Monday, November 23, 2020

Frog Hollow - Hurricane, Utah

 Frog Hollow is the canyon immediately to the north of Molli's Nipple, one of Hurricane, Utah's best known landmarks. To get to the beginning of the hike, follow 700 West as far south as you can. That will take you to the Rainbow Canyon subdivision. There is currently a lot of construction going on in the area with new houses being built, but if you head as far south and east (toward the cliffs) you will see a gate off to the side of the road (it is currently located near the corner of 675 W 2500 S). 

The gate is the start of the hike. 

Here's a look at the gate which is currently (in 2020) off a dirt road.

Frog hollow is a canyon with 2 dry water falls (unless it is raining) which are impassible. You can explore the lower canyon up to the first dry waterfall which is about a half mile round trip up a dry river bed through brush with one small climbing obstacle near the beginning of the hike. To do this, once you go through the gate, head down into the wash and head into the canyon. This is a fun hike for families and smaller children.

Here's a look down into the first canyon from above as it ends at the first dry waterfall.

The middle canyon to the second dry waterfall requires you to cross the wash and begin hiking up the steep trail to Mollie's Nipple. The trail isn't necessarily dangerous, it's just extremely steep with loose rocks that can be slippery. There are many break off trails along the way, most of which end up in the same place. To be sure you are on the right trail, follow the most defined trail, usually the steeper of the options. Once to a small plateau with a large boulder that obstructs your view of the subdivision below, continue up the steep trail for a short while until you come to a "Y" in the trail. 

At this "Y" in the trail, stay left on less steep route. 


At the "Y" shown in the picture above, you'll follow the trail to the left which takes you into the canyon, above the first dry waterfall and slightly above the second dry waterfall. You'll come to another "Y" shortly thereafter. Again, stay on the left most trail that is less steep.

This is the second "Y" you come to. Again stay left.

The trails that go up the hill to the right will take you up to Mollie's Nipple. You'll soon be rewarded with a view up the canyon where you can see the first dry waterfall below you and the second dry waterfall off in the distance and slightly below you. 

Here's a look at the second dry waterfall in the distance. The trail at this point continues off to the right in this picture.

Continue on the defined trail on the right canyon wall. You'll pass through an old cattle fence that has seen better days.

Here's a look at the old cattle fence you pass through.

Just a short ways past the fence, the trail "Y's" again.

This is the "Y" in the trail just after the fence. I recommend the trail that breaks off to the left, although both ways will take you to where you need to go.

The trail that breaks off to the left down the hill takes you to the top of the first waterfall and lets you explore the middle canyon to the second dry waterfall. You can go either way to get above the second waterfall and explore further up-canyon. Judi, my 6 year old and I took the trail to the right and we made it although it was a little sketchy in places with some exposure. I recommend taking the trail that starts off to the left down the hill. Eventually it turns to the right and heads up-canyon above the canyon bottom.
Here's a look into the middle canyon and the second dry waterfall from above. 


  
 

Once to the left of the second dry waterfall, there is another "Y" in the trail seen here. If you want to take a break and explore just above the waterfall, take the trail to the left that will head down to the river bottom. Otherwise, if you just want to get to the end of the canyon, a more direct route stays on the trail to the right, slightly above the dry riverbed.

Keep following this trail and stay to the right when it "Y's" above the second waterfall. From here any semblance of a trail is very intermittent but the way to go is obvious since you just keep following the canyon until it ends. Here are a few pictures further up the canyon:

 




Overall the hike to the end of the canyon and back is 3 miles. If you enjoy solitude, this hike is great! Chances are that once you get back into the canyon, you won't see another person the rest of the way. There are some minor drop offs on the way to the upper canyon from the middle canyon that didn't affect me or my 6 year old, but those with a fear of heights might want to stick to the lower or middle canyons.