The Limber Pine trail, located at the top of Logan Canyon in northern Utah, is a 1.3-mile loop that is a good hike for families with kids. If you’re in the area to visit Bear Lake, then this trail is a short diversion for something to do when you’re not on the water.
The Hike
A pleasant stroll on a nature trail is a more apt description of the Limber Pine hike. The path begins at a small parking area on the south side of Highway 89, just 6.4 miles west of Garden City. The trailhead is very well signed and easy to see from the road.
Limber Pine is a loop, and you may choose to hike either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Either way is basically the same, though CCW seems to be the official way because the signs are numbered in that direction. The trail climbs 80-vertical feet at a mellow grade. Along the way, you’ll encounter several interpretive signs detailing the flora and fauna of the area. Of most interest are the explanations of how certain aspen and pine trees look bent and crooked, and how the Limber Pine itself came to grow so large.
Overall, the hiking is easy on a smooth path with ample shade from large evergreens. Don’t forget to stop and take in the view from an overlook on the west side of the loop.
The Limber Pine
The top of the hike is the top of Bear Lake Summit (also the highest point of of Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway. This is the home of the Limber Pine. It is truly an impressive tree that is estimated to be around 500 years old. What makes the Limber Pine even more unique is that it’s actually several trees that grew together to form a massive single form. According to the sign nearby, the Clark’s nutcracker bird is responsible. The theory is that the bird collected and buried several limber pine seeds and forgot about them. Those seeds grew into the giant tree we see today.
If young children showed no interest in the hike or reading informational signs, they will change their tune at the Limber Pine. My son loved to climb around the massive trunk and mighty branches.
After observing the pine, the other half of the hike awaits as the trail loops back around to the bottom of the hill and the roadside trailhead. In total the hike is only 1.3 miles with a total elevation gain of 80 vertical feet. That’s an easy hike for kids of any age.
Details
To get to the Limber Pine trail, drive up Logan Canyon on Highway 89, either from the City of Logan (30 miles) or from Garden City at Bear Lake (6.4 miles). The trailhead is at mile marker 492.
The parking lot is small, accommodating about a dozen vehicles. There is a forest service restroom at the trailhead.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be in leash at all times.