Hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon's Desolation Lake
Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Distance
7.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1900 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by McKenzie Roers
Desolation Lake offers a quiet destination with wildlife sightings from the trail and Wasatch wildflower fields during summer months.
Drive 9 miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Mill D North Trailhead (on the left). On the right side of the road, there is a restroom. The trial head begins on the left, there is a visible sign you cannot miss before beginning.
The trail is about 7.4 miles round trip, about half way through the trail you will come to a fork with a sign (Dog Lake .6 miles, Desolation Lake 1.9 miles). The Desolation Lake trail winds on until you reach the lake. You will climb around 1900 feet in elevation; the trail is a steady uphill climb but nothing too drastic as you can mountain bike up it.
Camping is allowed, dogs are not. Swimming is also prohibited. There are trails that go beyond the lake so you can walk to the ridge line or hang out by the lake. There are trees for hammocking as well!
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Hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon's Desolation Lake Reviews
I've hiked this in every season and it's one of my favorites. Make sure to bring spikes or snow shoes in the winter, especially if you plan on heading all the way to the lake. Most do not make it that far and only go to Dog Lake. Mountain bikers can be seen in warmer months coming down off the Wasatch Crest Trail.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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