Phelps Canyon Overview

There are several ways to climb Box Elder Peak. The harder to find, more senic and direct route from the Alpine Trail Head is Phelps Canyon. This not so obvious "hard to find the turn" trail will send you zig zaging, traversing, tree hopping, tree ducking, bushwacking and route finding. However, the views of the Alpine Ridge and Box Elder's extensive terracing can make up for all the suffering involved. Late summer, fall and early winter are the best times of year for this route. In the spring and summer you can expect some bushwacking and in the dead of winter the route is quite difficult to follow. Overall Phelps Canyon is worth the effort for the hiker who can find it.

A beautiful sunset from the summit

A view of the Alpine Ridge from Phelps Canyon

Heading up Phelps Canyon

Some of Box Elder Peak's extensive Terracing efforts

Brad heading up Phelps Canyon

Getting There

From I-15 get off at the Alpine Exit. Turn tward the hills and drive into the town of Alpine. Take a left at 5300 West and you should come up on a round about. Go to Main St. and continue driving till you reach 200 North. Take a right and head a couple of blocks up to 200 East. Make a left onto 200 East and follow this road all the way to the parking lot.

The last of the light above Phelps Canyon

A beautiful sunset over Utah Lake from the top of Phelps Canyon

How to find Phelps Canyon

Start up the Dry Creek Canyon Trail. Follow this trail for 10 to 15 min and then start looking for the trail that makes a sharp 160 degree right turn. Some say it is easy to find however others would disagree. Good luck, I have personally missed this one several times.