Frank M. Gatz, Sr. Memorial Pond via Great Western Trail

4.7 mi · ▲ 26 ft · 1 hr 35 min

Frank M. Gatz, Sr. Memorial Pond via Great Western Trail is a 4.7-mile out-and-back near South Elmhurst, IL. The route reaches Frank M. Gatz, Sr. Memorial Pond at the turnaround, 2.3 miles in. It is mostly level, with 26 ft of elevation gain, and mostly gravel. It scores 0/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi656 – 715 ft4.9 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Illinois Prairie Path 41.88533, -87.94998
Nearest town South Elmhurst, IL

Directions

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Frank M. Gatz, Sr. Memorial Pond via Great Western Trail

4.7 mi · ▲ 26 ft · 1 hr 35 min

Elevation 658–716 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: Illinois Prairie Path · 41.88533, -87.94998

Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:39 AM · sunset 6:53 PM

Bikes allowed on the whole route · Transit-accessible: St. Charles & Hagans/Spring stop 551 m from the trailhead · Drinking water at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Illinois Prairie Path, heading W.
  2. 0.5 miBear right, heading W.
  3. 0.7 miBear left onto Great Western Trail, heading W.
  4. 1.2 miTurn left, heading S.
  5. 100 ftReach Frank M. Gatz, Sr. Memorial Pond, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  6. 1.3 miBear right onto Illinois Prairie Path, heading SE.
  7. 0.7 miBear right, heading E.
  8. 0.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail surface

93% gravel7% paved

Weather

Sunrise 6:39 AMSunset 6:53 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.3 mi in (~57 min). Leave by 5:36 PM for the 6:53 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:03 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Bikes allowed on the whole route
  • Transit-accessible: St. Charles & Hagans/Spring stop 551 m from the trailhead
  • Drinking water at the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

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