Dark Trail

Utah

Tooele County

Tooele

Dark Trail

Easy

4.8

(2108)

16,493

hikers

Dark Trail

Q: Where is the Dark Trail located?

The Dark Trail is located in Settlement Canyon, near Tooele, Utah. It's a popular hiking destination within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area.

Q: What is the terrain like on this trail?

The trail features a relatively smooth and mostly flat path, making it generally easy to intermediate. It follows along a ravine and runs slightly uphill in sections. While some parts may have uneven terrain, significant obstacles are minimal.

Q: Is the Dark Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is considered family-friendly and suitable for beginners due to its easy to intermediate difficulty and mostly smooth path. Its well-shaded environment also makes it comfortable for all ages.

Q: Is the trail a loop or an out-and-back?

The Dark Trail is approximately 1.6 miles one way, making it primarily an out-and-back trail for a roundtrip of about 3 miles. However, it can also be hiked as a shuttle trail since it runs along the road, or extended further into Settlement Canyon.

Q: What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?

The trail is known for its abundant foliage, providing significant shade, especially in summer. It's exceptionally beautiful in the fall when leaves change color. You might spot birds like Cooper's hawks, Downy Woodpeckers, and spotted towhees, as well as small mammals like squirrels. Interesting rock formations are also visible along the way.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Dark Trail?

The trail is accessible year-round. It's particularly pleasant during warmer days due to its significant shade. Fall is considered exceptionally beautiful when the leaves change color, offering a vibrant hiking experience.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Dark Trail?

The research indicates that the trail is family-friendly, which often implies dog-friendly. However, specific leash rules or restrictions for dogs within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area should be verified with local authorities before your visit.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for Settlement Canyon Recreation Area?

Yes, Settlement Canyon Recreation Area typically requires an entrance fee or permit for access. It's advisable to check the official Tooele City or Settlement Canyon Recreation Area website for current fee structures and permit requirements before planning your trip.

Q: Where can I park to access the Dark Trail?

The trail can be accessed from various points along Settlement Canyon Road. Specific parking areas or trailheads are usually designated within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area. Look for official signage for trailhead access and parking.

Q: Does the Dark Trail intersect with other paths?

Yes, while hiking the Dark Trail , you will also encounter sections of the Left Hand Fork Trail and the Ridge Trail.

01:17

4.58km

90m

Hiking

Step onto the Dark Trail in Settlement Canyon, Tooele, and immediately feel the embrace of its namesake shade. This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) out-and-back hike winds through dense foliage along a ravine, offering a smooth dirt path punctuated by occasional rocky sections and fascinating rock formations. It's a truly mellow experience, perfect for a quick nature escape that takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trailhead is easily accessible with parking available. This route is popular year-round, but for the most spectacular scenery, aim for the fall when the leaves transform into a vibrant display. With only 282 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle climb suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

What makes this trail stand out is its consistent shade and family-friendly nature, making it a local favorite for those seeking an easy, rewarding outdoor activity. Beyond hiking, it's also a popular spot for beginner mountain bikers and runners. Keep an eye out for various birds and small mammals that call this wooded canyon home.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

453 m

Dark Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Dark Trail in Tooele, Utah, is popular, a family-friendly hike in Settlement Canyon. Starting near the reservoir, you follow a slightly uphill trail along a ravine just off the road. The hike is easy and relatively flat, about 3 miles roundtrip if done as an out-and-back. The trail is named for its shaded canopy that is especially lush in summer and offers a cool, scenic walk. It's accessible year-round, with beautiful red, orange, and golden foliage in the fall. Once you hit the road, most turn around, but you actually can continue down the trail after walking down Settlement Canyon Road for a short period. Keep in mind that if you do continue onward to Upper Dark Trail, it does cut through private property so please be respectful.

Tip by

4.58 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.54 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.54 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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Weather

Today

Friday 9 October

27°C

13°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Dark Trail located?

The Dark Trail is located in Settlement Canyon, near Tooele, Utah. It's a popular hiking destination within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area.

What is the terrain like on this trail?

The trail features a relatively smooth and mostly flat path, making it generally easy to intermediate. It follows along a ravine and runs slightly uphill in sections. While some parts may have uneven terrain, significant obstacles are minimal.

Is the Dark Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is considered family-friendly and suitable for beginners due to its easy to intermediate difficulty and mostly smooth path. Its well-shaded environment also makes it comfortable for all ages.

Is the trail a loop or an out-and-back?

The Dark Trail is approximately 1.6 miles one way, making it primarily an out-and-back trail for a roundtrip of about 3 miles. However, it can also be hiked as a shuttle trail since it runs along the road, or extended further into Settlement Canyon.

What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?

The trail is known for its abundant foliage, providing significant shade, especially in summer. It's exceptionally beautiful in the fall when leaves change color. You might spot birds like Cooper's hawks, Downy Woodpeckers, and spotted towhees, as well as small mammals like squirrels. Interesting rock formations are also visible along the way.

What is the best time of year to hike the Dark Trail?

The trail is accessible year-round. It's particularly pleasant during warmer days due to its significant shade. Fall is considered exceptionally beautiful when the leaves change color, offering a vibrant hiking experience.

Are dogs allowed on the Dark Trail?

The research indicates that the trail is family-friendly, which often implies dog-friendly. However, specific leash rules or restrictions for dogs within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area should be verified with local authorities before your visit.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for Settlement Canyon Recreation Area?

Yes, Settlement Canyon Recreation Area typically requires an entrance fee or permit for access. It's advisable to check the official Tooele City or Settlement Canyon Recreation Area website for current fee structures and permit requirements before planning your trip.

Where can I park to access the Dark Trail?

The trail can be accessed from various points along Settlement Canyon Road. Specific parking areas or trailheads are usually designated within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area. Look for official signage for trailhead access and parking.

Does the Dark Trail intersect with other paths?

Yes, while hiking the Dark Trail, you will also encounter sections of the Left Hand Fork Trail and the Ridge Trail.

Are there any amenities or facilities near the trail?

The trail is located within the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area, which may offer basic facilities. For more extensive amenities like cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would need to visit nearby Tooele, Utah.