Desolation Lake via Mill D

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

7.56 miles

Elevation Gain

2024 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by McKenzie Roers

Desolation Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon offers a quiet destination with wildlife sightings from the trail and Wasatch wildflower fields during summer months.

Drive 9 miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Mill D North Trailhead (on the left). On the right side of the road, there is a restroom. The trial head begins on the left, there is a visible sign you cannot miss before beginning.

The trail is about 7.4 miles round trip, about half way through the trail you will come to a fork with a sign (Dog Lake .6 miles, Desolation Lake 1.9 miles). The Desolation Lake trail winds on until you reach the lake. You will climb around 1900 feet in elevation; the trail is a steady uphill climb but nothing too drastic as you can mountain bike up it.

Camping is allowed, dogs are not. Swimming is also prohibited. There are trails that go beyond the lake so you can walk to the ridge line or hang out by the lake. There are trees for hammocking as well!

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Features

Photography
Camping
Chillin
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Desolation Lake via Mill D Reviews

I've hiked this in every season and it's one of my favorites. Make sure to bring spikes or snow shoes in the winter, especially if you plan on heading all the way to the lake. Most do not make it that far and only go to Dog Lake. Mountain bikers can be seen in warmer months coming down off the Wasatch Crest Trail.

Leave No Trace

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

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