Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Added by McKenzie Roers

Easily accessibleFamily FriendlyDay Hike

Drive about 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and turn right at the Mill D Fork. Drive on this road, it will turn to gravel and eventually you will come to the trailhead/designated parking. There are bathrooms available on site.

If you would like to access Donut Falls during the winter, wear proper hiking boots and instead of being able to drive to the trailhead, you will have to park in the parking lot just off the main road of Big Cottonwood.

It is an easy, family/group friendly hike in which you may see wildlife. On the last leg of the hike, there is a spot in the trail that opens up and there is a little more room hammocking or taking a nice, shady break.

Once you are at the base of the falls, you will have to cross the river so expect to get a little wet on your feet. If you want to hike up to the opening of the waterfall, this requires more skill. You must scale your way up the rock-bed to the opening of the falls. Use caution, as it is not suggested for young children but if you take it slow enough, you will be able to reach the Donut Falll.

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Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah Reviews

Andy Brough

Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

01/17/18

Great family hike, even in winter. Winter adds an aspect of danger. Don’t be stupid! It’s COLD out there, and the trails are icy and slick in spots. The water is freezing! Prepare accordingly! (Don’t show up in running shoes and a hoodie like that group of teens taking selfies and then complain that you forgot your gloves and it’s cold!) Bring a jetboil and brew some coffee on the trail, enjoy nature! And PLEASE leave your Bluetooth speakers at home!

4.0

John H

Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

07/10/16

Great hike with kids up until the falls. The trailhead starts 0.75 miles down the road if you park right on Big Cottonwood. Alternatively you can drive down the road and see if the is parking in the lot at the trailhead. Generally well marked, but there are a couple of forks that aren't marked. Very easy with small kids until you have to climb down a short, steep slope to the creek to approach the falls. Very fun hiking once you are in the creek, but too far in and it is very difficult for small kids. Wet and slippery. Great for adults or older kids.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

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Donut Falls, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah Reviews

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Backcountry Ski Cardiff Fork

Snowshoe to Cardiff Mine

Big Cottonwood Canyon Astrophotography

Donut Falls

Kessler Peak in Utah's Big Cottonwood Canyon

Hike Cardiff Fork

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