Name: Synthesis
Start: 2026-12-09
End: 2026-12-11

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

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

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Kyle Jenkins

| **Pros:** Amazing views down canyon. Beautiful lake. Wildfowers. Easy access to the trailhead. **Cons:** Steep. Can be a little crowded. No dogs. Exposed at times. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed:** No | **Total Distance:** 5.60 mi (9.01 km) **Trailhead Elev.:** 6,300 ft (1,920 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 2,600 ft (792 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer, Lake Blanche Trail is the perfect mix of challenge and accessibility. The ascent is steep, as is the case with many trails in the Cottonwoods, but the reward at the end of the hike keeps a steady stream of people coming to give it a try. Nearly 4 miles up the trail lies a serene lake with a towering peak known as the Sundial. The jagged dual-spire reflecting in the water below creates a unique and breathtaking scene.

From the parking lot the trail begins a few hundred yards up a paved pedestrian road heading east. The start of the actual trail is on the right and is easy to miss; if you reach the waterfall at the end of the road you have gone just a bit too far. The waterfall is worth checking out, however, if you are visiting for the first tim

Lake Blanche Trail

Four separate tracks, with tabletops and banked turns, are open from approximately early April to approximately mid-October. Off-Highway motorcycle (OHM) riders will enjoy two motocross (MX) tracks. The novice and grand-prix tracks are open to both OHMs and ATVs. All riders must wear a helmet and all machines must be currently registered. Before riding here, or on any public land, youth from 8-16 years old (and until they get a driver license) must take and pass the state-required youth off-highway vehicle (OHV) education program; children under the age of eight may not operate an OHV on public land in Utah. Youth must carry their safety certificate while riding.

Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle Park

The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control operates 44 State Liquor and Wine Stores and over 100 package agencies or contract stores across the state. State liquor and wine stores carry a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full strength beers.

Utah State Liquor Store #40

Featuring a David Graham/Gary Panks designed 18-hole champion-ship course, and state of the art driving range and putting greens; South Mountain offers a truly memorable experience. The Point Restaurant and Banquet facility, serving as the perfect place for your group event or tournament. South Mountain features an incredible blend of mountain and valley views, wildlife and scenery. A mountain links style course that has large undulating greens and dramatic elevation changes, South Mountain is a test for amateurs and professionals alike. With five tee boxes to choose from the golf course is an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

**Course Amenities:**

Proshop

Banquet Facility

Restaurant

Driving Range

**Course Stats:**

| Tee | Par | Rating | Slope | Yardage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gold - Men | 72 | 73.4 | 130 | 7080 |
| Black - Men | 72 | 71.3 | 125 | 6645 |
| Blue - Men | 72 | 69.3 | 121 | 6145 |
| White - Men | 72 | 67.3 | 118 | 5730 |
| Red - Ladies | 72 | 69.8 | 118 | 5165 |

Course Scorecard

South Mountain Golf Course

CTC Chinese Travel strives to provide a comfortable, caring, and cost-effective way to tour not only the biggest sites in the United States, but throughout China as well. With a professional team and personable staff, we make each and every booking not only a trip, but an experience. To do this, we not only help our clients book their plans, but teach many of the culturally significant practices that help to immerse visitors in the local culture. Being based in Salt Lake City, a past host of the Winter Olympics, we offer a unique experience: high-altitude skiing. Utah is home to one of the greatest snows on earth, and CTC Chinese Travel is happy to help you to experience the fresh powder snowfall in skiing or snowboarding whether you’re trying it for the first time, or a seasoned expert.

CTC Chinese Translation/Travel and Consulting

From exit 295 on I-15 go east about 5 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Continue east up the canyon 4.5 miles. Park in the Tanner’s Flat campground parking lot south of the road.Birds you can see—Black-chinned, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds; Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers; Clark’s Nutcracker; Stellar’s Jay; Swainson’s Thrush; Tree, Violet-green, and Cliff Swallows; Pine Grosbeak; Red Crossbill; Cassin’s Finch; Black Rosy-finch.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Utah’s first and only premiere indoor/outdoor beach volleyball venue!

Sand Bar

The largest lake west of the Mississippi, covering 2,100 square miles, with an average depth of 13 feet. The deepest point is 34 feet. Only the Dead Sea has a higher salt content than the Great Salt Lake. The lake’s salinity varies, but percentages have been as high as 27%. Yes, you really can float in the Great Salt Lake!

Great Salt Lake

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

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company presents SynthesisDecember 9th-11th, 2026 at 7:30pmStudio 5400Mid-Valley Performing Arts CenterSynthesis returns for its fourth installment. Join nearly 500 students for three days of our annual high school choreographic dance festival. The company will perform each evening, alongside young dancers from across the Wasatch Front.This calendar listing is brought to you by NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.

Synthesis

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