Mount Aire |

Millcreek Canyon

Hiking Mount Aire - Millcreek Canyon Hiking Mount Aire

Millcreek Canyon

Overview

RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike
MAPS: Mount Aire, UT;

Tue

Sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

51 | 33

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph.

52 | 34

Thu

A chance of rain after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

52 | 36

Fri

A chance of rain after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 36

Sat

A chance of snow before noon, then rain likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

51 | 37

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Bring all you need.

Tue

Sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

51 | 33

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph.

52 | 34

Thu

A chance of rain after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

52 | 36

Fri

A chance of rain after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 36

Sat

A chance of snow before noon, then rain likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

51 | 37

View Full Weather Details
Lucy and Ryan on the summit.

Lucy and Ryan on the summit.

With about 1900 feet of gain in 1.75 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 about 80% of the hike is dry.

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.
Aspen on the way up.

Aspen on the way up.

Diane nearing the pass.

Diane nearing the pass.

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)

Mount Aire ridgeline.

Mount Aire ridgeline.

Mount Aire from the pass.

Mount Aire from the pass.

Route

From the Elbow Fork trailhead, follow the trail north. It parallels the stream quickly coming to the Lambs Canyon junction. Go left here, crossing a bridge and following the stream up. The stream dries up the farther up you get.

Near the pass, the trail enters a grove of aspen trees before cresting the ridge and offering the first big views. Catch your breath here, there is still 700' of elevation to be gained!

Mount Aire is to the right. Follow the trail as it steeply zig-zags up to the summit.

From the summit, Parleys Canyon is the first canyon to the north. Looking south the most prominent peak is Gobblers Knob, with Mount Raymond just to the right (west) of it with Baker Pass in between.


Maps

Route / 3.58 miles / Elevation Range 6,636 - 8,608 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12T 441702mE 4506442mN

N40° 42' 25" W111° 41' 24"

Left (Lambs Canyon Jct.)

12T 441736mE 4506752mN

N40° 42' 35" W111° 41' 23"

Minor Left

12T 441757mE 4506807mN

N40° 42' 36" W111° 41' 22"

Pass

12T 441035mE 4507483mN

N40° 42' 58" W111° 41' 53"

Summit

12T 441281mE 4507902mN

N40° 43' 12" W111° 41' 43"

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