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Submission
Directions from Salt Lake City: Follow Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7000 South Wasatch Blvd.) about 9.5 miles up the canyon to the Mill D North Fork Trailhead about 0.2 miles before Spruces Campground. Trailhead sign marks the beginning on the north side of the road.
This was our annual labor day backpacking weekend and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Warm days and cold but not extremely bad nights made for comfortable conditions. The lake was quite photogenic at times glassing out when the breeze would die. The setting is awesome. A perfect piece of nature that is not difficult to reach even with fifty pounds of gear on your back.
It is also a nice day hike at just over four miles from the trailhead in big cottonwood. Word to the wise it's watershed so no dogs allowed. Other than that Desolation is a must see.
A rather hard hike (nearly all uphill), but worth it for the views during and at the end. We didn't camp, but it looks like an excellent place to do so. There's plenty of space.
This is one of our family favorites. 7.7 mile back-n-forth moderate difficulty hike along a well traversed trail is popular. Total elevation gain of about 2200 ft. Trail offers great views, Lots of wild flowers, and wild animals (deer, antelope, moose).
We hiked to this lake, through mill fork trail (across from doughnut falls). THe hike was not easy. Many said moderate, but on the upper end of moderate as it took 4 hours to and back, with constant increase in elevation. Moderately shaded with alot of bikers on the trail. As we got closer and closer to the lake, less and less people were around. There at the lake, a family was camping and two others besides us. More than 10 feet deep in its deepest part. Affer the hot hike, we did swim. Wear good shoes and plenty of water.
Beautiful moderate hike through tall and elegant pines and aspen trees. Go past Dog Lake and breathe the fresh air! Views are incredible!
Park at the end of Millcreek Canyon Rd where there is a restroom and ample parking IF you go early in the morning.
Dog and bike friendly on even and odd days. Taken plenty of water and plan for 10 miles if you go all the way to Lake Desolation. Temps are cool if you’re early morning otherwise it can get hot.
