thurston. The trail I choose was the shortest. This route is not normally accessible until late June or early July. On the Fourth of July their were still some large snow drifts on the east slopes. This route follows a section of the Great Western Trail from the base of Mt Francis to the base of Mt Thurston. Then continues north. Approximately 1/2 mile before you reach the summit you will leave the main trail and scramble along a poorly defined trail to the top. On my trip I disturbed a young rattle snake so watch carefully. The views along this trail and from the top of Mt. Thurston are breathtaking. To the South you can see all the way into Salt Lake City and to the West is the Great Salt Lake. During early summer you will enjoy green alpine meadows and wild flowers everywhere. Trailhead: From I-15, take the Lagoon Drive/Farmington exit (#326 from the south or #327 from the north) and head East to U.S. Highway 106 (Farmington's Main Street). On Main Street, drive south towards town. Turn east on 600 North then turn north on 100 East (Skyline drive) follow this road up Farmington canyon 13 miles. The drive up Farmington Canyon is an adventure in itself and is not for anyone squeamish with heights, and this includes passengers! The drive can be made in most vehicles, however, 11.5 of the 13 miles is on dirt road without guardrails. The road is suited best for a truck or SUV and careful driving. At the top of the canyon take the road to the left that leads you to the base of Mt. Francis. Francis is notable for the giant FAA radar domes. Just south of the domes is a good parking area. The hike begins near the base of Mt Francis. If you have a high clearance vehicle you may drive 1.8 more miles further along a poorly maintained mountain road. (Lat:41.08056 Lon:-111.85022) Trail Guides for Francis to Thurston : Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Ogden Ranger District 507 25th Street, Suite 103, Ogden, Utah 84401; 801-625-511 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Matty Ross, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sonya on 7/28/2009 Have done this hike twice, and each time just as enjoyable, a great view the whole way! 
Reviewed by cg on 7/26/2009 Beautiful vistas all around. Cool despite the midday sun. There were many wildflowers in bloom even at the end of July. Several pheasant flew out of the bushes and we spied a long rattlesnake. The road up is a favorite with the ATV set but beyond that there was no one. A lovely hike all around and not strenous.
Reviewed by jmw on 7/19/2007 I know this area well. Buatiful, make sure you pick up some trash on your way. And if you have a jeep, there are some roads for you. But please stay on the roads. :) Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Davis County Hiking, Davis County Trails, Davis County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||