A recent 66-mile ATV excursion through Farmington Canyon included visits to the Parrish Lake Loops and the Francis Peak radar towers. The ride also allowed for viewing the damage caused by a tornado on September 18, 2026, at the Smith Creek Lakes area.
The journey began with four machines departing from Cherry Lane in Layton to ride the Parrish Lake Loops Trail southwest of Farmington Canyon. This trail is one of 15 routes listed in the 2026 Ride Utah Challenge booklet, which is available at all Young Powersports Dealerships and the My Local Utah offices at 80 W. Antelope Drive in Antelope Island. To complete the challenge, riders must complete five of the 15 listed trails within the calendar year to receive swag bags from both sponsors.
The route traveled along Farmington Canyon Road, which offers views of Antelope Island and the valley. The road passes the Farmington Ponds, where buck and pole fences have been installed to prevent ATV access to the water's edge. Other notable landmarks along the road include the Francis Peak radar towers and various viewpoints. One pullout features a trail that riders have used illegally to bypass spring snowdrifts, though it is currently blocked by buck and pole fences at both ends.
The ride included a detour to the top of the radar facility after finding the access gate open. After navigating the Parrish Lake Loops, which include a tree-lined section and a stream crossing, the group traveled toward Farmington Flats for a break. The trip concluded with a visit to the second Smith Creek Lake to observe the aftermath of the September 18, 2026, tornado.
The Parrish Lake Loops Trail is situated north of the Francis Peak radar towers. The area near Smith's Creek Lakes was identified as the site where a tornado on September 18, 2026, caused significant damage.
