Hobbs Reservoir | Layton - Utah's Adventure Family

We love when we find hidden gems like Hobbs Reservoir right within city limits. These urban trails are perfect for hiking through most of the seasons, and we absolutely love this hike. The scenery was beautiful, we saw wildlife, and it was just fun walking along the edge of the reservoir. Hobbs Reservoir Trail is between easy and moderate because it has some climbs in it, but we a tip to shorten the distance and make it easier for young kids. You will want to add this to your list to hike!

It is amazing that this beautiful place is right in the city!

Where to Park

Hobbs Reservoir is a little bit tricky to get to because it is in the middle of a neighborhood. There are two places that you can park: 2460 E 2750 N or 2376 Canyon View Drive in Layton. Park on the street and walk down the hill to get to the trail. We started from 2460 E 2750 N, and walked steeply down the hill to an opening to the Hobbs Reservoir Trailhead. If you begin at 2376 Canyon View Drive, come down to the paved Kays Creek Parkway, and cross the path and onto the Hobbs Reservoir Trail. See the map below:

Walk down the steep path to the opening in the fence.

Hike Information

Distance: 2.4 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 276 ft.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Rating: Easy

Once you walk down the paved trail you see a fence. There are signs saying that only fisherman and walkers are allowed inside the fence to Hobbs Reservoir. Step over the bar, and head to the right. The dirt path heads toward the reservoir and soon it will come into sight. We hiked this trail in early November and the fall leaves were still trying to hang on just a tiny bit. The reservoir was beautiful and in the morning it had a very nice reflection.

The path comes to an opening in the fence.

The trail follows the edge of Hobbs Reservoir for most of the way around this side of the pond. You are also walking underneath the trees, so we saw lots of birds and some squirrels and deer. There is a lot of shade if you hike in the summertime. Our boys found apples, acorns, and beautiful leaves. They enjoyed walking around fallen logs and noticing other fun tree shapes, too.

The pond was extra lovely in the morning.

The trail walks along the edge of the reservoir.

The path is narrow through the trees and logs.

There were a few different apple trees along the way.

There is a small bridge to cross over Kays Creek. Then the trail heads back north as it continues to follow the pond. Soon you will cross another wooden plank bridge. If you wanted to cut your hike to a shorter distance, this is where I would turn around. (It is 0.75 mile to this part of the trail, so if you turn around, you’ll do a mile and a half.) After this bridge there are some climbs coming up. The climbing is not too serious, but with little legs, it will take some time!

Hiking this trail in the Fall is a must do!

I love that the trail walks through these thick trees.

This is the last bridge before the trail has some incline.

The climbs offer great views of Hobbs Reservoir and one of the uphill sections has a bunch of stairs. This part of the trail is more out in the open and the sunshine.

After the climbing, the trail heads back down and hugs the edge of the reservoir until you reach the very top of the water. This is another spot where you can turn around if you’d like to stay on the dirt trail. It is about 1.0 mile to this part of the trail, so if you turned around to make this trail and out and back hike, it would be 2.0 miles roundtrip. If you are going to continue, you will connect onto the paved trail and loop back around, which was our route.

There are a few sets of stairs to climb.

The trail winds back down as you near the end of the reservoir.

From the end of Hobbs Reservoir, head to the right away from the water. There is a small ravine and the trail is to the left of the ravine. This climb is the last part of the dirt trail, which ends at Kays Creek Parkways.

This part of the trail was a little tricky, but head away from the water to the right.

If you find these stairs, you’ll know you’re in the right place.

The stairs lead up to the Kays Creek Trail.

Paved Section

When reach the paved section, turn left. This part of the trail is flat, and it has a slightly downward incline, so it is very easy. There are picnic tables and benches along the trail, so you can sit and enjoy the sounds of nature. You can still see Hobbs Reservoir as you walk for most of the hike. We also loved the information signs along the way, too. The signs l uot know to watch for porcupines and certain birds. We really hoped to see a porcupine, but we didn’t.

There is a cute bridge on the paved trail, too.

There are benches and a few tables along the paved section.

You can see the pond through the trees on the paved trail.

After about 1.0 mile on the paved section of the you come to a junction. The paved trail comes down from the other parking area, and to your left, there is an opening in the fence similar to the beginning of the trail where you stepped over the bar. Turn through the fence and walk back across the dam to the trailhead.

Watch for this sign to head back to your vehicle.

You will be back on the dirt trail to cross the dam.

The view of Hobbs Reservoir and the mountains is awesome from this part of the hike.

You will see the fence opening where you entered to start the Hobbs Reservoir trail.

Then climb the steep, but short trail up to the top.

Hobbs Reservoir is getting added to some of our hiking lists: Hikes to try in November and Urban Trails. It is a new favorite trail and we can’t wait to hike it in another season.