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A nice, quick hike for some elevation without anything too steep.


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Map Key

4.4

Miles

7.0

KM

Out and Back

7,003' 2,134 m

High

5,782' 1,762 m

Low

1,232' 376 m

Up

1,231' 375 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Views

Dogs may be off leash on odd numbered days.

Overview

This is a great trail in Mill Creek Canyon. There are lots of switchbacks but nothing too steep or technical. Thayne Canyon is an alternate route either up or down if you would like to add some variety to your hike. The trail ends at the Salt Lake Overlook where you can enjoy great views of the of the Salt Lake valley.

Need to Know

There is a $3 fee when exiting Mill Creek Canyon in a car. No fee for pedestrians or bikes.

Description

This is a fun, pretty straight-forward trail. The elevation gain is generally pretty steady, and there are quite a few switchbacks. There is a spot at about .75 miles where the trail intersects with the Thanye Canyon Trail. Be aware that where the Desolation Trail takes a hard right turn, there is a sign posted, but it is possible to miss it.

Continue up the trail, and at about 2.3 miles, there is a short spur that leads to an overlook of the Salt Lake valley. If you so choose, you can continue up the Desolation Trail all the way over into Big Cottonwood Canyon. Return to the trailhead the way you came or take the Thayne Canyon Trail back to the shared trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dan T. with improvements by Al Gonzalez

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 23 votes

#445

Overall
  4.7 from 23 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#37

in Utah

#445

Overall
21 Views Last Month
11,571 Since Sep 9, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Some fall colors near the intersection of the Desolation and Thaynes Canyon trails
Oct 12, 2016 near Mount O…, UT
Sunrise on the Desolation Trail
Oct 30, 2020 near Mount O…, UT
Pizza Man Overlook in Mill Creek
Dec 26, 2017 near Mount O…, UT

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