Name: Lake Desolation Mill D North Trail
Address: Lake Desolation Mill D North Trailhead, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121

Located up Big Cottonwood canyon, this trail is a great opportunity to get out on your snowshoes. If you're not looking to go too far, you can also bring a tube or sled and enjoy the hills at the trailhead.

Lake Desolation Mill D North Trail

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

One of the best hikes for families with children - a great nature walk. Short, not too steep, and with a beautiful pay off at the end in the form of an unusual waterfall.

Donut Falls 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:** 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.

Dog Lake Mountain Bike Ride: Great Western Trail to 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

[Solitude Mountain Resort](https://solitudemountain.com/) has something to offer skiers and riders of all abilities with an average of 500” of annual snowfall, 1,200 acres of incredible terrain, 77 named runs, three bowls, a [Nordic Center](https://solitudemountain.com/winter-activities/nordic-skiing-nordic-center), Snowsports Academy, [snowshoeing](https://solitudemountain.com/winter-activities/snowshoeing-other-activities) as well as some of the most impressive off-piste terrain in the country.  
  
[Solitude Mountain Spa](https://www.solitudemountain.com/mountain-and-village/spa) Our intimate, four-room spa offers a serene and personalized experience, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. With 15 diverse service offerings, including massages, facials, and body treatments, there's something for everyone. We also feature seasonal holiday specials to enhance your celebration, as well as tailored bridal packages designed to pamper and prepare you for your special day. Whether you're seeking tranquility or preparing for a big event, our spa provides a soothing retreat for all.

Included in the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

[Learn more about the Super Pass](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/super-pass/)

Solitude Mountain Resort

The Yurt offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Utah. Guests snowshoe less than a mile distance through a moon and lantern lit forest to a Mongolian yurt, where a chef prepares an exciting and unforgettable four-course meal right before your eyes. Available Thursday through Sunday evenings during the winter season, this intimate dining adventure is limited to a maximum of 24 people. Reservations are required and adults over 13 years of age are invited. Dinner, corkage, guide, tax and gratuity are included in the price.

*The Yurt at Solitude will open for the 2016-2017 winter season on December 1, 2016 and will be open Thursdays through Sundays, 5:30 to 9 p.m.*

The Yurt at Solitude

The Stone Haus Pizzeria and Creamery offers guests a quick and convenient place to grab a fresh sandwich for lunch or piping hot pizza for dinner. Featuring a variety of handmade pizzas, sandwiches, sports drinks and beer, the Stone Haus is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite before heading back on the mountain or winding down your day. And if your sweet tooth is nagging you, don’t forget to try some of our delicious, hand-packed ice cream.

Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery

The Thirsty Squirrel is a classic, mountain pub offering a variety of cocktails, craft beers, wine and hot appetizers. Sit down and swap stories, play some pool or catch highlights from a game on one of the large flat-screen TVs.

The Thirsty Squirrel

St. Bernard’s serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday evenings during the winter season and features a selection of European family favorites in a casual and comfortable buffet-style setting. The crackling fireplace provides a warm and picturesque ambiance while dining at St. Bernard’s. In addition to its diverse menu, St. Bernard’s also offers a wide selection of wine, beer and cocktails.

*St. Bernards is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. beginning on December 2, 2016.*

St. Bernard's

With views of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, Honeycomb Grill is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal after a day on the mountain. Honeycomb Grill serves contemporary American cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the menu features an array of appetizers, entrées and house made desserts. To complement its creative menu, Honeycomb Grill offers a great selection of local and imported beer, a varied wine list as well as specialty cocktails.

Honeycomb Grill is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch beginning Thursday, June 8, 2017.

**Hours:**  
Thursday - dinner, 3 to 9 p.m.  
Friday and Saturday - lunch, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.;dinner, 4 to 9 p.m.  
Sunday - brunch, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 4 to 8 p.m.

Honeycomb Grill

Alta’s finest luxury resort, the Snowpine Lodge, provides guests with the best ski-in/ski-out access, world class dining, rejuvenating mountain spa, and views that take your breath away during every season. Built in 1938, the historical Snowpine Lodge was the first ski lodge in Little Cottonwood canyon, home of both Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, and the "Greatest Snow on Earth”. The Snowpine Lodge was completely rebuilt in 2017/2018, adding numerous amenities desired by every guest, including a full-service restaurant, full-service bar, outdoor pool and hot tub, indoor grotto, game room, and ballroom. Cozy room accommodations range from family suites to private rooms to dorm style lodging

Lake Desolation Mill D North Trail

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