Name: Thaynes Canyon Loop
Address: 5850 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109

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

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

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

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Shady. Views. Long season. Easy access. **Cons:** Busy. Flat. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Spring, Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 14.00 mi (22.53 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 5,345 ft (1,629 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,309 ft (399 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

The Mill Creek Pipeline ride is a Salt Lake City mountain biking favorite due to its easy accessibility, long riding season, and beautiful views. It climbs up Mill Creek Canyon, running on the hillside above the road. It’s southern exposure helps it stay dry early in the spring and late into the fall, and it is even rideable in parts of the winter. Likewise, the trail is very well shaded; the trees even create a tunnel effect in places, which makes it a nice option for hot summer days. When there is a break in the trees, you are rewarded with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the Salt Lake Valley below. In general, the trail is relatively flat with a few good climbs and descents in the middle.

Mill Creek Pipeline Mountain Bike Trail via Rattlesnake Gluch

Voted "Best Canyon," "Best Restaurant," and "Hall of Fame." Historic mountain retreat minutes from downtown. Pines, waterfalls, wildflowers, warm fires. Patio dining. Rated Top 50 Romantic in USA. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, DiRoNA, AAA 4-Diamond.

Log Haven

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.

#### Hiking and Mountain Biking

Many beautiful trails start in the canyon.

#### Cross Country Skiing

The canyon road gate closes on November 1st. Once there is enough snow the road is groomed for skiing at least once a week. Fat bikes can ride the groomed trail but need to stay off the classic ski track.

#### Birdwatching

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](http://www.visitsaltlake.com/skicity/dining/log-haven/),[Elbow Fork Picnic Area](http://www.visitsaltlake.com/listings/Elbow-Fork-to-Terrace-Picnic-Area/55101/2697/), and the Millcreek Inn events venue.

Millcreek Canyon

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

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Rounds Putt Lounge

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

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Wasatch Ski & Snowboard Rental

A steep, less-trafficked hike that makes for a great workout with an expansive view as a payoff at the end.

The Parley's Canyon Overlook Trailhead is relatively new, and many of the branching trails that start here are also new. The overlook is a minor peak that takes in views of the Salt Lake Valley to the west and Parley's Canyon to the east and south, and it can be reached by multiple routes. There are two main ridgeline routes and a third that follows a ravine between the other two, and many smaller trails, tracks, and deer paths that head up and around the mountain. The best track is to follow straight up one of the ridges. Short and steep, this is a good way to get the heart pumping. With a little more distance, can be combined with the Jack's Peak Trail for a 5 mile loop.

**Local's Recommendation:**This trail is quite steep and there is little shade cover, so this is best in spring or fall. Can be hiked in the winter with proper weather gear.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Difficult - steep sections with technical hiking to follow trails

**Highest point:** 6289 ft

**Lowest point:** 5157 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, Fall. Winter needs proper gear.

**Safety information:** As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear appropriate footwear when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated.

**Roadbook**

Starting at the trailhead, follow the trail northeast from the parking area immediately follow the bend that turns right and up a small hill. At the top of the hill, turn left heading up the ridgeline. Follow the ridgeline to the peak overlooking the valley and the canyon.

- Parley's Canyon Overlook Trail Head, 2531 Scenic Dr E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 5157 ft - 0 mi
- Parleys Canyon - 0.7 mi
- Highest point, 6286 ft - 1.6 mi
- Parley's Canyon Overlook - 2.8 mi

**How to Get There**

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

**Directions:** If you follow online map directions they may not have the update to the new Scenic Drive portion. Get to 2962 Benchmark Drive, follow past 2962 and through the gates up the hill and to the end of Scenic Drive.

**Parking:** There is limited, free on-the-street parking at the trailhead.

Thaynes Canyon Loop

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