This was our first time out on the Upland Trails on Cowiche Canyon Conservancy lands. Terrific day for a hike, walk off some Thanksgiving calories, and forget about COVID for a while. I suggest taking the trails in a clockwise loop. We started on the Summitview South Trail Loop counter clockwise, but I think the signage is better the other way.
This trail is a short drive from anywhere in Yakima or Selah. It winds through a very special lava rock formation found nowhere else in the world. There are many information panels along the trails that give information about the rock formations and the history of the land. Theres a beautiful creek flowing through the bottom of the canyon. This trail has many small trails giving plenty of options for hiking destinations. One such trail leads to a winery with a lovely view, so if you like wine and hiking this trail is for you! It is dog friendly, as is the winery. There is another trail that takes you to the top of a beautiful ridge with a great view of Mt. Clemens.
Its a nice hike, if you start from the Summitview side its a bit open so start earlier in the day. Theres plenty of shade in the canyon area though and a creek/river running though.
It really is a cool experience. The hike was a good length, climbing was scary. Some people couldn’t make it but it’s not actually that long once you start. From the top you really can see everything. So beautiful!
Nice easy walking. Hit the winery trail for a little workout. Bring some masqito spray in the evenings..
I want to start of by saying I completely understand wanting to be outdoors in this beautiful state, that’s not the issue. This place should NOT be open during a pandemic and yet the conservatory organization does not care. I run errands nearby and can see HUNDREDS of people funneling on the trail, not being respectful of social distancing, and being incredibly loud without concern for the local families that live next to the trail. I know of multiple individuals who try reaching out to the conservancy, but they refuse to address this concern. How disappointing and irresponsible.
ATTENTION HIKERS, The entire hillside is not yours. MOST of it is privately owned. If you see me on an ATV and try to scream, throw rocks, or punch me 1 more time...... Im putting you right in your place. Youll know its me because Im the one who slows way down, so you dont even have to deal with the dust, and I go wide around you because I have more manners than you. I also always give a short and humble wave. Shame on the county for posting No ATVs allowed! It should say no ATVs allowed on public property per RCW........ with a more accurate map. I have been riding up there for literally, 30 years. I have never instigated a single confrontation but have been in dozens. I have encountered 100s of hikers so to the majority of friendly people, thank you. Enjoy your hike!
This place once had a railway transverse through it, now its a pathway which can be used by hikers, horses, and bicyclists. There is the main canyon trail that meanders through it along the creek and the uplands that loop and crisscross one another. The lower/canyon trail is more popular and young family friendly. Bicyclists will find more of a challenge with the uplands. Bicycles and equines are limited to dry weather for tail preservation. Parking located in 3 different areas.
Great place for a hike. There is no shade so come prepared, not a secluded spot lots of mountain biking and people walking their dogs.
Great place to see a beautiful sunset and the city lights
Fun place for a short hike just outside of town. Be careful as there are parking lot thieves and rattlesnakes on the trail.
Our family loves hiking and walking on this trail. for our younger kids we really like the bottom half of the trail because of the river and that is not too hard. We also like the top half of we have a little more time
Great little trail that you dont need your Discovery Pass to enjoy. Lots of wildlife to see if youre lucky.
Great trail. Easy access. Great views. Up to Wilridge Winery and back . . . Its all a quick little hike should be.
Beautiful trail that is well maintained . Go in the spring to see all the wildflowers. Large waterway running right through it.
Great place to hike. Not strenuous, nice views, marked trails
O have a great place to walk near my home. But this lets you get more close to nature.
Beautiful place that offers trails for several levels of hikers.
Nice place to hike close to Yakima with some variety. Stay down in the Canyon for a hike along the creek along the old rail bed or take one of the trails up out of the Canyon to check out the sagebrush desert.Careful with dogs in the summer there are lots of rattlesnakes.Also dont leave anything in your car, sometimes there are lots of break ins.
Awesome views and easily accessible. A must for visitors and locals alike.
This was a very pretty hike. Theres plenty to see here. Sage, lichen, birds, basalt (?) columns, pretty views. Theres a pretty creek to dip your feet into or just sit down by and listen.We saw lots of off-leash dogs (and evidence of others) and also a few horses.
Trail is ok for about 1/2 a mile. After that, its a 2nd river. Might wanna wait!
Nice trail with fantastic scenery, its a hike thats got plenty of views where ever you look. Some twists an turns but there are signs posted everywhere. Quiet and solitude in some areas, theres a few runners and walkers,
Great place to catch some sun or ride a mountain bike
Scenic with trails ranging from simple to step and technical. You can even hike to a winery with great views!
Awesome hiking, many route options, not too crowded. Beautiful Canyon, the Gem of Yakima.
Fun hike. A little tiring having to go up on the way back.
Good time of year for wildflowers and temperature in the 70s. I rode my hybrid bike with skinny tires most of the 3 mile main trail, though had to dismount for a bridge or two and one particularly rocky but short section. Interesting rock and canyon formations among the way with several trail offshoots you would only walk on. It seems remote while youre there, but its rights next to Yakima.
Good place to go hiking, and if you have a dog, it is even better! Just do not forget to bring water, for you and your dog!
Never been on this trail. We had a wonderful weather. Will go back.
Great place to go off and get a short hike in or ride your mountain bike. Spring is the best time, wild flowers everywhere. Mountain biking trails are primarily beginner / cross country trails.
This is the best place to snow shoe. Beautiful trail
Love to go trail running and see the amazing river.
I LOVE IT I USED TO GO RUNNING THERE.
Sweet place to take children on a walk. Scethy parking although I would not leave valuables in your vehicle!
It was a beautiful day for a hike!
Nice little hike very easy.
Great trails with varying levels of difficulty. Great for families with small kids or for some single track with friends.
This place is pretty great spot to clear your head and go for a walk
A very solid hike that is really close to Yakima. Lots of cool desert views and variety of terrain. I went midmorning and unfortunately did not see anything in the way of wildlife other than insects.
Great trail for a quick journey into nature. The canyon is beautiful at any time of year.
Just started hiking here lately and is a great area for beginners
Loved it... you got to go see for yourself.
Wonderful place to go to visit the great outdoors!!
Nice quiet easy trail for the entire family. Lots of wildlife to see. Great photo op area. Unfortunately the streams were nearly dry this season.
If you like to walk come here and enjoy the outdoors
Great hiking only a few minutes from home. Enough trails to where its never crowded and you can mix up your hikes depending on how many miles you feel like doing.
Loved the natural aspect and direct advisement of wild land exactly the thrill and scenery for a relaxed but interesting hike
I have walked and ridden bikes down the lower trail several times. Its a great walk/ride. When riding a bike be aware of some deep loose gravel as it can make the bike unstable. Recently pulled my 4yr old on a bike trailer down the trail and it did fine.Walking is pleasant and it seems to be a popular walking and jogging spot. If you know where the look other are wild peaches, apricots, pears, apples and berries along the trail.
Great place to walk
Beautiful hike!!
Great view nice trail for running or mountain biking
What a great morning.. and nice place for hiking.. l made it.
There is a lovely vineyard you shoud visit if you are here.
I visited this trail on July 3rd 2018 and it was pretty hot so wont recommend this trail in summer. its pretty secluded area and trails are full of sharp stones, so recommend a good shoe. Not much scenic stuff except a small stream
Fun day
This is a great place for a walk but beware the rattlesnakes and coyotes.
Mountain biking..fun place to go..and close
Very nice trail for those who live for the wilderness. Has some great views, nice bridges and long paths to explore. So for those who are expecting a paved trail with trimed grass and branches this isnt for you
Great hike from end to end. Took me and my dog about 2 hours to do it but we stop and take pictures a lot. Neat and clean path for all ages and fun bridges over streams. There are some side trails and even one that leads to a winery, which could make a fun date. All and all 5 stars will hike again.
Great views. Easy walk.
Love the trail awesome nature trail gets hot in the summer bring water lol
Fantastic place to wander. Nice wide flat trail (former railroad) if you need it, but plenty of smaller trails up the canyon to get away from the main trial and avoid people. A lovely place to spend the afternoon
Awesome hike. Watch out for rattlesnakes.
Ive done this hike numerous times over the years, however today is the first time Ive done it during the winter.I began at the trailhead which is off of Summitview Ave, to Weikel road. I used snowshoes, though they werent necessary as long as you followed the groomed path created by cross country skiers.From one end to the other is just under three miles. Their are alternative routes which gain elevation as you ascend the ridge, but I just stuck with the main route.This is an easy hike, which is accessible year round.
Great, flat trail for beginners
Beautiful. Cant wait till the snow melts.....
Nice easy trail with great scenery. I do like how they have signs telling you whether it will be muddy or not
Beautiful hike.
This is a wide gravel trail with several singletrack offshoots. The main trail is fairly flat and accessible for walking, running, and mountain biking. Dogs are allowed. I would not suggest trying to take a wheelchair here due to the gravel, but strollers designated for off-road use should be ok. Theres great scenery but not a whole lot of shade so bring water and sunscreen. Its steep, but you can hike up to a local winery as well!
Nice walking trails in beautiful Yakima.
Great trails for running, biking, or hiking. Geocaching is also popular here. Beautiful vistas! Grounds by the trailhead well maintained. Trails are safe for families.
Nice easy level hike.
A local treasure. Nature at its best. Some parts are an old railroad right-of-way. Some parts are easy, others are more difficult. Several places to begin and end.
Love so pretty
Always beautiful vistas winding trails new people to meet.
Awesome place to bike
Easy parking. Nice trails and beautiful sunsets. Watch for dog poop.
Great place to hike with my dog!
This is my place of solitude. When it all starts getting to loud......... Thats where Ill be.
One of my favorite places to go for a hike thats closer to town.
Cowiche is sooo kawaiiiii
I buy hay there
Great place to get into nature! Anyone would enjoy it.
Nice easy hike
Love this trail ️
One of the coolest hiking trails in the Yakima area. We visit often all year long.
Great desert mountain hiking. Short loop will take 2 hrs to be enough. Others will take much longer.
Well maintained.
Fun place to hike
Everything is green wild flowers are blooming
An awesome easy hike. East side goes right by small hop farm
Was a good walk even with a stroller.
Beautiful
I had great walk with cousin.
Great trail. Family friendly. Absolutely beautiful.
So many options for hiking but my favorite is the one up to wilridge winery.