Name: Rustic Aspen Holiday Wreath Making
Start: 2026-12-01
End: 2026-12-01

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

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

Hyatt Centric Park City is your true slopeside base camp in Canyons Village—offering ski-in/ski-out access and the new 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola just steps away for fast, easy access from first chair to last run.

Only about 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s the easiest way to turn a Salt Lake stay into a mountain getaway—walk to village shops, dining, and après, then hop on our nightly shuttle to Historic Main Street.

Stay your way in modern guestrooms or spacious 1–4 bedroom residences (plus a 5-bedroom townhome), many featuring full kitchens and in-unit laundry—ideal for families, friends, and longer stays. Après starts here with a heated outdoor pool year-round, two outdoor hot tubs, and a sauna and steam room, plus on-site ski valet and convenient ski & snowboard rentals steps from the slopes.

Dine at [EPC: Escala Provisions Company](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city/dining/escala-provisions-company) for locally inspired fare and craft cocktails or plan your next gathering with [Meetings & Events](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city/meetings) featuring 10,000+ sq. ft. of flexible space.

Book direct on our [Official Website](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city) or choose an offer: [Earn 3K Bonus Points for every 3 nights](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city/offers/66f6489eba99587b991b8e625445e95a) | [Ski-In, Gondola-Out Getaway](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city/offers/a7f80fddf3a3471da30fd65a0fd0b41c) | [Bed & Breakfast](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/slcpc-hyatt-centric-park-city/offers/148133c8b76488ab3498afb3efd2d5a2)

Hyatt Centric Park City

The Pool House is a stylish rooftop setting with stunning views of the mountains, the only rooftop lounge in Canyons Village, and an all-day menu of classic American mountain fare, local beers and creative custom cocktails. Whether you’re poolside in the summer or fireside in the winter, The Pool House is a year-round perch featuring the very best of Pendry.

The Pool House Bar & Grille

America's largest ski resort with world-class lodging, gourmet dining, unparalleled terrain for skiing and boarding, scenic gondola rides, breath-taking hikes, zip-line adventure, an expansive array of mountain bike trails and live concerts. Experience a conference retreat with activities and scenery right outside your door.

Park City Mountain

Japanese for “north”, KITA is a Japanese grill style restaurant set in a stunning, modern space that welcomes guests with indoor, al fresco and sushi bar seating. Our menus put the spotlight on fresh sushi, Japanese steakhouse favorites, cozy ramen bowls and a thoughtfully curated menu of beer, sake, wine and cocktails.

Kita

We can cater biking, hiking, rafting/kayaking, snowshoe tours, sightseeing tours to fit your exact needs and desires; or you can choose from a list of over a dozen of our favorite tours! Whether you want waterfalls, caves, mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, valleys, forests, single track trail or paved bike trails, we have it all! Tours include rentals, transportation from lodging, and lunch options. We also offer sightseeing tours in the Salt Lake City and Park City areas and all our tours are private!

We also offer excursions and/or transportation for corporate groups, weddings and team building groups.

An Exclusive Excursion

To reach Big Cottonwood Canyon from Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South "Canyons" exit and then continue east on U-152, following signs to Solitude and Brighton. This 15-mile scenic byway takes about one hour round trip. From the main road, this canyon narrows almost immediately into dramatic alpine scenery. This 15-mile drive provides access to excellent hiking, fishing, picnicking, rock climbing, and camping. During the mid-1800s, Old West miners sought their fortune in gold and silver ore here. Remnants of old mines can be spotted from trails winding up the slopes. Located in the Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Big Cottonwood Canyon is home to Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. Both have full-service, year-round facilities. From Brighton there are several easy trails leading to various lakes, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Dog Lake. The canyon is a protected watershed area and no dogs are permitted. Wilderness areas are located to the north and south.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Located on 20 elegant acres at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, La Caille offers an unmatched experience and atmosphere. Stroll through the three-acre vineyard, enjoy a canyon breeze on the patio, host an unforgettable event – La Caille is your perfect place. Dinner served Wednesday- Saturday. Sunday brunch available from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Weddings and special events 365 days a year.

La Caille

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

Thinking outside the hoop this holiday season! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to build a unique, structured square wreath frame using rustic aspen branches. Then, we’ll bring it to life by layering fresh seasonal greenery and festive holiday decorations. You'll leave with a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind statement piece ready to hang on your front door!  
  
This event is for ages 12 and up.  
  
Born and raised in Romania, Monica moved to the United States to follow her passion for art and design. Her journey into floral artistry began 20 years ago in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, while interning for an interior designer whose clients demanded upscale, unique, and custom-designed arrangements. It was there that she fell in love with flowers, discovering a natural talent for blending artistic creativity with organic elegance. Four years ago, Monica brought her craft to Utah. Today, she draws endless inspiration for weddings and party floral arrangements from the state's stunning outdoor scenery and the welcoming community that has truly made Utah feel like home.  
  
ACE aims to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all of our attendees; please contact our Executive Director, Sara Gibbs, with any questions regarding accessibility.  
  
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.

Rustic Aspen Holiday Wreath Making

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