Dog Lake
Distance: 4.6 miles round tripDifficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 1,452
Time: 2-3 hours
Link: Dog Lake
Highlights: Beautiful wooded canyon and lake.
Directions: (Witt, 113) Take 1-215 East to 6200 South (Exit 6). At the off-ramp turn left and proceed south for 1.7 miles, as 6200 South changes to Wasatch Boulevard (UT 190). Turn LEFT at the signal, staying on UT 190, and continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for 9.1 miles to the Mill D North Fork trailhead and parking area on the LEFT side of the road.
Trail: Popular trail, be prepared for company. At times mosquitos can be bothersome, carry mosquito spray. Check out link for additional trail directions.
Silver Lake
Difficulty: VERY EASY
Time: at least an hour+
Elevation Gain: starts at 8750 feet with little gain
Highlights: Wheelchair, stroller, easy walk around Silver Lake. Compact trails or boardwalk through marshy areas around lake. Interactive signs that teach about surrounding area and wildlife. Ranger and information station at parking lot. Lake is stocked and fishing is allowed with license.
Link: Silver Lake or Here
Directions: (From above Silver Lake link) From anywhere in the Salt lake Valley take I-215 East until you reach the 6200 South Exit (Exit 6). Signs are marked for the ski areas, you will be heading toward Brighton and Solitude Ski Resorts. Drive east on 6200 south and the road will become Wasatch Boulevard. Follow Wasatch Boulevard south to an intersection with Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South). The intersection is located 1.7 miles after exiting I-215.
All mileage is taken from the intersection of Wasatch Boulevard and Fort Union Boulevard. This is known locally as the "Mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon". There is a large Park and Ride lot with restrooms located near the north east corner of the intersection.
From the intersection drive east up Big Cottonwood Canyon. After driving 14.2 miles up canyon the road will fork into a one-way loop. follow the one-way loop right (west) and drive 50 yards to the signed Silver Lake Trailhead on the right (north) side of the road. The trailhead is designated with a large paved parking lot, restroom, information kiosk and visitor center. The Silver Lake Trailhead is the beginning of several popular hikes. Granite Hike and Lake Solitude
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| Looking Down at Silver Lake from our Hike up to Twin Lakes (See Below) |
Twin Lakes
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| Twin Lakes- it was windy and chilly, a storm was blowing in, but beautiful! |
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate for kids
Time: 3 hours+
Elevation Gain: 720 feet (highest elv. 9,480)
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| Some steep parts, but kids did great |
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| Taking a break on the trail up, overlooking Silver Lake below |
Directions: Follow same driving directions as above. See Silver Lake. From parking lot, walk on boardwalk around the right side. Half way around, there is a fork off to the right. Take that trail. Very soon there is another fork, the right is to Lake Solitude, the left to Twin Lakes. Take the left and follow trail.
Donut Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour+
Elevation Gain: 420 ft.
Highlights: Easy hike, suitable for all ages. Beautiful hike to a waterfall that travels through a hole in the rocks.
Link: Donut Falls
Directions: Big Cottonwood Canyon- From 1-15 take 215 East. Exit on 6200 South. Turn RIGHT on Wasatch Blvd. Turn LEFT at Big Cottonwood Canyon (There is a 7-11 on corner). Travel up canyon 9 miles. Here the turnoff to the RIGHT will take you to the trailhead one mile further (past Jordan Pines picnic area and some private property) Trailhead is at south end of parking lot.
Trail: Although an easy hike, it is rugged around the waterfall. Take caution when walking around. Do not climb rocks near the falls, they are slippery.
