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Dog Lake is a centerpiece in the maze of trails that run between Mill Creek and Big Cottonwood Canyons. Sitting below higher peaks, it is often passed by on the way to other destinations, but well-worn trails from both canyons leading to the aspen-lined respite nestled into the mountain attest to its destination-worthy status. The wide, packed trail from Mill Creek is easy to follow and climbs amidst a lush alpine environment. Well-traveled by dog walkers, bikers, and hikers, the trail is a Mill Creek favorite.

Start: Big Water trailhead at the top of Mill Creek Canyon

Distance: 5.0-mile loop

Hiking time: About 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 974 feet

Trail surface: Packed dirt path and bridges

Best season: Late spring through fall

Other trail users: Bikers, horses

Canine compatibility: Dogs permitted. Must be leashed on even-numbered days; may be off-leash on odd-numbered days but must be in sight of handler. Dogs must be leashed at all times in campgrounds, on roadways, and at trailheads. Be sure to clean up after your dog.

Nearest town: Salt Lake City

Fees and permits: Fee to enter Mill Creek Canyon. The fee station is located at the bottom of the canyon; payment is requested upon exit.

Maps: USGS Mount Aire

Trail contacts: Salt Lake County Park Operations; (801) 483-5473 Public Lands Information Center, Recreational Equipment Inc., 3285 East 3200 South, Salt Lake City 84109; (801) 466-6411; www.publiclands.org Salt Lake Ranger District, 6944 South 3000 East, Salt Lake City 84121; (801) 236-3400

Special considerations: Dog Lake sits right on the boarder of the watershed boundary between Mill Creek and Big Cottonwood Canyons. For this reason dog owners don’t hesitate to bring Fido up from the Mill Creek side, but no dogs can approach Dog Lake from the trailheads in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Finding the trailhead: Mill Creek Canyon is located on the far east side of 3800 South in Salt Lake City. Follow 3800 South, which leads directly into Mill Creek Canyon. Big Water trailhead sits at the top of Mill Creek Canyon. The road dead-ends at the parking and trailhead, which is the starting point for three trails. The trail to Dog Lake begins at the south side of the parking area. GPS: N40 41.065' / W111 38.820'

The Hike

This route to Dog Lake begins at the Big Water trailhead and ends at the Little Water trailhead, both of which are located in the Big Water parking area. Both Big Water and Little Water are gulches that drain into Mill Creek from the top of the canyon. The gulches were named by pioneer settlers, and water still flows in both. The route begins by heading south out of the parking lot on a lovely, wide, packed-dirt trail that is marked with the Great Western Trail sign marker. As you start out you immediately cross a stream on a small bridge and the trail curves southeast, bypassing a small fork that leads down to the Lower Big Water parking area.

The trail is well shaded by tall trees, which makes for comfortable hiking even at midday. You quickly hit a trail junction. The trail to Dog Lake continues straight.

The trail crosses a stream every so often along the way, so if Fido is on the trail with you he will enjoy a drink and a cool splash and the occasional bridge crossing. At the first bridge there are small trails that lead off to the south of the bridge, but continue on the main trail as it curves to the north.

At 1.4 miles there is another trail intersection. These intersections serve as crossroads for various trails in the area. Most are well marked, including this one. Continue straight for another 1.2 miles to the next major intersection. This intersection has trails going in every direction. Two directional markers point you to Dog Lake. Either direction works, but I suggest taking the hairpin turn, as we’ll come down the other trail on the return trip.

At 2.9 miles the trail to Dog Lake that we didn’t take at the last intersection merges back with the trail. From here you descend down the old jeep road straight to the lake. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy this hike. The colors sweep the landscape, and quaking aspen leaves float like gold coins on the lake’s surface. Enjoy the lake and the view before heading back.

On the return trip take a more direct course back to the trailhead via the Little Water route. This route is steeper and rockier, but it allows you to see more of the mountainside. If you prefer, you can simply return the way you came or, when you get back to the top of the jeep road, veer right down the trail that merged with the main road. You will quickly end up back at the last intersection you passed on the way up. Continue straight down the Little Water route. There are nice wildflowers along this route late in summer, and the trail runs parallel to the stream much of the time.

At 4.7 miles the trail forks. Cross the bridge and head west. The trail intersects Old Red Pine Road Trail, which is part of the Great Western Trail. The trail back to the trailhead continues straight, but the area near the Old Red Pine Bridge provides a nice wading pool and hangout area. From here you can see the Little Water trailhead and the parking area.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start at the Big Water parking area and trailhead.

0.3Reach a trail junction; continue straight.

0.9Come to a bridge crossing; continue north.

1.4Reach a trail junction; continue straight.

2.7Reach another trail junction; take the hairpin turn, following the sign to Dog Lake.

2.9Hit the old jeep road.

3.0Reach Dog Lake. (Option: Return the way you came for a 6.0-mile out-and-back hike.)

4.7Reach a trail junction; head left over the bridge.

4.9Meet the intersection with Old Red Pine Road Trail.

5.0Arrive at Little Water trailhead and the Big Water parking area.

Hike Information

Local events and attractions: Mill Creek Canyon is dotted with picnic sites, all accessible from the main road up the canyon. Picnic sites include Church Fork, Box Elder, Terraces, Maple Grove, White Bridge, Maple Cove, Evergreen, Fir Crest, and Clover Springs.

Camping: Overnight camping is not available in Mill Creek Canyon. For more detailed information go to www.parks.slco.org/Mill CreekCanyon/index.html. For reservations at campgrounds in other areas, contact Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation at (801) 483-5473.