July 27, 2025

Finding Peace on the Pahvant: A Hike Through Richfield’s Hidden Gem

Trail: Kiln-It → Cairn-Age Loop
Location: Pahvant Trail System, Richfield, Utah
Weather: Sunny skies, light breeze, high of 78°F
Vibe: Dirt under our boots, sunshine on our faces, and a whole lot of wow

We started the morning slow, sipping coffee with the sun just peeking over the Sevier Valley. My daughter was already barefoot in the dirt by the time I packed snacks, water, and sunscreen—her way of saying she was ready for a new adventure.

We began our hike on Kiln-It, a steady but manageable climb into the hills. The trail winds through dry brush and wildflowers, the kind that make you pause and thank God for color. It’s the kind of trail that invites conversation—or quiet. We had a little of both.

About two miles in, we reached a fork and took a break under a pine tree, sharing trail mix and a juice box. Then we veered left onto Cairn-Age, a gentle descent with sweeping views of the valley below and wild terrain all around.

The breeze kicked up just as we hit the downhill flow. My daughter giggled as she ran ahead. I lingered behind, catching the moment in my heart like a snapshot. It’s not just about the hike—it’s about the humble beginning of choosing this life again and again.

Mini Itinerary: Hiking the Pahvant Trails with Littles

Route:

Trailhead: 300 North (FR-096)
Loop: Kiln-It → Cairn-Age
Distance: ~4 miles total
Time: 2–3 hours with a kiddo + snack breaks
Skill level: Beginner to moderate

What We Packed:

2 water bottles
Granola bars + trail mix
A small first-aid kit
Baby wipes (never leave home without them!)
A soft carrier, just in case my little one got tired
Camera/phone for capturing the views
A printed verse card: “He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.” — Psalm 18:33

Tips:

Go early to beat the sun. No shade until you’re higher up.
The first half of Kiln-It is easier for littles, steeper near the top.
Cairn-Age is a beautiful, gentle descent—perfect to close the loop.
Bring all your own water. No sources along the trail.
Watch for mountain bikers—this is a multi-use trail system.

Getting There & Trailheads:

North Richfield trailhead (~5,500 ft elevation): Exit I‑70 northbound, then a quick left onto gravel leads you to a parking lot and access trails like Kiln‑It.
300 North / FR‑096 trailhead: From Main Street in Richfield head west under I‑70 to reach the gravel road, connecting to trails Tank Run, Kiln‑It, and more.

Trail Highlights & Other Suggested Routes

Cottonwood Kids Loop (~1.4 mi; ~200 ft elev)

Ideal for true beginners or families. A mellow, well‑built loop tucked nicely into the lower system, giving little ones a taste of singletrack fun.

Kiln‑It Trail (4.1 mi)

This two‑way trail climbs roughly 1,000 vertical feet and serves as the main artery into the trail network. The lower half (first ~2 mi) is beginner‑friendly, then things get intermediate with rocky and steeper zones as you climb higher.

At ~2 mi you can hook a connecting trail over to Cairn‑Age for a flowy descent back down—a common ~8 mi loop that balances challenge and scenery.

Cairn‑Age, Snake Bite & Telegraph (Downhill Delights)

Cairn‑Age: A smooth downhill lined with berms, rollers, and jumps—great for letting go and letting gravity guide you down into the valley Richfield Utah.
Snake Bite: An alternate offshoot of Cairn‑Age, more technical and shorter, perfect for riders seeking extra challenge.
Telegraph: A thrilling 2.1 mi downhill that loses ~850 ft elevation. Expect ledge drops, rock slabs, and fast descents—best if you’ve got experience and nerves of steel. Ride-arounds exist for most drops, but heroes only.

Tank Run & Big Red (Connector Trails)

Tank Run: A 1.5‑mile two‑way traverse with gentle climb (150 ft). It links the bottoms of Telegraph and other trails up toward Big Red or Kiln‑It. Smooth, scenic, well‑banked turns—all good for recovery or route transitions.
Big Red: About 2.4 mi with ~500 ft elevation change—intermediate climbing or easier descending. Offers views and a fun winding trail back toward upper Kiln‑It.

Sample Hike or Bike‑Hike Routes

Route	Description
Kiln‑It → Cairn‑Age Loop (~8 mi)	Climb Kiln‑It (~1,000 ft), enjoy an energizing descent on Cairn‑Age—ideal for a budgeted day or family/craft crew.
Extended Adventure (~9–10 mi)	Start on Kiln‑It, descend mid‑Cairn‑Age, hook into Tank Run → Big Red → return to FR‑096. More variety and elevation gain.
Full DH Shuttle	Load up at top FR‑096 (near 9,600 ft), shuttle to upper trail start, then enjoy Spinal Tap → Juniper Drops → Telegraph → Tank Run → Big Red → Kiln‑It downward. Epic ~13–15 mi with vertical drop well over 4,000 ft

What to Bring & When to Go

Trail Season: Typically mid‑May through October, with best conditions mid‑summer to early fall.
Essentials: Water (no potable sources), sunscreen, snacks, sunhat or light jacket, map or GPX file.
Facilities: No bathrooms or water at trailheads—stop in Richfield before you depart.

Why it Matters

The Pahvant Trails bring together friendly accessibility, modern trail design, and the rugged charisma of central Utah’s landscape. Each loop or descent stitches perspective into the story of Richfield’s modern outdoor culture. Riders and hikers have praised trails like Spinal Tap, Juniper Drops, and Telegraph as “super fun downhills” with varied flow and features.

Whether you’re moving slowly on foot, hiking with kids, or chasing adrenaline on a bike, Pahvant’s mix of trails offers something for nearly every soul craving open air and real terrain.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving fresh air and peace with a side of dirt, the Pahvant Trail System is a perfect place to wander, pray, and breathe deep. It’s not just a trail—it’s an invitation to slow down, soak in the view, and remember how beautifully God paints this world.

Our take? 10/10. Would hike again—with more snacks and maybe a notebook next time.

Nestled on the hillside west of I‑70 in Richfield, the Pahvant Trail System offers a diverse trail network ranging from beginner‑friendly loops to expert downhill runs, all with sweeping views of the Sevier Valley and the Pahvant Range.