If you are a dog owner in Salt Lake County and haven't taken your dog to Dog Lake, you’re missing out! This is one of the most popular outings for hikers with dogs along the Wasatch Front The lake, situated on the ridge between Big Cottonwood and Millcreek, is open to dogs, provided you visit from the Millcreek side If you don't have a dog or are dog-averse, you can visit from the Big Cottonwood side which is closed to dogs until near the lake On a given summer evening after work or summer/fall weekend, you may see...

If you are a hiker or are looking for the short version of Lisa Falls, see that trip here If you are a canyoneer with excellent route-finding skills and a hunger for bushwhacking, read on! This adventure extends the Lower Lisa Falls route by circling around to a higher section of the canyon and adds 4 rappels Though the rappels and upper canyon are quite stunning, the route-finding, loose dirt, and seemingly endless scru...

Porter Fork is one of two summer home areas in Millcreek Canyon The lower section of Porter Fork is a paved road the climbs steadily up through summer homes The plentiful shade and babbling sounds of the stream make this a particularly idyllic place Many, looking for a short hike, walk up from the trailhead to the end of the paved road This makes for about a 3-mile round trip hike in a lovely setting The road is only open to those staying at the summer homes, so does not see much traffic The end of the road marks t...

City Creek is rich in history The canyon is currently home to one of the Salt Lake valley’s water treatment plants and has long had a history of providing water to the valley The upper reaches of the canyon held the site of several mines, none of which were very successful Then came prohibition, and moonshine was added to the story of City Creek Canyon The trail described here, Smugglers Gap, was used by moonshiners to smuggle moonshine from City Creek to the military base at Fort Douglas The hike is steep and heav...

road into the canyon is most definently a 4X4 road if you have a high ground clearance you can drive further down the river bead closer to the oil Derrick to save on some time easy and short approach the dry-fall has tons of rocks if you wish to add a rappel or you can make your way down on the left i don't know the full distance but we rappelled down it with a 200 ft rope canyon is quite easy with some pools of water that can be avoided the first largest pothole may need a partner assist to get out there may be ...

At 10,246 feet, Gobblers Knob is the highest peak on the ridge that divides Mill Creek Canyon from Big Cottonwood Canyon, though it is only the tallest by 5 feet, as Mount Raymond comes in a very close second I'm not sure if this designation is the reason it is such a popular destination or if it’s the fact that the trails to the summit are all straightforward and relatively easy, but either way, this is a very popular hike On a busy summer weekend, expect to see many people heading up to the summit Aside from the ...

With about 1900 feet of gain in 175 miles, Mt Aire is a steep hike In spite of its steepness, or maybe because of it, this is a popular summit with hikers The summit isn't particularly high compared to others in the area, but the hike is pleasant and the views excellent This is a good summer or fall hike Dog are permitted on all days, but only allowed off leash on odd numbered days If bringing a dog, be sure to bring plenty of water There is a small intermittent stream and springs the first part of the hike, but ab...

Alexander Basin is a glacier-carved valley perched high above Millcreek Canyon The views of the valley are excellent and wildflowers can abound in summer months This hike is an excellent one that I highly recommend and it is used as the first part of the Gobblers Knob hike The downside Though many hikes in the Wasatch are steep, this one is particularly steep Lungs and thighs will be feeling it as the hike quickly ascends from the trailhead up to the bottom of the basin Note: The road up Millcreek is closed part wa...

On the list of hikes to do in Millcreek Canyon, I would put this one fairly low, though it does make a good off the beaten path excursion Starting at Terraces Picnic Area, the hike meanders up to a ridge that offers a few distant views of Baker Pass, Mount Raymond, and Gobblers Knob before re-entering the woods and meandering down to Elbow Fork Though not a highly recommended outing, it is nice that you can make the hike into a 6 mile loop by returning on the pipeline trail

If you have ever wondered, when hiking the Big Water Trail in Millcreek, where the trail goes that leaves the main path at Soldier Fork, you have come to the right place! The side trail had been on my list to do for some time when I finally got around to it The trail, at least in my opinion, is a bit of a beast It seems it was a maintained trail at some point, given the way it is cut and switchbacks in places, but is currently quite overgrown, with many downed trees As I gingerly waded through waist foilage trying ...