Francis is notable for the giant FAA radar domes. Although it's dog friendly, I would think twice (or maybe more) about it. - There is a section of probably about 1 mile in the middle where the trail is pretty over grown and poorly defined. A few observations: We also learned the hard way that the trail gets a little faint as you go up the ridge to thurston. Loved it - but ran out of water and legs and feet were definitely hammered at the end. It was relatively unknown prior to being officially named in the early 1990's, and before county highpoint climbing became popular. - The drive up to the trailhead is on a pretty long, narrow dirt road. Thurston is a rugged hike with little usage, but it offers great views of Davis County, the Great Salt Lake and even Morgan County to the east. Road? Thurston is a rugged hike with little usage, but it offers great views of Davis County, the Great Salt Lake and even Morgan County to the east. Don't be deceived by the elevation of the trailhead in relation to Thurston Peak, the elevation change racks up quickly as you make your way up and down all of the peaks. Monte Cristo. - There is a section of probably about 1 mile in the middle where the trail is pretty over grown and poorly defined. “Ed’s Peak,” 9,381. 5. If you do decide to hike Thurston Peak, please be careful! At 9,706 feet elevation, Thurston Peak is the highest point along the Farmington Ridge, which separates Davis and Morgan Counties in Utah. There were approximately a dozen scattered throughout the trip. The hike starts from Francis Peak, then follows a jeep/ATV road as it drops into the basin where a chain of three lakes sits. Fun hike with beautiful views of the Great Salt Lake the entire way. Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, and a hat. Windy and cold in mid October but still fun and worth the time. Fun hike with beautiful views of the Great Salt Lake the entire way. Loved it - but ran out of water and legs and feet were definitely hammered at the end. This is a well traveled trail with wonderful views of both valleys. Most people think Francis Peak, home to the radar domes, is the highest point in Davis County. Hahaha. Although most of the attention is focused on it's southern neighbor Francis Peak, Thurston is the highest peak on "Farmington Ridge", the high, narrow ridge that seperates Davis and Morgan counties. Thurston Peak is the highest point in Morgan and Davis Counties so it gets a fair amount of traffic because of county high pointers. Hiked trail with intention of photographing some rattlesnakes. THURSTON PEAK / 9,706 / Davis and Morgan Counties / 8.9.14. Besides, from along the I-15 corridor, it looks like you drive to Francis Peak then have a light stroll over to Thurston with a little bit of up and down along the way. The NHN shown here is the nearest higher peak in the Peakbagger.com database to the given peak. I was pretty beat when I was done. Thurston Peak (9,706 ft) straddles the Davis-Morgan county line, making it the tallest peak for both counties.Many people think that Francis Peak, with the big white golf ball domes on the summit, is the highest peak along the ridge, but it is Thurston Peak that claims the high point. From I-15, take the Lagoon Drive/Farmington exit (#326 from the south or #327 from the north) and head East to U.S. Highway 106 (Farmington's Main Street). From I-15, take the Lagoon Drive/Farmington exit (#326 from the south or #327 from the north) and head East to U.S. Highway 106 (Farmington's Main Street). I clocked 10 miles on the dot RT. While popular, you will most likely have the peak to yourself. A summer of hiking across Davis County leads to the County’s highest point: Thurston Peak! Thurston Peak lies to the north of Francis Peak, site of an air radar installation. Our first objective was to climb Francis Peak to get to the trail leading to Thurston Peak. There was still snow in some places along the way but very avoidable. Didn’t see a single person the whole time and was about 20 degrees cooler than the valley. Checking one of the "Ladder" boxes will return a list of peaks in ascending order of elevation or prominence, starting from the given point. Although most of the attention is focused on it's southern neighbor Francis Peak, Thurston is the highest peak on "Farmington Ridge", the high, narrow ridge that seperates Davis and Morgan counties. Bring a lot of water and reapply sunscreen often. UT. The weather and time of day were excellent for a hike in the mountains. Saw several within a half hour. After following the trail about 1/2 a mile from the saddle, I left it to climb the south ridge of Thurston Peak. That was nice! First of all, there’s no actual parking at the “trailhead” so just park up at the Francis Station. - The drive up to the trailhead is on a pretty long, narrow dirt road. Around Point 9381, the road becomes a trail. From the base of Francis Peak, hike north on the road/ATV trail. - My phone clocked the total hike at 9.7 miles. Thurston Peak is an 8.5-mile intermediate-level trail that is great for experienced hikers or those looking for an all-day adventure. Didn’t see a single person the whole time and was about 20 degrees cooler than the valley. The drive can be made in most vehicles, however, 11.5 of the 13 miles is on dirt road without guardrails. Back on the Trails, Francis Peak to Thurston Peak, New Shoes Back on the Trails, Francis Peak to Thurston Peak, New Shoes. Be careful, my buddy almost stepped on one. There is still some snowy patches but nothing you can’t avoid and my pup loved being able to play in it. Peak: Francis Peak: Location: USA-Utah: Elevation: 9520 ft / 2901 m: Ascent Trip Report See trip report for Thurston Peak. No Supported Files in Gallery If you have a high clearance vehicle you may drive 1.8 more miles further along a poorly maintained mountain road. Took me about 5 hours with an hour at the summit. Just south of the domes is a good parking area. Great hike, some snow to go around but doable if you can keep your eye on the trail. No shade during the entire hike, lots of water is a must. At 9,706ft, Thurston Peak is the highest point in two counties: Davis and Morgan. had a great time hiking this with my brother. Le sentier est principalement utilisé pour la randonnée et la course à pied et sa meilleure utilisation est de juin à octobre. In early September 2013, my next door neighbor and I went shoe shopping for me. There’s more trail beyond too so could make this even longer if desired. Loved it! Backyard Excursions: Hiking Uphill Both Ways to Thurston Peak I usually will do this hike after and before they close the gate every year. Ogden Ranger District 507 25th Street, Suite 103, Ogden, Utah 84401; 801-625-511. I try to hit when there is still snow on top. Francis Peak . Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. To the South you can see all the way into Salt Lake City and to the West is the Great Salt Lake. This trail starts near Francis Peak and offers and … Turn east on 600 North then turn north on 100 East (Skyline drive) follow this road up Farmington canyon 13 miles. The views along this trail and from the top of Mount Thurston are breathtaking. Not too steep and a lot of rolling hills. Routes: There are generally three ways to get to Francis Peak, the easy way, the hard way and the long way. Just south of the domes is a good parking area. Hiked trail with intention of photographing some rattlesnakes. Around Point 9381, the road becomes a trail. If you have a high clearance vehicle you may drive 1.8 more miles further along a poorly maintained mountain road. 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