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OPHIR — Somewhere in-between the towns of Lehi and Tooele, nestled right up against the Oquirrh Mountain Range is an old mining town by the name of Ophir. Once a bustling mining town that reported 6,000 residents who were there to strike it rich during during the late 1800s, it is now a quiet ghost town with just a few dozen residents who call it home.
While the mountain range may be long devoid of its precious metals, there is still plenty of beauty to behold as you traverse the many trails once used by miners more than 130 years ago.
One such trail is known as the Lion Hill Loop — a 7.36-mile loop hike that will take you the better part of the day to finish. But, that’s not the one we’re highlighting here.
Right next to the Lion Hill Loop Trailhead, there is a quaint little trail that heads up the mountain where hikers can explore without the worry of sharing the road with ATVs. However, this little trail does allow mountain bikers and dogs so be sure to share the trail.
First, to get there from Tooele, you must head south on Highway 36, then take a left on Highway 73 toward Ophir Canyon road. From Lehi, you will need to take Highway 73 west to the Ophir Canyon Road.
Once you get on the road, you will pass through the town where you will be welcomed with wonderfully preserved mine artifacts, old saloons and stores, as well as a sign asking you to please drive slowly (20 mph for cars; 10 mph for ATVs). Obey the laws of the town, and enjoy the view.
The paved road will end, and you will then need to drive on a dirt road for approximately 1 mile before you will see a sign for the Lion Hill Loop on your right-hand side. This is not where you turn. Keep going a little farther, and you will see a large gravel parking lot with a sign outlining the history of Ophir and the trails within.
You may even see a cow — or two or three. Not to worry, they are just there to eat the grass and leave large droppings.
Once parked, you will see two trails: The larger Lion Hill Trail and a smaller one that has no name, but is marked with a sign saying “No ATVs.” This is our hike.
This single-track path begins with a short, steep hike that lasts approximately 50 meters. Once there, you will be opened up to a world of trees, including tall, white quaking aspens that line the path. Your eyes will instantly be drawn upward as you head up the mountain, and you will be so overcome with beauty, that you will forget that there are cow pies below — really, you will.
The single-track dirt path will be easier to see at times than others, but it is there. There are also other offshoots that connect to each other that are fun to explore.
On the right-hand side of the trail as you head up, there is a wash that has eroded some of the hillside away, causing a few trees to fall across the path. Not to worry, just step over the trees and admire the termite lines that have created a natural calligraphy-looking art across the wood grain.
About a half mile up the path, there will be more trails to explore, or you can turn back around for a short out-and-back hike. Because there is no set loop from this trail, we suggest that if you choose to head up farther, that you eventually turn around and make your hike an out-and-back.
And when you do head back, keep your head up as to not miss the stunning views of the always amazing Oquirrh Mountain range.
