Lambs Canyon Pass and Millvue Peak |

Millcreek Canyon

Hiking Lambs Canyon Pass and Millvue Peak - Millcreek Canyon Hiking Lambs Canyon Pass and Millvue Peak

Millcreek Canyon

Overview

RATING: Moderate/Strenuous
MAPS: MOUNT AIRE, UT;

Sat

Snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 34. South southwest wind 16 to 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

34 | 28

Sun

Snow showers before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 32. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches possible.

32 | 27

Mon

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

33 | 25

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 24

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 45.

45 | 29

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: A stream follows the first 0.75 or so miles, then none.

Sat

Snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 34. South southwest wind 16 to 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

34 | 28

Sun

Snow showers before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 32. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches possible.

32 | 27

Mon

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

33 | 25

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 24

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 45.

45 | 29

View Full Weather Details
The Salt Lake Valley in the distance on a September day.

The Salt Lake Valley in the distance on a September day.

Like most Millcreek Canyon hikes, this is a steep one! That being said, the effort is worth it in my opinion. The hike is broken up into two different parts. Section one climbs to the pass and returns the same way. This is about 1.75 miles and 1,700 ft elevation gain one way. A solid workout!

Those wanting more can continue to Millvue Peak, which clocks in at about 2.5 miles and nearly 2700' of elevation gain ONE WAY. An overachiever workout! Millvue is the local name for the peak at elevation 8,926' to the east of Lambs Pass. It is not named on the USGS quads.

Both sections of the hike have big views of Millcreek Canyon. In fall, in particular, the leaves and dusting of snow on higher peaks are spectacular.

Note: Millvue Peak can also be hiked from Lambs Canyon, though if hiking with dogs, you must use the Millcreek Route. The hike to the pass is on a well used and official trail. The route from the pass to the peak is a mostly well used social trail that may require a little route finding and bushwacking in a few spots.
Note: From November 1st through July 1st, Millcreek Canyon is closed about 1.25 miles (one way) below the trailhead. This adds 2.5 miles roundtrip and another 600 feet of elevation gain to the hike and takes at least a little bit of the fun out of it in my opinion. Fall is an exquisite time to visit when the leaves are changing and the hills are lit in color.
Heading to the cloudy summit.

Heading to the cloudy summit.

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 and Lambs Canyon Pass/Millevue Peak)
Aspens and snow.

Aspens and snow.

Route

From the Elbow Fork Trailhead, follow the trail on the north side of the canyon. It passes a restroom, then meanders up along the stream. In just a few short minutes, a junction is reached. Left goes to Mt Aire, go right, toward Lambs Canyon.

The trail follows, then crosses the stream as it climbs steeply along the stream. It finally leaves the stream and begins a wide traverse and switchback up to the Lambs Canyon Pass.

Millvue Peak
From the pass, just before the wooden sign, a social trail takes off on the right, heading up the slope. This is the social trail to Millvue Peak. Follow it as meanders up along the ridge. In places, it can be a bit overgrown, but only for a few short sections.

The social trail climbs steeply to a utility building before a final short meander to the top and hopefully stunning views. If you happen to visit on a cloudy day as I did, you may consider it Mill-NOT-vue Peak.

Return the same way.


Maps

Route - Millvue / 5.03 miles / Elevation Range 6,643 - 8,935 ft.
Route - Pass / 3.56 miles / Elevation Range 6,643 - 8,130 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12T 441716mE 4506448mN

N40° 42' 25" W111° 41' 24"

Jct - Right

12T 441748mE 4506744mN

N40° 42' 34" W111° 41' 23"

Millvue Jct

12T 442914mE 4506356mN

N40° 42' 22" W111° 40' 33"

Millvue Summit

12T 443771mE 4505973mN

N40° 42' 10" W111° 39' 56"

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