Alexander Basin | Millcreek Canyon

Hiking Alexander Basin - Millcreek Canyon Hiking Alexander Basin

Millcreek Canyon

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike
MAPS: Mount Aire, UT;

Sun

Sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 56 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 6 mph.

59 | 48

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 2 to 6 mph.

60 | 49

Tue

Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 50

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 61.

61 | 49

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 49

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Bring all you need.

Sun

Sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 56 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 6 mph.

59 | 48

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 2 to 6 mph.

60 | 49

Tue

Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 50

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 61.

61 | 49

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 49

View Full Weather Details
Wild flower in July

Wild flower in July

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 way up from late fall through July 1st. Reaching the trailhead is easiest when the road is open, making the recommended time for this hike from July 1st through about the end of October (snow permitting).
Millcreek Ridge to the north on the hike up.

Millcreek Ridge to the north on the hike up.

Getting There

Millcreek Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley, just south of I-80 and Parleys Canyon. To get there, take I-215 South from I-80 and take exit 4 off of I-215 and go left (east) on 3900 South.

Turn left on Wasatch Blvd just after crossing under the highway, then the next right on Millcreek Canyon Road.

0.7 miles from the junction of Wasatch Blvd and Millcreek Canyon Road is the entrance to Millcreek Canyon and the pay booth.

Note: The upper road section above 3.8 miles is closed from November until July 1st. Upper canyon hikes are best done in the summer or fall to avoid a fair bit of road walking.

Mileage below is from the pay booth.

0.7 miles - Pipeline Trailhead on the left (north).
2.4 miles - Church Fork Trailhead on the left (north).
2.5 miles - Desolation on the right (south).
3.4 miles - Porter Fork on the right (south).
3.5 miles - Burch Hollow Trailhead (north).
3.7 miles - Terraces Picnic Area / Trailhead (south).
3.8 miles - Winter Gate Closure
5.4 miles - Elbow Fork Trailhead (Mount Aire)
6.9 miles - Alexander Basin Trailhead

Alexander Basin Views

Alexander Basin Views

View from most of the way up the ridge out of Alexander Basin

View from most of the way up the ridge out of Alexander Basin

Route

From the trailhead, follow the trail as it climbs at a thigh burning rate, switchbacking up the canyon slope for 1 mile to a junction. Go left here, continuing up into Alexander Basin (The right fork contours around to Bowman Fork).

Past the junction, the basin begins to open up and offers the first views of the basin and Gobblers Knob that caps the southwest corner of the basin. From the junction, the hiking is a bit easier, but still steep. If motivated, the trail climbs to the ridge, and ultimately the summit of Gobblers Knob, but non-peak baggers will be content to enjoy the views of Alexander Basin from mid-way up and return the same way.


Photos

Maps

Route / 3.90 miles / Elevation Range 7,106 - 9,249 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 443389mE 4504810mN

N40° 41' 32" W111° 40' 12"

Alexander Junction

12T 442843mE 4503903mN

N40° 41' 03" W111° 40' 35"

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