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

Burgers & brats at the Bird. When you see Snowbird's brand-new food trailer located just steps away from the base of the Mid-Gad chairlift in the Creekside Ballpark, you'll cry out 'Gadzooks'! In partnership with Pepsi, Gadzooks provides speedy grab & go lunch and snack options perfect for keeping those Gad Valley powder runs going all day long (why not try out Gadzooks' namesake trail located off the Gad 2 lift). In the spring, layout and enjoy the sun's rays while you enjoy a delicious Big Emma's Pepsi BBQ Burger while skiers and riders zoom on by.

Gadzooks

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.

Dog Lake Mountain Bike Ride: Great Western Trail to Big Water Trail

The Ashton Gardens is a botanical oasis in the Utah desert. Featuring 50 acres of stately gardens, grand lawns, and the largest manmade waterfall in America, the Gardens offer opportunities to reflect and rejuvenate in the wonders of the natural world.

The gardens are organized like rooms, with trees, shrubs, and grasses serving as living barriers between the 17 themed spaces. Whether you're feeding the Koi fish in the Monet Pond, enjoying a picnic lunch in the Rose Garden, or stumbling into the Secret Garden, there's beauty to be found with every step.

This summer, a prehistoric adventure comes to life at the Ashton Gardens. Wander through the misty[Dinosaur Island](http://thanksgivingpoint.org/dinosaur-island/), where animatronic dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes lurk in the vegetation. Hear the roars of 27 different dinos, cross paths with gentle giants, and even navigate through a fight between a T-rex and a Triceratops. With programs, activities, and more planned throughout the summer, this thrilling expedition will captivate all ages. Can you escape from Dinosaur Island?

Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point

Based in Utah with over 30 years of experience, Cornerstone specializes in creating unforgettable **live**, **virtual**, and **hybrid events**. Their full-service in-house approach covers **AV production, scenic design, lighting, video, and creative content**, ensuring seamless and memorable brand experiences. Supporting clients such as Adobe, Silicon Slopes, Ferrari, and Young Living, Cornerstone is a trusted partner for world-class events across Utah and beyond

Cornerstone Audio/Visual

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

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Tram access. Long descent. Vistas. Flowy. **Cons:** None. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Spring, Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 8.20 mi (13.20 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** BLUE **Trailhead Elev.:** 10,960 ft (3,341 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** -2,965 ft (-904 m) **Trail Uses:** Biking **Trail type:** One-way/Shuttle |
| --- | --- |

Big Mountain Trail is a newer addition to the mountain bike trails at Snowbird resort. Although the trail is accessible by climbing a number of fire roads or other trails, Snowbird’s tram makes those options seem more like punishment than anything else. This gorgeous, fast, flowy, endless descent is suited for nearly any mountain bike. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the scenery as you descend will leave you in awe. The work Snowbird has put into the trail becomes immediately apparent with rollers on the straightaways and well built ladders over the marshy areas. You'll also encounter the occasional natural, but mellow, rock garden.

Big Mountain Trail Mountain Bike Ride

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

Join local guides on trails in and around Snowbird to step into the mountains. A variety of options are available including group hikes (3-4 miles), private tours (4-10 miles based on your preference), and Wellness Wednesdays (1-2 miles focused on mindfulness). Advanced reservations are required for all guided hikes. We recommend bringing a long-sleeved layer, a hat, good hiking or athletic shoes, sunscreen and a backpack with a bottle of water and snacks.

Guided Hikes at Snowbird

One of the larger regional parks with a wide range of amenities including: five baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball, cricket, soccer and rugby fields.

Southridge Park

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