Dry Canyon

Overview

Dry Canyon creates a deep cleft in the center of Mount Logan and is the first canyon south of Logan Canyon. It provides easy access to the summit of Logan Peak and is the most commonly used route to the top. It is about 4 miles long and gains about 4000 ft. of elevation.

Getting There

Dry Canyon lies at the end of Mountain Road in Logan, Utah, Mountain Road is really and extension of Center streeet so it is easy to find. Just follow Center Stree East as far as you can go. It will veer to the left once you get to the top of a hill in the eastern part of town. Then you will take a right onto Mountain Road and follow it to the end.

Route Description

The climb starts slowly from the trailhead and is actually a nice walk for a while. Elevation gain is very gradual. Near the mouth of the canyon the walls are made of jagged spires and pinnacles of rock that would be a climbers paradise. They rock formations are all easily accessed and would present a challenge to climbers.
At lower elevatations the forest consists mainly of Big Tooth Maples and juniper. In the summer it is quite shady in the bottom of the canyon. As you go higher the most prevalent trees become Aspen and it stays that way until you are nearly to the top. Then is is mostly pine and fir. The north wall of of the canyon is mostly bare and covered with brush but the south wall is covered mostly in pines for the entire distance.
For about the first 2 miles there is very gradual elevation gain and the trail is very well maitained but in the 3rd mile it starts to gain elevation rapidly, switchbacking up an Aspen covered ridge. Near the top of this ridge the main trail takes off to the west and follows the north wall for a while before is drops into Logan Canyon. DO NOT FOLLOW THE TRAIL. You will leave the trail at the top of the Aspen covered ridge. The last mile is a bushwhack and is quite steep. You will want to stay out of the trees as much as possible because there is a lot of dead fall. The best route would be to cut diagonally across the back of the canyon in a southern direction as you work your way to the top.

Essential Gear

Dry Canyon is true to its name. It has no water. There is one spring if you continue along the established trail near where is goes over the ridge and into Logan Canyon but that is all and it is quite far out of your way. Just bring your own water.
you will need a windbreaker or a jacket because the top is very windy.
If there is snow bring gaiters.

Images

View Dry Canyon Image Gallery - 16 Images