Hike of the week: Stansbury Front Trail — Tooele County

With most hikes, it's up, then down. On this hike, it's up three times and down three times to Box Elder Pass. The trail offers spectacular views of the Stansbury Mountains, Tooele Valley and the Great Salt Lake. Starting from the Median Flat Trailhead, make your way down to the Boy Scout Campground. Just before the campground is the Stansbury Front Trail, which is posted. The trail heads east for a short distance and goes around the bend to views of the rugged Stansbury Mountains. From here, the trail turns southwest to the first ridge line. You enter conifers and arrive at 1.30 miles. At the ridge, you see the second ridge line across Martin Fork drainage. The trail drops 400 feet to the bottom of Martin Fork. Enjoy the springs. Leaving the springs, you climb another 700 feet to the second ridge line, at 3 miles into the hike. The hiking group had to turn around at this point because snow covered the trail to Box Elder Pass. I sat on the ridge line, staring at the beauty of Box Elder Pass and knowing this would have to do. If you make it to Box Elder Pass, add an additional two miles onto your hike. Up, down and all around beautiful.

Directions: On Main Street in Grantsville, turn south on 400 West. Drive 6 miles to the South Willow Canyon Road exit. It's another 5 miles to Boy Scout Campground and Median Flat parking area.

Destination: Ridgelines

Difficulty: Strenuous

Round trip: 6 miles

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

Accumulative gain: 2,100 ft.

Trailhead restrooms: Yes

Dogs allowed: Yes