Mountain Bike Dog Lake, Millcreek Canyon

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Details

Distance

4.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1260 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Travis Poulson

One of the most fun rides in all of Northern Utah. A steady climb through dense pine and aspen groves is rewarded with a velvety smooth downhill.

If it’s an even day and you’re in Salt Lake and you’re in possession of a mountain bike, put down your phone and spend the next 2 hours in pure bliss. Mountain bikers are only allowed to use the trails of upper Millcreek Canyon on even days, which makes for a busy route, but well worth it. This is a must do ride!

The route starts at the Soldier Fork parking lot (just before the Great Western Trailhead) at the top of Millcreek Canyon after a beautiful drive. It climbs 1,260 feet in 4.4 miles taking the Big Water trail to Dog Lake. There are very few technical obstacles making this is a great adventure for beginner mountain bikers. The trail is particularly stunning in the fall when the aspens turn to gold.

The Lake itself isn’t going to make it on the cover of a magazine, it’s more of a pond. But it’s a pleasant spot to eat a snack, take some photos and enjoy the resident family of ducks. The ride down is what makes this a local favorite. The trail is smooth, the dirt is tacky and the path has very few obstacles as it winds through gorgeous scenery.

Dog Lake is also a popular trail running and back country skiing destination.

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Features

Fitness

Chillin

Photography

Mountain Biking

Running

Swimming

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

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Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Trail Run Upper Big Water Trail to Dog Lake

Drive all the way to the top of Millcreek Canyon until you can't drive any further. (They close the road further down the canyon in the winter so this trail is not accessible to cars in the winter.) There is a small parking lot at the end of the road, park here. The trail head is going to be on the south side of the parking lot. Mountain bikers frequent this trail, but are not allowed on odd-nu...

Hike Old Red Pine Road Trail

The trail begins at the parking lot at the very top of Millcreek, called Upper Big Water. The trail begins on the east side of the lot, where bathrooms are available. Walk to trail sign and head left to Old Pine Road Trail.From there, the trail remains relatively flat with some steep gains. The trail can become overgrown when the area has had a lot of rain, only making it more beautiful. You wi...

Winter Backpack to Dog Lake and Backcountry Ski Reynolds Peak

The hike is considered moderate, but the 1500ft. elevation gain (2100ft. to Reynolds Peak) will definitely get your heart rate up. Snowshoes/skins are recommended but the trail is often packed enough to do without them.After crossing the street from the Spruces parking lot, follow the trail past cabins until you reach a fork, where you will follow the trail northeast into an Aspen Grove. Cont...

Hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon's Desolation Lake

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)....

Hike from Mill D to Desolation Peak

Hike or Trail Run Butler Fork

To get to the trailhead, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 8 miles. The parking lot is on the left side of the road. The first half mile is the steepest of the whole trail so don't get too intimidated by it, it mellows out a lot after. You will come to fork in the trail about a mile in, you can either take the left trail towards Mill A Basin and head through some amazing aspen switchbacks, or take...