On September 23, 1776, just weeks after the Declaration of Independence was signed, two Spanish Franciscan friars and their small party crested a hill at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon and got their first look at Utah Valley. Today, a towering white cross marks that moment, and a short hike above Spanish Fork takes you right to it. With big views of the valley, Utah Lake, and Mount Nebo, the Escalante Cross hike is one of the easiest ways to connect with a piece of history that dates back to America's very first year.
How Long Is the Escalante Cross Hike?
- Distance: About 2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: About 350 feet
- Time: About 1 hour round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a few short, steep, rocky sections
- Trailhead: Spanish Oaks Reservoir, Spanish Fork
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Restrooms: Available at the Spanish Oaks campground and reservoir area
Where Is the Escalante Cross Trailhead?
The hike starts at Spanish Oaks Reservoir, tucked into the foothills on the east side of Spanish Fork near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon. Park near the pavilion at the east end of the reservoir, where the Hidden Oaks Trail begins.
Escalante Cross Hike Map
Use the map below to find the trailhead parking, the trail junction, and the cross. Tap the icon in the top right corner to open the map on your phone before you go.
Escalante Cross Trail Directions
- Start on the Hidden Oaks Trail. From the parking area by the reservoir, follow the Hidden Oaks Trail as it drops into a shaded, oak-lined draw.
- Turn onto the Escalante Cross Trail. At the junction, stay left onto the Escalante Cross Trail and begin a gradual climb with views opening up over Spanish Fork.
- Climb to the ridge. Near the top, stay on the main path rather than the steeper shortcuts. The last stretch is short, rocky, and loose, so take your time.
- Reach the cross. The trail ends at the white cross on Dominguez Hill, overlooking the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah Lake, and much of Utah Valley. Return the way you came.
The History Behind the Escalante Cross
On July 29, 1776, Fathers Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante left Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a small party hoping to find an overland route to the Spanish missions in Monterey, California. After weeks of travel through what is now Colorado and eastern Utah, they came down Spanish Fork Canyon and reached Utah Valley on September 23, 1776.
From a hilltop at the mouth of the canyon, the explorers saw the valley and Utah Lake for the first time, becoming the first documented non-Native visitors to the area. They were welcomed by the Timpanogos Ute people, and Escalante wrote about the valley's rivers, meadows, and good land for farming. The party never made it to California and returned to Santa Fe, but their journals and maps helped guide future travelers along what later became part of the Old Spanish Trail. The Spanish Fork River, and the city of Spanish Fork, take their name from this chapter of history.
The 37-foot cross on Dominguez Hill was dedicated on May 1, 1981, by the Knights of Columbus Father Escalante Council to commemorate the expedition. It was restored in 2015 as an Eagle Scout project. A historical marker about the expedition also sits along U.S. 6 at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon.
Best Time to Hike to the Escalante Cross
Spring and fall are the best times for this hike. The trail is exposed with little shade near the top, so summer afternoons can get hot. Fall brings cooler temperatures, golden scrub oak, and clear views across the valley, making it a great time to visit near the anniversary of the expedition's arrival.
Tips for Hiking the Escalante Cross Trail
- Bring water and sun protection, especially on warm days.
- Wear shoes with good traction for the loose, rocky sections near the top.
- Share the trail with mountain bikers and yield when needed.
- Stay on the designated trail. Avoid cutting straight down the slope from the cross, which is steep and causes erosion.
- Keep dogs on leash and pack out everything you bring in.
- Go early or near sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Celebrate America 250 in Utah Valley
The Dominguez-Escalante Expedition reached Utah Valley in 1776, the same year the United States was born, making this hike a meaningful way to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. Find more ways to explore history and celebrate on our America 250 page, and check out Spanish Fork Canyon for more adventures nearby.
