Wonderful intermediate family hike with a restroom at the entrance. We arrived late in the morning…read moreon Thursday and parking lot was packed with many people parked along the side of the road. The trail itself was challenging at the end since they are doing some trail repair but still doable with a 5 year old. The hike was worth the waterfall view.

I think I brought part of 7-Eleven with me after a quick pit stop there before the hike…read more This was one of the most interesting, fun, and confusing hikes I've done (early May). I didn't realize there'd still be so much snow, so I forgot long socks. It was sunny and in the high 70s, but I saw people hiking shirtless, in flip-flops with socks, shorts, snow gear, and even snowshoes. At that point, I gave up trying to figure out if I was doing it right and just went with it. Every step felt like a gamble. I had no clue what was under the snow or how deep it went. The trail is hard to follow with all the snow, so I recommend using the AllTrails app. My feet sank into snow that felt like a 7-Eleven slushy. I slipped on icy snow and even fell into a hole, but it was worth it, lol. Without snow, it's an easy hike. With snow, I'd consider it intermediate. It's -2 mi RT (3 hours with 1 hr break). You'll cross two small bridges (one with rails & one without). When you see the "Welcome to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest" sign, follow the water stream. It'll take you to Gloria Falls (~0.25 miles left). There's a parking lot and one restroom (separate stalls). parking was almost full when I got there late morning on a Thursday. I'd def come back when there's no snow to experience it differently.

This hike to the lake was absolutely incredible! Even though I was out of shape, I still made it to…read morethe top, it was sort of difficult. The trail is steep and challenging, but the views at the lake were worth it. Definitely be prepared: bring plenty of snacks and enough water, preferably with electrolytes because you'll need it. Next time, I'm planning to camp overnight so I can rest to make an easier trip back down. Highly recommend this hike if you're up for a challenge!

Great trail from Spring through Fall in Little Cottonwood - especially in the Summer when you are…read moredying of the valley heat, it's usually at least 10 degrees cooler and there is ample shade. It is roughly 7 miles and 2,100-ft of elevation gain (200-ish flights of stairs going up) so not the best choice for novice hikers. The Forest Service did an awesome job and regraded portions of the trail in Fall 2019 to create more gentle dirt switchbacks instead of hiking up the rockier and steeper incline - my knees thank you! This is also the trail if you want to summit Pfeifferhorn and are really looking to level up! In the Summer be aware of limited parking and they also drain the lake usually late Summer so best to go earlier. Happy hiking!

Our first time visit to this trail had us drooling for more…read more Visiting in late March, there were grassy and rocky cliffs/rock formations on each side of the canyon with a perfectly snow-capped peak right in the center. Just before sunset, the whole canyon was warmly lit - glistening in grandeur - begging to be photographed. We were short on time - needing to return to the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead (about 1.75 miles away) before dark but this scene beaconed us in such a way that we had to press on up its steep steps - curious to see how the view might shift with each step! Leaving the trail with only a taste of what these Dry Canyon trails could offer, we placed this high on our list of considerations for a post-work hike!

An easy trail with a nice ascent, jagged cliffs, gentle slopes, and rewarding view of Utah Valley…read more Parking is free and easy. A liter of water per person should be fine for the easy loop. There is a little spot where someone had built a fire (not sure if allowed) where you can rest and enjoy the lake views. For something intermediate there is a trail that ascends further into a meadow that is a great place to rest for lunch. I recommend good sun block and a hat on very sunny days since there is very little coverage most of the trail. This is perfect for a family hike on the weekend, or a relaxing hike even during the weekdays.

The Butler Fork Trail is just a little spur that starts right off of Highway 190 (Big Cottonwood…read moreCanyon Road) up in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's most commonly used as the start for a hike of Circle All Peak, Mount Raymond, Gobblers Knob, or as an alternate route to reach Dog Lake (rather than the more common and direct Mill D North Fork trail a bit further up the canyon). The actual Trailhead, located on the north side of the canyon road, hosts enough parking for 15-20 cars. There's a trailhead post and signboard with information about the hike, and a couple of maps. There aren't any other facilities there to speak of, so don't plan on finding a potty or fill up on water. Come prepared. The trail is steep. It's not too rocky, and it's not "stair-stepper" steep, but the dirt path will rise and rise in elevation without relenting. In the first half-mile, you follow Butler Creek, and eventually rise above it before leveling out (a momentary reprieve from the climb) and crossing a footbridge. You resume the climb, and after about a half mile, you reach a fork. Go right (north, turning east) to stay on the Butler Fork Trail and eventually junction with the Desolation Trail, find Dog Lake and see the Butler Fork Trail to its terminus, or go left (west) and you'll officially be on the Mill A Basin Trail headed towards Circle All Peak, Mount Raymond, and Gobblers Knob. By going west on the Mill A Basin Trail you'll also junction with the Desolation Trail. You could make a loop out of the experience, by going either direction at that fork 1/2 mile in, taking that trail to its terminus at the Desolation Trail, and then traversing Desolation back to its junction with the trail you decided not to take back at the fork. A quick measurement on my map puts that option at around 7 miles. A more popular option, however, is to out-and-back, and leave the Butler Fork Trail in favor of the Mill A Basin Trail about at that fork. The most popular hike here is probably the Circle All Peak route. Circle All Peak isn't really a "peak" so much as a bump with a nice view, but let's not quibble over terminology. That view is worth the price of admission. You'll go left (west) at the fork, and then continue straight up the canyon, eventually winding through a series of switchbacks amongst the aspen trees on one side of the canyon wall, until reaching the canyon saddle and continuing on up the other side. Keep your eyes open once you're up on the ridge top, because the trail shoots off to the left for Circle All, and it's easy to miss. If you continue straight, you're headed to Raymond Peak and eventually Gobblers Knob. Take that side trail to the left (south) and you've got 100-150 yards of climbing through the trees before popping out for terrific views. Because of the relentless climb (you gain over 1500ft in elevation) it feels like more than 1.7 miles to this point, but that's what the map says I've not done the hike in Autumn, but I've heard it's tremendous with the aspens and the other foliage turning colors. In June, it was bright green, overflowing with foliage, especially on the lower portions along the creek. There were several flowers in bloom, with many more on their way. I hiked next to a botanist who pointed out the penstemon, wild sweet pea, scarlet gilia, columbine, lupine, larkspur, and I saw a violet-colored wild clematis (?) which I'd not seen elsewhere. Since BCC is free and the parking is free, this is a great way to get some recreation without busting the bank. It's a tremendous hike, no matter what direction you end up going. Just be prepared--pack plenty of water and know that this one is quite strenuous, steep, and will let you know if you're out of shape. Trailhead coordinates: 40.6492, -111.6614

I cant say I hike a lot, but this was a nice trail to check out. Its down the road from the more…read morepopular Battle Falls hike but this one is much less crowded I felt. The parking lot is paved and pretty big. Id say it would fit about 25 cars in the marked stalls and a handful more on the curb. Theres also a bathroom! For the bikers, there is a a fix-it station as well and signage for navigating the trails. I spent a few hours here walking around and really enjoyed the peaceful sounds of the creek. It didnt drown out my heavy breathing (out of shape!), but it was a nice sound of nature. Im sure you can spend hours walking around the canyon and find neat little spots to relax and check out. I didnt encounter very many people on the trail so if you like that, this is definitely your place. This trail is dog friendly as well. I saw a guy who had 3 pups with him and they seemed to be loving the trail. Id rate this as a moderate difficulty, and maybe best for kids 6+, though im sure younger ones could do it. Overall, very enjoyable trail. No Starbucks at the top, so pack enough water! Be prepared for some incline and uphill, but take it slow and steady and you'll be rewarded with great views!

Parking is avail along the main street on Wasatch Blvd. Just a heads up, the residential area on…read moreEagle View Drive has signs saying no parking if you're there for the trail. Once you park, you'll walk thru the neighborhood to reach the trail entrance. I actually enjoyed the walk and checking out the beautiful homes along the way. There are no public restrooms btw. The trail starts with 60+ stair steps, then it levels out into mostly flat gravel. Closer to the waterfall, there are some small rocks, and light water streams run over them, so just watch your step to avoid slipping. I climbed up the big rocks to get a closer look at the upper waterfall stream. Overall, it was an easy hike, but I spent a good few hours there soaking in the quiet nature during the week. There were only a handful of other hikers. On the way back, I did a short detour onto the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for about 30 mins in before I turned around since I wasn't familiar with that route.

I wouldn't say this was an easy hike, but more of a short hike, with a pretty cool waterfall at the…read moreend for kids. No parking anywhere close to the trailhead. This tail is in a neighborhood therefore there is no parking on the street in the neighborhood. There is parking out on the main road. After you find parking you have to walk through the neighborhood on the sidewalk up a steady incline. The trailhead starts out with stairs which are hard to climb for little legs. After the stairs the trail get easier but is rocky. After you get to the waterfall, if the water is low, you can actually stand underneath it, or really close to it. On the decent down if your shoes are wet be careful. It can be slippery over the rocks, and then there is a patch of trail that is really sandy. Slip, slide... There is a part of the trail where you can head south on the BTL, but we just headed back to the car. On the way down walking through the neighborhood there was a house that had two deer running around their yard that was gated. I have no idea how they got in there as the house has a very tall fence. Good trail for the little kid, but trail is narrow, and very crowded. I would suggest going in the late afternoon, as there isn't as many people.

Like the name of this trail suggests, it is very rocky. You walk on gravel and lots of rocks of…read moredifferent sizes. Be careful, it's easy to roll an ankle if you don't look where you are going.

This is a great trail located about 5-10 minutes from town, about 5-6 miles out and back. Parking…read moreis pretty easy. There is a water source and bathrooms located right before the trailhead. First you will pass by some beautiful rock formations and then walk along rocky trails heading east alongside the beautiful mountain creek. As you make your ascent, you will cross five bridges and reach the half way point at around 2 miles. The trail gets a little more strenuous here so I recommend taking it slower and stopping for some water breaks. Eventually you will make a sharp right turn onto a dirt trail that will loop you around the mountainside. Here you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and the mountain water source. There are more rock formation views on the way back, and a nice look towards Utah lake as well. Round trip took us about 4 hours with heavier gear (50-60+ lb). Recommended minimum of two liters of water per person. There are patches of coverage from trees and some spots where you are exposed to sunlight, so sunblock / hat is a good idea!

Trail is great for bikers, hikers, and especially climbers that range from beginner to expert…read more Trail is short in distance (0.08 miles) but packs a punch with and easy elevation gain. Rock climbing is the highlight of this trail, but there are several other longer trails you can merge onto, especially the BST which has a great view of the valley. Trails are single file, and are clearly marked for a perfect place to mountain bike. Please use trail etiquette. Bikes yield to hikers and horses. Dogs are allowed if leashed. Please pick up after your dog. #leavenotrace **No bathrooms ***Small parking lot