Better late than never as they say…. I obviously did not do any snowshoeing in May when this is getting written and published. Winter, myself, and our friends made this jaunt up Thayne Canyon back on New Years Eve 2021. The full Thayne Canyon trail is about 7 miles round trip with almost 3,000 feet of elevation. We completed about half of the trail right after a giant snow storm, which is the best time to get in a good snowshoe in Utah.
Thayne Canyon Trail
Thayne Canyon shares a trailhead with another of my favorite hikes in Mill Creek Canyon – Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook. The shared trailhead can make parking more difficult on a busy day, but we were able to find parking no problem.
Once we situated with our snow shoes and the dogs go mushers wax on their paws we were on our way up the canyon. Shortly after leaving out from the trailhead the trail splits and goes up Desolation Trail or up Thayne Canyon. The split is well marked so no worries about missing this!
We got a bit of a late start so we were definitely not the first snowshoers on the trail, which is honestly a blessing. Breaking trail is not all that fun! We really got to enjoy ourselves though with a relatively easy snowshoe. Some folks ahead of us even brought sleds and were sledding back down the trail. One day that will be me, but for now the snowshoes were perfect.
About half way up the trail we decided to turn back! We were both getting a little chilled, and the dogs were indicating their paws were getting cold. The best decision is to always air on the side of caution, especially with snowy and cold conditions out on the trails. I am sure we will return to do the full Thayne Canyon hike during the summer season! We will be sure to bring leashes because the trail is known for Moose sightings.
Before you go
I want to preface that my snowshoes are nothing fancy! I got the most basic snowshoes for about $90 from Costco in Utah. For anyone who is into hiking and wants to dabble in snowshoeing in the winter season, these are the perfect ones. There is literally no reason to spend $200+ on a pair of snowshoes.
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 and have no fear, they take credit cards.
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!
Better late than never yep yep big girl, cool never done snowshoeing. Pictures are great and the pups looked excited. Another great article!
Thank you!