Porter Fork starts at the aptly named Porter Fork Trailhead about 4 miles up Millcreek Canyon. It’s actually Porter Fork Road for the first 1.5 miles of the trail. This section is a pleasant, paved path winding up through a dozen or so cabins. You’ll gain about 1,000 feet.

If you make it past the cabins, you’re doing better than most hikers on the trail and are therefore rewarded with a secluded path through vibrant, shady forests. It’s quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Dogs are allowed up Porter Fork, but must be on a leash.

The route to the top of the canyon is 6.8 miles round-trip with 3,250 feet of elevation gain, and well worth the effort. When you gain the ridgeline, take a moment to enjoy the view of Twin Peaks to the south.

You are now standing at a cross-roads. You could make a loop out of your adventure and take the Desolation Trail down Thayne Canyon (highly recommended), or possibly shuttle a car and drop down Neffs Canyon, or even Big Cottonwood Canyon. This area has a fantastic network of trails and you could spend a lifetime exploring each one.

Not a bad way to live.