Name: Mountain Dell Canyon Course
Address: I-80 Exit 134, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109

The Mountain Dell courses, 16 miles east of downtown at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, offer breathtaking views and frequent glimpses of wildlife such as moose, deer, elk, eagles, hawks, badgers, squirrels, and an occasional cougar. The Canyon Course stretches up the mountain approx. four miles before looping back.

**Course Amenities:**

Driving Range

Retail Proshop

Rental pull carts

Cafe

Practice greens, chipping area

Motorized rental cars

Handicap Cart - provide 24 hour notice

Certified PGA Instructors

**Course Stats:**

| Tee | Par | Rating | Slope | Yardage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black - Men | 72 | 71.3 | 126 | 6787 |
| Blue - Men | 72 | 70.2 | 120 | 6416 |
| White - Men | 72 | 68.0 | 116 | 6016 |
| White - Women | 73 | 72.6 | 128 | 6016 |
| Gold - Women | 73 | 69.2 | 121 | 5447 |

[Course Scorecard](http://www.slc-golf.com/b270635776_sites/www.slc-golf.com/files/MDCscorecard.pdf)

In winter, this golf couse also has one of the best sledding hills around. Bring your tube a few minutes up Parley's Canyon for a great ride.

Or, try your hand at Nordic (cross-country) skiing. This is one of the few areas in Salt Lake with a groomed track. Get current conditions from [The Utah Nordic Alliance](https://utahnordic.org/mtndell/)

Mountain Dell Canyon Course

Salt Lake is where mountain adventure meets city amenities. The towering Wasatch Mountains embrace the Salt Lake Valley and provide a dramatic backdrop to our vibrant, active, urban environment. Hike to dramatic waterfalls or alpine lakes, then refresh with award-winning cuisine. Explore the Great Salt Lake, then rock the night away to music that suits your specific tastes -- whether that's jazz, pop, symphony, or anything in-between. Race down snow covered slopes and then apres with local craft brews. How you spend your time in Salt Lake is as unique as you.

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

The Mountain Dell courses, 16 miles east of downtown at an altitude of 6,000 ft above sea level, offer breathtaking views and frequent glimpses of wildlife such as moose, deer, elk, eagles, hawks, badgers, squirrels, and an occasional cougar. The Lake Course features narrow, rolling fairways and tee shots over ravines and water.

**Course Amenities:**

Driving Range

Retail Proshop

Rental pull carts

Cafe

Practice greens, chipping area

Motorized rental cars

Handicap Cart - provide 24 hour notice

Certified PGA Instructors

**Course Stats:**

| Tee | Par | Rating | Slope | Yardage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black - Men | 71 | 72.2 | 129 | 6745 |
| Blue - Men | 71 | 69.7 | 125 | 6049 |
| White - Men | 71 | 66.2 | 117 | 5463 |
| White - Women | 71 | 69.3 | 123 | 5463 |
| Gold - Women | 71 | 66.1 | 111 | 5066 |

[Course Scorecard](http://www.slc-golf.com/sites/www.slc-golf.com/files/MDLscorecard.pdf)

Mountain Dell Golf Course

An easy hike that can get you up to some beautiful high up views quickly, and also can get you access to other interesting and less trafficked trails.

This is a beautiful moderately-trafficked hike that is family-friendly, and because it starts pretty high up in Emigration Canyon will allow you access to a smaller peak without having to climb too much. There are beautiful views of Emigration and Parley's Canyon as well as Little Dell Reservoir. In the summer you can see beautiful wild flowers, but it's also a decent winter trail - depending on snow conditions, you can snow shoe it or even just walk it.

**Local's recommendation:** A great trail for a casual afternoon hike - not too challenging with a great view.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 6818 ft

**Lowest point:** 4193 ft

**Best time of year:** Jan - Dec (year round)

**Safety information:** There are some mildly steep parts - if you're here in the winter, you may want YakTrax. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat as there is no shade cover. As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated.

**Roadbook**

Park in the dirt parking lot at the top of Emigration Canyon on the south side of the road. Cross the road to the north, where you will see a metal gate and a trail going up the side of the hill. The trail is easy to follow past that point.

- Start point - Little Mountain Summit, 588 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 6818 ft - 1.6 mi
- Lowest point, 6237 ft - 3.2 mi
- Little Mountain - Destination - 3.2 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is plenty of free parking at the trailhead.

Little Mountain Trail

A steep but rewarding out-and-back peak hike with incredible vistas.

This is a mild to moderately trafficked steep hike to a gorgeous overview. The first two-thirds of the trail have excellent shade, following a stream up the mountainside for a good portion of it. In just under two miles from trailhead to the peak, the elevation gain is nearly 2,000 feet, so this is considered a difficult trail. In the late summer, the wildflowers along the trail are spectacular, and the views from the saddle and the peak are well worth the steepness.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Difficult - steep with high elevation gain

**Highest point:** 8609 ft

**Lowest point:** 6647 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, and Fall

**Safety information:** As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated - even with the shade cover on the lower half of the trail, it can get very warm.

**Roadbook**

From the trailhead at Elbow Fork, follow the signs up the trail. There are very few branching trails on the first half of the trail, but when there are, stay on the northern-most branch. At the saddle, take the trail that heads north and east up the peak.

- Mount Aire TrailHead, Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 6647 ft - 0 mi
- Highest point, 8609 ft - 2 mi
- Mount Aire - 3.8 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trail head - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is parking just off the road, near the Mount Aire trailhead at Elbow Fork. Be aware that there is a $5.00 fee when exiting Millcreek Canyon.

Mount Aire Trail

1.75 mi/2.8 km one-way — The Elbow Fork trailhead starts 6.4 miles up Millcreek Canyon on the south side of the road, about 200 feet past a sharp turn. Start walking at the footbridge and proceed through a short series of steep switchbacks to reach an excellent view area. The trail then continues with a gradual ascent and crosses a ridge before descending to the Terraces Picnic Area. With a change in elevation of only 430 feet, this trail is great for families. Situated on the north-facing slope, the trail is shaded, making it a perfect choice for summer hikes.

Elbow Fork to Terrace Picnic Area

Short, easy hike with beautiful canyon views and access to other trails.

A moderate to heavily trafficked hike in the trees with a few beautiful canyon views. Many other options to lengthen the hike exist here, including the Salt Lake Overlook, Thaynes Canyon Peak, and access to other trails that branch off through Millcreek, this hike is a great way to warm up and see what hiking is about in this fantastic area.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent summer or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 6467 ft

**Lowest point:** 5748 ft

**Best time of year:** Year round

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are mildly steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot, take the Desolation Trail and stay to the left on the Thaynes Canyon trail. At 0.6 mile, there is a trail sign with a branch to the right for Desolation - go right on that trail. It will loop around and back down to the trailhead.

- Thaynes Canyon Trailhead, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Photo - 0.3 mi
- Highest point, 6260 ft - 0.6 mi
- Lowest point, 5745 ft - 1.6 mi
- Loop - 1.6 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Parking is available for free near the trailhead. Be aware that there is a $5.00 fee when exiting Millcreek Canyon.

Thaynes Canyon Loop

A beautiful out-and-back hike through varied mountain terrain to the top of one of the many peaks looking down on the Salt Lake valley.

This trail has many fantastic attributes: for the first part of the hike, it follows a small stream up the mountain with plenty of shade, it has great views looking down into Millcreek Canyon, and finally, the peak looks out over the Salt Lake Valley. The hike will get your heart racing for sure, with a consistently steep, well-packed trail. Although it is moderately difficult due to distance and steepness, it is perhaps one of the easiest peak ascents overlooking Salt Lake. There are two main trails to get to Grandeur Peak; the West Trail is shorter but considerably steeper and has less shade cover.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Moderate - based on elevation gain

**Highest point:** Grandeur Peak, 8294 ft

**Lowest point:** 5686 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, or Fall

**Safety information:** As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated - even with the shade cover on the lower half of the trail, it can get very warm.

**Roadbook**

From the Church Fork Picnic Area, follow the road up the mountain to the Grandeur Peak trailhead. Follow this trail to where the Pipeline Trail crosses the Grandeur Peak trail. Follow the sign to turn on the correct trail for Grandeur Peak. As you get closer to the top, stay on the trail that takes you west towards the peak.

- Start point - Church Fork Picnic Area, 5802 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 1,733 m - 0.1 mi
- Grandeur Peak, 2,529 m - highest point - 3.3 mi
- Grandeur Peak - Destination - 6.6 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is some limited, but free parking at the trailhead. Parking at the Church Fork Picnic Area is reserved for those using the picnic area. There is also free parking on the canyon road, but will require about 1/2 mile extra hiking to get to the trailhead through the picnic area. Be aware that there is a $5.00 fee when exiting Millcreek Canyon

Grandeur Peak from the East Trail via Church Fork

Longer hike with beautiful canyon and city views. Easier and family-friendly with little altitude change.

A moderate to heavily trafficked hike on the popular Pipeline Trail with beautiful canyon views. The first mile (and last, as this is an out-and-back trail) are well shaded, but the rest is in the sun, so bring a hat and sunscreen, as well as plenty of water. The trail follows the canyon for many miles in both directions from the trailhead, and it follows it a few hundred feet up on the north slope of the canyon - but it is largely a flat trail with little elevation change. Views are spectacular all along the trail and particularly at the overlook, which takes in the Salt Lake Valley.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 6037 ft

**Lowest point:** 5699 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, Fall

**Safety information:** As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet.   
Be aware of bikes - this is also a popular trail for mountain bikers and they are allowed on the trail year-round.

**Roadbook**

From the Church Fork Picnic Area, follow the road up the mountain to the Grandeur Peak trailhead. Follow this trail to where the Pipeline Trail crosses the Grandeur Peak trail. Turn left on the Rattlesnake Gulch section of the trail, and follow it to the Pipeline Overlook.

- Church Fork Picnic Area, 5802 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Pipeline Overlook - 3.5 mi
- Highest point, 6033 ft - 4.3 mi
- Lowest point, 5699 ft - 7.1 mi
- Pipeline Overlook - 7.1 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trail head - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is some limited, but free parking at the trailhead. Parking at the Church Fork Picnic Area is reserved for those using the picnic area. There is also free parking on the canyon road. Be aware that there is a $5.00 fee when exiting Millcreek Canyon.

Pipeline Trail - Church Creek to Pipeline Overlook

**This is a great trail in Mill Creek Canyon. There are lots of switchbacks but nothing too steep or technical.**

This trail in Millcreek Canyon climbs to an overview of the Salt Lake Valley and offers a spectacular sunset vista of the Great Salt Lake. Enter Millcreek Canyon from 3900 South. The trail begins just east of the Millcreek Inn Restaurant, .75 miles from the bottom of the canyon. A sign indicating the trailhead is just a few yards south of a clearly visible restroom. This trail climbs 1,250 feet on long gradual switchbacks. Take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way.

**Local's tip:** Take Wasatch Boulevard to 3800 South. Follow 3800 South east into the canyon (fee area). Millcreek Canyon is full of hiking, mountain-biking, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and birdwatching opportunities. Some of the birds you can see include, but aren't limited to, the Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Flammulated Owl, and Great Horned Owl. Millcreek Canyon is also the site of Log Haven Restaurant, Elbow Fork Picnic Area, and the Millcreek Inn events venue.  
The trail ends at the Salt Lake Overlook where you can enjoy great views of the of the Salt Lake valley.

Salt Lake Overlook/Desolation Trail

This moderate out-and-back hike is popular, and for good reason. Takes you up a well-shaded trail to a beautiful small lake from the Millcreek Canyon side of the mountain.

This is an excellent medium difficulty hike that will appeal to most levels of hikers. Beautiful views, trees that shade most of the trail, and a small but picnic-worthy lake at the top all contribute to one of the most pleasant hikes in Millcreek Canyon. While the 1,300+ feet in elevation gain is not insignificant, the trail is never overly steep. The lake can also be accessed via the Big Cottonwood Canyon side of the mountain, but the Millcreek side is the only one of the two trails that allows dogs. Dog Lake itself is in the middle of a forested part of the mountain.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Difficulty:** Moderate - based on overall elevation gain

**Highest point:** 8793 ft

**Lowest point:** 7474 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, Fall

**Safety information:** Mountain bikes are also allowed on this trail on even days, so if hiking, watch for bikes on the trail. As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated - even with the shade cover on the trail, it can get very warm.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at the top of Millcreek Canyon, take the Little Big Water Trailhead up the mountain, and follow the signs for Dog Lake.

- Start point - Lower Big Water Trailhead, Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 7474 ft - 0 mi
- Highest point, 8793 ft - 3.8 mi
- Dog Lake - Destination - 6.9 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, and parking on the road. If parking on the road is required, there is a trail that parallels the road on the south side that joins up with the trailhead.

Dog Lake via Big Water Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Shady. Cool in summer. Fast. **Cons:** Busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 8,239 ft (2,511 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,271 ft (387 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

This trail gives you a pleasant and incredibly scenic climb through 3.5 miles of aspen groves, sprawling meadows, and thick pine forests. All this eventually leads you to Desolation Lake itself, a picturesque high-altitude lake. It’s the perfect, tranquil resting spot. From there, it’s a short climb up to the Wasatch Crest Trail that joins in just below the Spine. If you choose to ride to Desolation Lake as an out-and-back, you’re in for a fast and flowy descent. The trail twists and dives, throwing you through the same forests you just climbed through.

Desolation Lake Mountain Bike Ride

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Views, fast, beautiful **Cons:**Busy **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 7,645 ft (2,330 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,157 ft (353 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

The Dog Lake mountain bike ride usually begins at the Great Western Trail trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon. The lake itself is picturesque and surrounded by a massive aspen grove. Dogs are allowed on the trail and up to the lake, but they must be leashed on even numbered dates. Likewise, bikes are only allowed on the upper Mill Creek Canyon trails on even days. The biggest benefit of Dog Lake is the epic scenery. You’ll get stunning mountain views and broad vistas. You’ll ride through thickly wooded forests filled with aspens, cottonwood, and towering pines.

Mountain Dell Canyon Course

About Mountain Dell Canyon Course

Quick Links

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Near Mountain Dell Canyon Course

Tee	Par	Rating	Slope	Yardage
Black - Men	72	71.3	126	6787
Blue - Men	72	70.2	120	6416
White - Men	72	68.0	116	6016
White - Women	73	72.6	128	6016
Gold - Women	73	69.2	121	5447