This week's Utah hike
This week’s Utah hike
BY STEVE BAKER Clipper Staff Writer
Mill D North Fork to Desolation Lake: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County The trail starts off in conifers and goes around the side of the mountain with views of Kessler Peak. As you head southeast you enter the aspens, the trail drops and you arrive at a stream. This happens at one mile into your hike. The trail veers north and stays next to the stream to the trail junction for Desolation Lake. Go right and the trail becomes more steep as it turns east and goes around to a large meadow. You will come to a fork in the trail before the meadow. You can take which trail looks best for you, as they join back together. As you enter the meadow, the trail smooths out. Take your time in this area and you might be lucky enough to spot a moose wading in one of the ponds. After you cross a small footbridge, the trail leaves the meadow and climbs for the last time for the lake. At the ridge the trail drops for Desolation Lake, stay right at the split. On a still day, the lake reflects all the beauty that surrounds it. Take it in! Dog Lake
STEVE BAKER/Davis Clipper
Hikers have lunch at Desolation Lake.
Hike questions: [email protected]
Difficulty Elevation gain Round-trip miles Hiking time Dogs allowed Trailhead restrooms
Moderate/strenuous 1,818 ft. 7.3 5 to 6 hours No Yes (across highway)
Big Cottonwood To Canyon Salt Lake Start City 7,320 ft.
TRAIL
P To Solitude and Brighton
Lake 9,195 ft. Desolation Lake P Parking Other Trails Trail junction
Drive 9.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park on the left side of the highway. Trail is posted.
BY STEVE BAKER Clipper Staff Writer
Mill D North Fork to Desolation Lake: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County The trail starts off in conifers and goes around the side of the mountain with views of Kessler Peak. As you head southeast you enter the aspens, the trail drops and you arrive at a stream. This happens at one mile into your hike. The trail veers north and stays next to the stream to the trail junction for Desolation Lake. Go right and the trail becomes more steep as it turns east and goes around to a large meadow. You will come to a fork in the trail before the meadow. You can take which trail looks best for you, as they join back together. As you enter the meadow, the trail smooths out. Take your time in this area and you might be lucky enough to spot a moose wading in one of the ponds. After you cross a small footbridge, the trail leaves the meadow and climbs for the last time for the lake. At the ridge the trail drops for Desolation Lake, stay right at the split. On a still day, the lake reflects all the beauty that surrounds it. Take it in! Dog Lake
STEVE BAKER/Davis Clipper
Hikers have lunch at Desolation Lake.
Hike questions: [email protected]
Difficulty Elevation gain Round-trip miles Hiking time Dogs allowed Trailhead restrooms
Moderate/strenuous 1,818 ft. 7.3 5 to 6 hours No Yes (across highway)
Big Cottonwood To Canyon Salt Lake Start City 7,320 ft.
TRAIL
P To Solitude and Brighton
Lake 9,195 ft. Desolation Lake P Parking Other Trails Trail junction
Drive 9.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park on the left side of the highway. Trail is posted.
