Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook is yet another fun hike to a gorgeous view point over Salt Lake Valley. The trailhead is in Mill Creek Canyon and accessible year round! Winter and I ventured out with a human and 4 legged friend for this 4.2 mile hike with almost 1,300 feet elevation gain. As always, All Trails was where I got the information for this hike! If you are planning to go during the winter season, always make sure to check the weather and the avalanche warnings.
Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook
The hike starts just behind the Mill Creek Inn about half way to the winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon. The trailhead will also take you to Thaynes Canyon and several other longer hikes. Once the trial splits and you head left toward Salt Lake Overlook you start the fun uphill climb with switchbacks. The views along the way are awesome, and if you look closely across Mill Creek Canyon you can see the folks hiking Pipeline Trail on the other side. The hike up the trail was pretty easy with packed snow most of the way. There were only a few slick areas when I tackled this trail in late January. The only time this caused an issue was on the way back down. I was glad I remembered to grab my YakTracks on the way out the door.
A few times I thought we were at the top, and then we would come around the corner and there was more trail! But the view is worth the effort on this moderately difficult trail!
Both of the pups had the best time on the trail playing in the snow. I am pretty sure they hiked the trail 4X over with all the running back and forth. We chose to go on an ODD day – which meant the pups could be off leash in Mill Creek Canyon and on this trail.
Before you go
Mill Creek Canyon does charge a fee per vehicle. It is just $5 and they do offer a year pass as well! You pay on your way out of the canyon.
A huge plus to this canyon as well is they allow dogs off-leash on ODD days. So for example: 2/13, 2/15, etc. you can have your dog off-leash. EVEN days the trails require dogs on leash, and they allow mountain biking on these day as well. Another convenient benefit is toilets at each trailhead. The canyon has TONS of hiking options year-round, and even more during the spring, summer and fall seasons when the winter gate is open! If you drive to the winter gate during the winter, they groom the road for cross country skiing and snow shoeing! The options are endless in Mill Creek Canyon.
Enjoying all of Winter and my adventures? Check out more hiking and trips we have taken on our archives page! More hikes in Mill Creek Canyon and across Utah are also featured here!