Millcreek Canyon, Utah

Dog Lake

We have been wanting to ride this trail for years.  I used to live at the bottom of this canyon, but never took advantage of it.  It was a "wilderness" area 50 years ago, but has been developed into a beautifully maintained area.  Located east of Salt Lake City, between Parley's Canyon (route to Park City) and the Cottonwood Canyons (Ski Resorts).  Dogs and horses are not allowed in the Cottonwood Canyons because of watershed issues.  So, this one is a real treat.  Here are some links to more information.  (or run a search for Millcreek Canyon, Utah)  There is a $3 fee payable on exit. ($2 for senior citizens.)

The trails here are simply gorgeous riding. Soft dirt among tall, towering evergreens, aspens, meadows.  They were lined with wildflowers of all varieties.  Definitely worth the effort if you are in the area.  Of all the trails we have ridden so far, this is among my top three.

http://www.hikesandlakes.com/millcreekcanyon.html

http://blog.twoknobbytires.com/2010/10/28/mill-creek-canyon/

Getting there: Get to Wasatch Blvd on the east bench of Salt Lake City via I-215. Exit at 39th South. Take 3800 South eastbound into the Canyon. Drive all the way to the top of the canyon. The trail begins on the south end of the Big Water Trailhead parking area GPS N 40° 40.922' W 111° 38.914'. (Note: the gate to upper Mill Creek Canyon is open to vehicles July 1 to November 1.)  

After researching, we chose to ride on a week day to avoid some of the crowds and picked an odd numbered day to avoid the bicycles on the trail.  Dogs are also allowed off leash on odd numbered days. They are allowed on even days, but have to be leashed.  The last few miles to get to the trailhead are on a one lane road, difficult to pass.  Parking is at a premium. 

 Would recommend arriving no later than 7 am even on a week day. Preferably 6 am in the summer.

  I DO NOT recommend taking a horse trailer up here on an evening or even after about 9 am.  There will simply be no place to park or turn around.  There are a few pull outs within a few miles of the trailhead, but would be extremely difficult to turn in and that's assuming they wouldn't have cars already there.  A smaller truck with a short 2 horse trailer might have an easier time. 

I have done extensive research to try to find a way to access this trail from the Canyons ski resort, but so far no....the trail I was hoping for was closed to make way for a golf course.

Here is a link on google maps.  I suggest you take a look at "Big Water Gulch" and hone in on the parking lot.  You can see how limited the parking is. 

Pull in the parking lot, circle it clockwise and pull in the spot indicated by the arrow.  This spot enables you to pull out into the roadway when you're done without a tight turn.  Because the parking will be FULL to overflowing by 10 am.  Suggest getting there by 6-7 am.  This parking area is smaller than it looks!

Trails ridden:  Dog Lake, 3 miles; Great Western and Red Pine.  Total mileage this ride:  about 10.5.  Minimum altitude=7,561 ft; Maximum altitude=8,946 ft.  Total ascent/descent=2,460 ft.  Trail conditions: The first two miles up from Big Water are 95% dirt, 5% rocky.  After that, it is approximately 50% dirt, 20% rocky and 30% small sometimes sharp gravel over dirt.  Barefoot horses with good feet can do it without boots.  

(Click on any photo for enlarged images.)

Odd numbered days are the best for horse riders.

The drive up the canyon is about 9 miles and takes about 25-30 minutes because it is winding and narrows to one lane near the top.

Our parking slot that we were able to snag upon arriving at 7:00 am on our second trip here on August 11, 2014.  Parking is limited and fills up fast.  If you are unable to get a spot in this lot, the options are dismal.  Overflow parking is available, but options for a horse trailer and rig are almost nil without taking up 5 car slots.

I took this photo on July 17, 2015 after talking to a group of riders we met on the trail. (First time ever we've met other horse riders.)  They said they parked on the road  "down aways".  First of all, I am not sure how they are  going to turn around.  They will have to drive up to the parking lot and around it.  This also involves walking the horses on paved road about a half mile.  

This is the reason we pick this spot.  We can pull out without much angle right on the road to leave.  Otherwise, a trailer rig would be "hemmed in" by cars on all sides.

Just starting out on the "Big Water" trail.  

Big Water Trail....Photos do not do this trail justice.  Wow...what beauty!

Big water trail heading up to Dog Lake.

Big water trail heading up to Dog Lake. Photo by Teisha Preece.

Big water trail heading up to Dog Lake. Photo by Teisha Preece.

Big water trail heading up to Dog Lake. Photo by Teisha Preece.

Big water trail heading up to Dog Lake. Photo by Teisha Preece.

Big Water Trail....sigh....Heaven on earth

Big Water Trail....sigh....Heaven on earth

Arrive at Dog Lake

After about 3 miles...arrive at Dog Lake

Once reaching Dog Lake, horses and dogs are allowed to the top of this little ridge, but no further.  It then drops down into the drainage of Big Cottonwood canyon.

Looking at Dog Lake

Dog Lake on July 17, 2015

Dogs definitely have fun playing in the lake.

Heading back out on the trail again...this time we turned east to follow the Great Western trail through several miles of gorgeous forest.

Meadows of wildflowers on the Little Water trail connection to the Great Western.

Great Western trail  

Great Western trail  east from Dog Lake

Great Western trail  east from Dog Lake

Great Western trail  east from Dog Lake

Great Western trail  just before it intersects with the Red Pine trail

Love those water features

Great Western trail  meadow

Great Western trail  just after intersecting with Red Pine.  We rode up further on the ridge hoping for a view of the Park City area.

Great Western trail  just after intersecting with Red Pine.  

Great Western trail  just after intersecting with Red Pine.  

Great Western trail  just after intersecting with Red Pine.   

And some water features...

Great Western trail  just after intersecting with Red Pine.  We rode up further on the ridge hoping for a view of the Park City area.

Eventually, we reached the top of the ridge with a view on the Canyons ski resort and Park City area.  Far in the distance are the Uinta mountains.

Lunch spot near the ridge.

   The top the ridge with a view on the Canyons ski resort and Park City area. 

Heading back on the Red Pine trail, which is across the small canyon from the Great Western Trail

Heading back on the Red Pine trail.

What a great ride.  We will be back soon, hopefully to see the wildflowers and again in the fall to enjoy the colors of the aspens and maples.