Mill Creek Canyon451

Mill Creek Canyon is the only canyon that allows canine companions. Every season here has charm of its own; cool in the summer, ablaze with foliage colors in the fall, great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and the rejuvenation of plants (and people) when spring arrives a little early here.

Many different hiking and biking trails are available in the canyon. Make sure to get a trail map as you enter, and heed all the options and levels of difficulty.

One of the most popular hikes is Dog Lake, which is an 8.5 mile drive from the fee station. The trail is four miles, with an elevation gain of 1520 feet, and takes about four hours to complete, so you may want to bring a lunch. The reward is a visit to the very small lake at the top. There may even be snow at the top in June!

From Nov 1-Jun 30, the gate closes off the road just shortly after Log Haven. At the gate is a parking lot and a trail of packed snow where you'll find crowds of people hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The grade is quite easy, making it a great hike for smaller kids to walk, ride in a backpack, or travel in style pulled on a sled (bring your own).

Picnic tables and outhouses are available at every trail head. All trails return to the starting point, so you can go as far as you want without getting disoriented, or straying too far from your point of origin.

Picnic areas cab be reserved for parties: ten group picnic areas are available for groups ranging from 25 to 100 people. The price is about $1/person to reserve. Weekends fill up quickly. All picnic areas have pits for BBQs and an outhouse nearby. For more information, or to reserve a picnic area call 801.483.5473 or visit www.fs.fed.us.

Dogs are allowed off leash on odd numbered days. Please pick up after your pets.