Dog Lake is a beautiful hike accessible from both Millcreek Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's…read moreparticularly lovely during the autumn when the leaves change and the aspens are brilliant gold. It's also a beautiful hike in the late spring and summer when the wildflowers bloom. You can hike and mountain bike to Dog Lake, and if you approach it from Millcreek Canyon, dogs are allowed.

There are a variety of trails to go up to Dog Lake. It was a very beautiful trail with a lot of…read morewild flowers and butterflies. Bikers and dogs can go on the trails. Even days bikers can go on the trails. It was a relatively cool weather even though the weather in the valley was over 90 degrees. Parking can get a little crowded after 9, it could be because there were many bikers going on the trails. There are overflow parking that's a little farther away from the hiking trails.

I'm a little foggy on who Rob is, but regardless of the moniker, I really like his trail. On a…read morerecent weeknight, we headed up to PC to get a little sunset hike in, and selected this trail as the destination. Located on Bear Hollow Drive amidst some mega multi-million dollar mountain mansions, the trailhead is on the south side of the road where it bends in a big turn. There are several parking spots allotted on the side of the road, and on my autumn weeknight visit it was very quiet. However, the amount of use the trail shows and the other reports I've read lead me to believe that in the summer, and especially on weekends, this place is a hoppin'. Rob's trail itself is connected to a larger trail system, and much of it is designated for mountain bikes. We only saw a few bikers on our hike, and they are all uphill-only in this portion, but it's a narrow trail in some areas, so it could get a little trafficky. We wound our way up through the aspens, and then at one point, the landscape changed into a forest filled entirely with conifers. You make nearly a thousand feed of elevation in just about two and a half miles, and none of it is drastic; you're just climbing gradually the whole way. The trail never really delivers you to "the lookout" you might expect, though there are several spots where the trees clear and you find nice views of the valley below. Eventually, you find another clearing where the trail sort of summits and levels out, and there's a memorial dedicated to Sam Jackenthal, a freestyle skier who died at age 16. This is a good spot to stop, sit on his bench, and for most, makes a nice natural turnaround point; that's what we did on our late afternoon hike, and made it back in time to see some stellar sunsets.

Beautiful views from the top of Robs Trail. Love the aspens. We hiked from Hollys trail to Robs…read moretrail and it was lovely!

Trail is graveled and well maintained. Took the route up to pipeline overlook. First mile up was…read morethe steepest. Last mile up evens out a bit. View was fantastic. There's a mix of hikers, runners, dogs on/off leash, and bikers.

Am I really the first person to review this trail? Because I see people here all of the time. It's…read moreprobably one of the more well-used trails in Millcreek Canyon, and for good reason: it provides a nice little workout, some easy level terrain cruising, and a nice payoff view at the end. Do take the time to familiarize yourself with Millcreek Canyon, the rules, the trails, the trailheads, the fees, and more. It's super close to SLC and it's well used, and it's got a few things you need to know. As a basic primer, though, know that dogs are allowed up here off leash on odd numbered days, you have to pay a nominal fee to use the canyon, and the trail system winds around and connects up with other trails, other canyons, and can go by different names. Just have a map handy and you'll be just fine. Rattlesnake Gulch itself is just that: a gulch on the north side of the road that carves up the middle of Millcreek Canyon, and it's the southern exposure. It's one of the first areas that is freed up from snow in the winter as it's low enough in elevation to not get too terribly snowpacked. The trailhead sits on the north side of the road, at roughly 3/4 of a mile after you pass the fee station. Strictly speaking, the Rattlesnake Gulch portion of this hike is only about .7 miles long. It runs straight up the belly of the gulch through somewhat steep terrain, with good maple and oak cover, until finally meeting up with the Pipeline Trail (listed separately here on Yelp). Most people who do this hike, though, don't just end at the Pipeline Trail, they head west on the Pipeline Trail and take it to the bend that overlooks the Salt Lake Valley. This portion is nearly flat, but totally exposed to sun. You can technically continue down the trail from there further, but most folks stop. The views are incredible, but for my money, the best views are near dusk when the last sun hits the canyon walls just across from you. To do that entire portion--from the trailhead, up Rattlesnake Gulch, and to the overlook on the Pipeline Trail, is about 1.8 miles each way. That makes it a lovely after-work 3.6 mile adventure that shouldn't take much longer than 1.5-2 hrs depending on how long you sit there and gaze. I did just that the last time I was here. I came up the Gulch, hit the Pipeline, and then just gazed at the overlook. It's amazing the insights you can get when you just listen. I just sat there and let the wind hit me, watched the sun eek out its last few rays of the day, and I looked at the city below. I thought about a lot of things, about trails, about the paths we take, and about trees. I thought about Rattlsenake Gulch, and how it sounds scary, and it's a lot of work to climb up, but I thought about the payoff. I thought about how we go through long, hard times that hurt, but that when we do hard things that scare us, if we just picture the destination we can take the courage we need to get from point A to point B. We can get from where we are to where we want to be. And when we do get to where we want to be, it's really worth it. Join me at the overlook, ya?

First off, note that this is sometimes called the Crystal Trailhead, and also referred to by the…read moreForest Service as Lakes Country Trail #066. The latter refers to a specific route, but we'll get to that. You will also see references to Notch Mountain Trail #081 and Clyde Lake Trail. We'll get to those, too. Oh, and while the following list of trails don't leave right from this trailhead, it's the most popular (and in some cases only) connections to North Fork Provo River Trail, Marjorie Lake Trail, Duck Lake Trail, Long Lake Loop Route Trail, and the Middle Fork Weber River Trail. It's all the same place, though -- this trailhead. Confused yet? Let's dive in. First things first, you've got to find the trailhead. To do that, get to Kamas and then travel up Highway 150 (The Mirror Lake Highway) about 25 miles until you see the signs to turn off for Trial Lake and Washington Lake. You'll turn north, pass Trial Lake, and at the signs, turn right and pass the Washington Lake Campground and continue on the dirt road (easily passable in all types of cars) for a few hundred yards until reaching the parking area. There is lots of parking, a few picnic tables, and vault toilets. In the busy summer months, this parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Like, fills WAY up. With all kinds of creative parking. I've watched over the last decade as it went from a somewhat busy spot to outright chaos on Saturdays. When it's full, they have overflow parking back down the road to the last junction and further west, but it will tack on almost 2/3 mile onto your hike each way. That's been a real bummer to see, and a nuisance when you just want to get out and hike and end up going over a mile on pavement because the main parking lot was full. But enough of the downsides of the popularity, let's dive into why so many people pick this hike. The reason, really, is that it's not just one hike, it's many. I will preface this with one giant note: GET A MAP. Seriously, the Forest Service has worked hard to make great trails and have a 2016 edition map that's very detailed and much more realistic that the USGS or other maps. Here, more than at any other trailhead, I've noticed that Forest Service maps are wildly different (and more accurate) than other versions. Below are the hikes that take off from this trailhead: Lakes Country Trail #066 This is one of three trails that have their terminus at the parking lot proper. This is the most popular, and it goes due west from the outer apex of the parking loop. It's signed and is the one that takes you to the northeastern shore of Crystal Lake. From there, it starts to rise and there's a turnoff to Clyde Lake (next paragraph), then past that you'll hit more switchbacks before cutting through a mountain pass with views of Mt. Watson. Then you traverse the rocks and have all kinds of decisions to make: you can peel off and go to the North Fork Provo River Trail which takes you towards Marjorie Lake and eventually allllll the way back down (nearly 10 miles) to the Highway, popping out about 3 miles below Soapstone. Or you can turn north on the Middle Fork Weber River Trail, but few do. There's another turn for Weir, Pot, and Duck Lakes (not shown on the maps) as well, but most people pass the Marjorie turnoff and press on to Long Lake. This aptly named, long, skinny lake is at around 2.5 miles in from the trailhead. It's a fine destination, but if you have the will, grit it out another mile and a half or so to Island Lake. It's gorgeous. From here, the Lakes Country Trail #066 goes on a bit, then ends at a junction with the Smith-Morehouse Trail and the Big Elk Lake Trail. Clyde Lake Trail Technically, you begin on the Lakes Country Trail #066, but only go a half mile or so before turning uphill to the right towards Clyde Lake. The Forest Service cut a new trail here in the last couple of years, so don't be confused by a sign in the old trail, with an arrow pointing away from what you think is that old trail. Now you pass Crystal Lake before turning off to Clyde, instead of turning off just before. It makes sense. This trail climbs up and delivers you to Cliff Lake, Watson Lake, and eventually Clyde, but most people veer east at Watson and go up to Wall Lake. This also isn't shown on the map, but makes a nice loop. Wall Lake/Notch Mountain Trail This trail also takes off from the Crystal Lake Trailhead. It bisects the Lily Lakes and runs right up the chute to Wall Lake. Then you can jog east and go past Hope Lake, turn back west and go right through a big notch in the mountain to overlook Lovenia Lake. The trail goes on north, downhill for miles before hitting the Main Fork Weber River Trail. Crysal Lake (South) Trail My own name for it, but you can take a short trail to the south shore of Crystal Lake. It leaves from the southwest end of the parking loop. This area is rife with lakes and hikes. I've kept some secrets. It gets heavy usage but is still so special. Be safe and enjoy!

This trail head gives access to many, many different trails, many of which lead to spectacular…read morelakes. The trails around here aren't too difficult or strenuous, but they are breathtaking. I highly recommend for all levels!

Great off leash dog park near the Walmart shopping center. It has varied terrain and gentle…read moreinclines. People really take care to pick up after their dogs. There is a unisex bathroom but no running water. My dog loves it here so we'll be back!

Snow or sunshine- this is our favorite place to take our dog in Utah! This is a huge park with…read moretrails throughout. So so beautiful, and so fun for the dogs! Everyone has fun here. Few tips: There are a lot of dogs here, and 99% of them are off leash. If your dog gets overwhelmed by lots of dogs, this might not be the best place for them. Also, sometimes people see moose here so be mindful of your pups while enjoying your time outdoors.

Never let it be said that Salt Lake City is at a loss for close, convenient hiking trails. The Big…read moreWater Trail is just one of dozens within a relatively short drive to the city. You might be scratching your head and wondering where the Big Water Trail is. It's probably easier if I just call this "the trail that goes to Dog Lake from the Millcreek Canyon side" and then you might know what I'm talking about. But even then, there are several ways to get to Dog Lake. The Dog Lake Trail (listed as such here on Yelp) takes you up on the Big Cottonwood Canyon side, and is a whole different beast with rules, mainly bikes and dogs (not allowed anywhere in BCC, ever). If you take the road up Millcreek Canyon, all the way past the winter gate, and all the way up to its end, this is the trail head you'll come to. The Big Water trailhead is wildly popular and if you come on a weekend parking is scarce. You can try the trailhead just a few hundred feet down (Little Big Water? I forgot to take a note...) or more likely, you'll have to head back down the road a quarter mile or so and park in the overflow parking. Don't park illegally--there's a sign that indicates that side-of-the-road parking is illegal past a certain point and it creates a hugely unsafe environment as the road is crazy narrow already. If you're lucky enough to score a spot at the trailhead proper, congrats! It's equipped with a restroom and you'll be ready to go. Follow the directions carefully, as the Little Water Trail leaves out of here, as does the Great Western Trail. I mean, you can't go wrong, but if you're after Big Water then you'll just need to stay down canyon. If you ended up at the lower trailhead, you can walk up to the trailhead proper, or take the extra .3mile hitch that leaves straight from the trailhead. You'll go up the trail and pass by the first sharp left and continue down canyon for several hundred feet, then come up on another sharp hook back to your left. Take that one, and you'll climb up and meet with the Big Water Trail shortly. Take note of the rules. No bikes are allowed on odd-numbered days. On those days, dogs are allowed off-leash. You will see dogs. You will see lots of dogs. You will see lots and lots of dogs. Please, oh please, clean up after your dog. I don't see any stray poop, but I do see poop bags on the side of the trail, which doesn't bother me. Just remember them on the way down. The trail is mostly covered, with a few small exceptions where you'll be out in the sun. If you're after sweeping vistas, this is not your trail. You do have two spots where you can see back down the canyon, but the trail is mostly through the trees--aspens up top--and you don't find any panoramas. I took the lower parking lot and extra little bit, which put me darn close to 6 miles round trip. It's a climb the whole way, but never steep. It ends with the most climbing of the day before delivering you gently downhill into the lake. There are a few junctions along the way and you can meet up with the Great Western or Little Water trails, so pick your path. The lake. Hmmm. Adjust your expectations. It's not a pristine, clear, spring-fed mountain lake. It's a pond. It draws down by evaporation. It gets muddy. I don't let my dog drink out of it, but that's just good practice to get it--I don't let her drink anything out there. This summer there were at least two cases of dogs getting sick on the hike, though the source was never discovered. So don't go expecting soothing crystalline waters. It's just a nice, open space at a good distance that makes for a terminus. If you're with your pooch, they can't go beyond the pond as you officially enter Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed. Despite the heavy trail traffic, rough parking, and subdued destination, the trail itself is undeniably gorgeous as it twists and turns over trickles of creek on its way up the mountain. If the gates are open up the canyon (typically July-ish) then head up to beat the heat and hike Big Water.

Located along the Mirror Lake Highway, just between mile markers 23 and 24, is a small turnout to a…read morevery impressive waterfall. To call it a waterfall is a bit of a misnomer, or at least feels incomplete. IT's more of a series of falls, or probably more accurately, cascades. Whereas most waterfalls actually, uh... fall, this is more of a whitewater tumble. There's not much freefall in the water, but it does cascade down a series of terraced rocks and the effect is quite beautiful. The parking lot isn't too big, so if it's a weekend and peak season, expect to park on the highway and walk in. No sweat, it's not far. You can see the falls from the parking lot, so no worries on long treks. From here, it's a choose your own adventure. There are some paved-ish (it's been a long while since they were maintained) trails, but it's not exactly accessible. Head down the stairs to the first and main overlook, or just head down the trail to the bottom falls and work your way back up over the rocks. It's a very popular place, and you'll see loads of picnickers and families. In the summer when the water levels recede, you may very likely see someone swimming, or see people venturing out over the terraced rocks. But in the spring/early summer, there's a dangerous level of water coming down the Provo River, so you'll want to say out of the frigid river itself. All told, you can see the whole thing in 15 mins and it's a nice pit stop along the Highway. If you intend to park and stay, you'll have to display a pass on your vehicle, which are available at a few locations along the highway on a self-serve basis. A three-day pass is currently $6 (no one-day passes available) and you get to park at any of the sights along the way with that pass. If you missed the self-serve station at the entrance on the Kamas side, or the (I think??) pass station at the Soapstone Basin restrooms, you can drive a little farther up the road (mile marker 25? 26?) and there's a self-serve station there.

Just beautiful there is the 1st set of falls and then walk down farther and see the additional…read morefalls. It was fuller than we expected for July. It is very cold and breathtaking.

I've hiked Lambs Canyon twice, once in the middle of summer, and most recently as autumn has…read morestarted. It is just under four miles round trip, with a fairly gradual incline, although there are bits that can be a little steep. The trailhead starts with a bridge over water, but then quickly veers away from the stream, although you'll still catch faint babbling sometimes. The trail is fairly shaded, but also has plenty of open areas. It's much less rocky than other hikes, though this means more mud when it's rainy. Otherwise it's a great option for trail runs. A few of the plants you'll encounter are aspen, pine, wild elderberries, currants, and strawberries. The wildflowers are supposed to be stunning when in bloom. I saw chipmunks, various birds, moose and elk tracks, and while I haven't discovered any myself, have heard tales of rattlesnakes in the summer. It's definitely less traveled, though you'll likely come across at least a few groups. The terminus of the hike brings you to a scrubby sort of field with views out over the valley, and honestly, it's a bit underwhelming compared to some of the grander views you can find on hikes in the area, but the way there is enjoyable, and you have the option of taking a different route back down to Millcreek Road (though it would require a shuttle back to your car at the end). Once you take the exit off of I-80 for Lamb's Canyon you'll drive about a mile to get to the trailhead. There are restrooms available, and parking for maybe 5 or 6 cars. Dogs are not allowed.

Beautiful for a wildflower hike or just to beat the SLC heat in the summer. It's so green and lush…read moreup here. Love it!