Old Aqueduct to Farmington waterfall

This moderate 6.8 mile hike has elevation gain (830') via switchbacks until we reach the height of the aqueduct. Once we reach the aqueduct, the trail has lots of shade. There is a new bridge to cross Farmington Creek on the way to the big waterfall. This is an out and back hike, so anyone can turn around if they don't want to go the full distance.

Nicknamed “the skeleton,” this trail is the site of an old aqueduct built in the mid-1800s. The aqueduct was constructed of wooden staves, much like a wooden barrel. Metal rods, placed about every two feet, were used as bands to hold the staves together. The aqueduct brought water from Farmington Creek two miles up the canyon. The water then plunged down at the mouth of the canyon, driving the millstone of a gristmill owned by Willard Richards.

Most of the wooden staves have rotted away, but many of the metal bands can be seen off and on throughout the length of the trail. After a stretch of trail with no evidence of the aqueduct, the bands will resurface from the earth like ribs of a prehistoric serpent.

The trail was improved (widened) a few years ago. I did the hike solo in 3 hours, but our time will depend on group speed.

Park at the parking lot at Firebreak Road and Farmington Canyon road. If you go over a bridge on Farmington canyon road, you went too far. Turn right at Firebreak road and park at the parking area right there (do not drive further on Fire Break road).

How to get to Farmington Canyon: 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). On Main Street, drive south towards town. Turn east on 600 North, then turn north on 100 East (Skyline drive) follow this road up Farmington Canyon.