This Is The Place
1.Hike
2.Sled Down
The slippery trudge of the return trip is what makes many a hiker into a backcountry skier. Whether it be knocking your way down a shale field or trying not to slip and hit your bottom while stepping down packed snow, this is the “not fun” part of hiking, especially in the winter. Backcountry skiers get to make turns during their descent, but why should they have all the fun? They shouldn’t.
Neff’s Canyon is located in the township of Millcreek, just south of Mill Creek Canyon. Hikers head up the hill, and then (drum roll, please … ) they sled down. Your winter hiking game just got elevated a few notches. TRAILHEAD: 40.67713, -111.77622
Starting Out
At the onset of the trail, Neff’s Canyon has multiple intertwining—albeit unofficial—trails that weave around the main trail, run over old concrete pipes and through the creek bed. As the trail opens up a quarter-mile in, you’ll find a rope swing and you will want to cross the creek bed onto the main trail.
GPS: 40.67716, -111.77641
Dog-Friendly Hiking
One of the great things about Neff’s is that your pooch is allowed to play. The creek is nestled close to the trail for most of the hike, giving your pup running mountain water to lap up between sled runs or if you decide to continue up to the end of the trail.
Sled Time!
Continue up the main trail as long as your legs last, and then, hop on the sled you’ve brought up and wind your way down the now-broken trail. There’s no need to get fancy, grab yourself a plastic, lightweight number you get at most store. As the snow piles up, it creates bumpers, essentially, as you careen down the hill. Also, watch out for other folks who are hiking up—there’s only one lane.
