Millcreek Canyon
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Millcreek Canyon, located just east of Salt Lake City, is a cherished natural retreat offering diverse hiking and outdoor activities. Its unique value proposition lies in its highly dog-friendly policies (with specific off-leash/on-leash days), a range of trails from moderate to strenuous, and seasonal conversion into a popular winter sports destination, all for a nominal vehicle fee.
Key Highlights
- ✓Dog-friendly environment: Dogs are allowed, with specific rules for off-leash (odd-numbered days) and on-leash (even-numbered days).
- ✓Variety of trails: Features numerous trails of varying difficulty levels, suitable for different skill levels, many found on the All Trails app.
- ✓Specific hike recommendations: Dog Lake (moderately hard, takes about 4 hours including lunch, beautiful), Pipeline Trail (moderate terrain, rewarding valley views), Grandeur Peak (strenuous, panoramic summit vistas).
- ✓Scenic beauty: Abundant pine trees, rock formations, flowing waters, and waterfalls, with many places to stop and picnic.
- ✓Winter activities: Upper section of the canyon road closes to vehicles from November 1st through late spring (around July 1st) and becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- ✓Accessible restrooms: Campground restrooms are available throughout the canyon.
Standout Features
- ⭐Designated dog-friendly policies with clear off-leash/on-leash days.
- ⭐Diverse trail options accommodating various hiking skill levels.
- ⭐Convenient campground restrooms along the canyon.
- ⭐Numerous picnic areas, some with easy access and waterfalls.
- ⭐Seasonal transformation into a dedicated area for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- ⭐Close proximity to Salt Lake City, offering a quick escape to nature.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Download trail maps (e.g., from All Trails app) or other necessary information before entering the canyon due to anticipated loss of cell service.
- →Check the calendar for your dog's needs: odd-numbered days for off-leash, even-numbered days for on-leash.
- →Bring strong insect repellent if hiking in mid-July, especially on trails like Dog Lake.
- →Be aware that mountain bikers might still be present on trails even on restricted days (odd-numbered days).
- →Verify the status of the upper canyon road closure (Nov 1st - late spring/July 1st) if planning vehicle access or winter activities.
- →Carry the $5 per vehicle fee, payable upon exiting the canyon.
- →Always clean up after your pet to maintain the area's cleanliness.
- →Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife (e.g., deer, birds) and keep dogs under control for safety.
- →Be mindful of other trail users, including mountain bikers, to ensure a harmonious experience.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Loss of cell service: Expect to lose cell service shortly after passing the toll booth, requiring pre-planning for navigation.
- ⚠Insect issues: Horrible flies were reported in mid-July on the Dog Lake trail.
- ⚠Biker presence: Bikers are officially not allowed on odd-numbered days, but some might still be encountered.
- ⚠Seasonal road closures: The upper section of the canyon road is closed to vehicles from November 1st through late spring (typically around July 1st, depending on weather).
Price & Value
There is a $5 per vehicle fee, payable upon exiting the canyon. This fee contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the area. Given the diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty, this is considered a good value.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Some picnic areas offer 'easy access'.
- •No specific accommodations for wheelchairs, strollers on trails, or sensory needs are mentioned.
- •Many trails are described as 'moderate' to 'strenuous', indicating limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food is encouraged, with multiple mentions of picnic areas and families stopping for lunch.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available at various access points along the canyon road for trails and picnic areas; it is not described as a single large lot but rather pull-offs and designated spots. No difficulty or specific capacity is mentioned.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as a 'go-to' and 'local favorite', implying popularity, but no specific peak times or crowd levels (e.g., weekends vs. weekdays) are detailed in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •General safety advice provided: maintain respectful distance from wildlife, keep dogs under control, and be mindful of other trail users (hikers, bikers).
- •No specific staff supervision, first aid stations, or controlled entry/exit systems are mentioned.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Relying on mobile phones for navigation or communication once past the toll booth due to lack of cell service.
- • Planning vehicle access to the upper canyon section between November 1st and late spring (around July 1st).
- • Hiking Dog Lake in mid-July without adequate insect protection.
- • Bringing mountain bikes on odd-numbered days, as they are restricted.
- • Confusing this Millcreek Canyon (east of Salt Lake City) with other canyons of the same name (e.g., near Moab, as mentioned in one review) if you're looking for specific features mentioned here.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Fireworks, exploding targets, incendiary or tracer ammunition are never allowed on National Forests at any time.
- • Campfire Safety: Select a level open site free from fuels (overhanging branches, brush, grass). Clear an area at least 5 feet around the fire, scraping down to mineral soil. Build a rock ring. The fire should be no larger than necessary for cooking or personal warmth; do not let burning logs extend from the campfire. Keep a shovel and a bucket of water nearby at all times. Never leave a fire unattended. Do not burn dangerous items like aerosol/pressurized cans, plastics, glass, and aluminum. When possible, allow wood to burn down to ash. Use the Drown, Stir, Feel Method: Drown with water, Stir the ash and embers to ensure everything gets wet and cool to the touch. Feel the area with the back of your hand to ensure nothing is still hot. (Rule: If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave the fire!).
- • Safe Vehicle Use to Prevent Wildfires: Practice safe towing, ensuring chains are secured (use appropriate safety pins, hitch ball and chain covers) to prevent sparks. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground. Maintain proper tire pressure, as driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks. Brakes worn too thin may cause metal-to-metal contact, which can cause a spark. Check fluid levels, as overheating can cause a vehicle fire. Do not drive or park your vehicle onto dry grass or brush due to hot exhaust pipes and mufflers. If you experience a vehicle emergency, pull over to a place out of the lane of traffic but free of burnable material. Carry a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location and know how to use it.
- • Visitors are required to follow fire restrictions, which are determined by current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, and available firefighting resources.
🚗Parking Information
- • Visitors should avoid driving or parking vehicles onto dry grass or brush.
- • In case of a vehicle emergency, pull over to a location that is free of burnable material.
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Claire Kapron
6 months agoMillcreek Canyon is one our our go-to hiking areas near SLC. There are trails of varying difficulty - most of which can be found on the All Trails app. Shortly after entering the canyon and passing the toll booth, you will likely loose cell service so plan accordingly. There are some campground restrooms throughout the canyon. Dogs are allowed in the canyon. Odd numbered days are off leash days and even numbered days dogs must be on leash. Bikers are not allowed in the canyon on odd numbered days although you might still see them.
peter saucier
5 months agoAn excellent hike, 5 to 10 miles and one of the local favorites of Moab. One day, you can hike the watery green Canyon bottom and the next day the scenic canyon rim hike.
CALLI HAYMAN
9 months agoMy favorite hike is up to Dog Lake. I do it multiple times a year. Such a fun, beautiful hike. It’s moderately hard but my 3 boys can do it (13,10,6). Took us about 4 hours including stopping at the top by the lake for lunch. This last time we went (mid July) the flies were HORRIBLE! I have never experienced that before.
Chris Eddlemon
a month agoMillcreek Canyon is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions. Located just east of Salt Lake City, it offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and exploring nature's beauty. Hiking and Biking: The canyon features numerous trails suitable for different skill levels. The Pipeline Trail is a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers, offering moderate terrain with rewarding views of the valley below. For those seeking a challenge, the Grandeur Peak trail provides a more strenuous hike leading to panoramic vistas at the summit. Dog-Friendly Environment: One of the standout features of Millcreek Canyon is its accommodating approach to dogs. Unlike neighboring canyons with watershed restrictions, dogs are welcome here. They can be off-leash on odd-numbered days and must be leashed on even-numbered days. This schedule allows for a balanced experience for both dog owners and other visitors. Always remember to clean up after your pet to maintain the area's pristine condition. Seasonal Access and Fees: Be aware that the upper section of the canyon road is closed to vehicles from November 1st through late spring, typically around July 1st, depending on weather conditions. During these months, the snow-packed road becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is a $5 per vehicle fee, payable upon exiting the canyon, which contributes to the maintenance and preservation of this beautiful area. Wildlife and Safety: While exploring, it's common to encounter local wildlife such as deer and various bird species. Always maintain a respectful distance and keep your dog under control to ensure the safety of both your pet and the wildlife. Additionally, be mindful of mountain bikers and other trail users to promote a harmonious outdoor experience for everyone. In summary, Millcreek Canyon is a cherished natural retreat offering diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you're hiking, biking, or enjoying a day out with your dog, it provides a serene escape into nature just a short drive from the city.
Kimi K
11 months agoBeautiful canyon with lots of places to stop and picnic or hike. We found a nice picnic area with waterfalls and easy access. Lots of pine trees, rock formations, and flowing waters.
Contact Information
3800 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA
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