View at top of Elbow Fork trail. [Taken 10/2/15]
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Millcreek Canyon

4.7
·383 reviews·Salt Lake City, United States

A scenic canyon near Salt Lake City offering diverse hiking trails, picnic spots, and dog-friendly adventures year-round.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
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View at top of Elbow Fork trail. [Taken 10/2/15]

Millcreek Canyon

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic canyon near Salt Lake City offering diverse hiking trails, picnic spots, and dog-friendly adventures year-round.

4.7
(383 reviews)

"One of our go-to hiking areas near SLC with trails of varying difficulty, perfect for families and dogs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog Rules

Odd days = off-leash, even days = on-leash. Respect the rules for happy pups and hikers!

📶 Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Download maps before you go to navigate trails easily.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 402 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dog Lake Trail

Dog Lake Trail

Millcreek Canyon

A beloved moderate hike, perfect for families and dog lovers, with a beautiful alpine lake reward.

Salt Lake Overlook Trail

Salt Lake Overlook Trail

Millcreek Canyon

A rewarding 4.8-mile out-and-back trail offering stunning panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

Millcreek Canyon

Experience breathtaking autumn foliage painting the canyon walls in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.

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Planning Your Visit

Dog-Friendly Days & Crowds

Plan your visit around dog policies: odd days mean off-leash fun, even days require leashes. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider weekdays for a more serene experience.

Cell Service & Fees

Cell service is spotty once you enter Millcreek Canyon, so download maps beforehand. A $5 fee per vehicle is collected on your way out, contributing to the canyon's upkeep.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes
Crowd
Low
When
Odd-numbered days
Why
Dogs can roam off-leash
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall mornings
Why
Spectacular foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You know I don’t gatekeep so you can see this for yourself up Millcreek canyon in salt lake! The trail is Desolation and it’s about 5 miles to the overlook (this is not the overlook) ahhh I am just in awe of the fall colors here year after year. #utah #utahlove #utahlife #slc #saltlakecity #utahfall #fallcolors #utahtok #utahcheck #slcutah
@queenofslc
19.5K likes • 119K views

🐾 Dog Rules

Odd days = off-leash, even days = on-leash. Respect the rules for happy pups and hikers! InstagramReddit

📶 Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Download maps before you go to navigate trails easily. Reddit

You were looking at May… take a lunch hike with me in Millcreek Canyon ✌🏼 #utah #saltlakecity #hikes #Hiking #may #springhikes #slc #millcreek
@hikeitlikethat
2.7K likes • 38K views
Millcreek Canyon hike! Yes, bring your dog 🐶 #hiking #hikeutah #utah #dog #hikesfordogs #dogmom #hike
lisa_pow
385 likes • 3.9K views

💰 Canyon Entry Fee

A $5 fee per vehicle is collected on exit. It helps maintain this beautiful natural space. Instagram

🦟 Bug Spray is Key

Flies can be intense in mid-summer. Come prepared to protect yourself! Reddit

Below are hike details👇 🫶🏼 Before we get into it, make sure to follow @zee.travel for more adventures and travel in the western US 📍 This is Salt Lake Overlook trail in Millcreek Canyon 🥾 4.8 miles out & back 🏔️ 1,295 ft of elevation gain and considered of moderate difficulty 🐕 Dogs allowed 💲 Millcreek Canyon is $5 to enter so keep that in mind when youy visit I can’t believe how beautiful thi...
zee.travel
3.2K likes • 86.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog Rules

Odd days = off-leash, even days = on-leash. Respect the rules for happy pups and hikers! InstagramReddit

📶 Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable. Download maps before you go to navigate trails easily. Reddit

💰 Canyon Entry Fee

A $5 fee per vehicle is collected on exit. It helps maintain this beautiful natural space. Instagram

🦟 Bug Spray is Key

Flies can be intense in mid-summer. Come prepared to protect yourself! Reddit

👟 Trail Shoes Recommended

Many trails are moderate to difficult. Sturdy footwear ensures a comfortable and safe hike. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(383 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Millcreek Canyon is a highly-rated natural escape near Salt Lake City, praised for its diverse hiking trails, dog-friendly policies, and stunning seasonal beauty, especially in the fall. While some visitors encounter crowds and biting insects during peak times, the well-maintained facilities and accessible nature make it a beloved local spot.

"We went during the fall season last year. It is a fun hike with plenty of beautiful views🫶 definitely worth it"

Tupou Moimoi

"Millcreek Canyon is one our our go-to hiking areas near SLC. There are trails of varying difficulty - most of which can be found on the All Trails app. Shortly after entering the canyon and passing the toll booth, you will likely lose cell service so plan accordingly. There are some campground restrooms throughout the canyon.

Dogs are allowed in the canyon. Odd numbered days are off leash days and even numbered days dogs must be on leash. Bikers are not allowed in the canyon on odd numbered days although you might still see them."

Claire Kapron

"My favorite hike is up to Dog Lake. I do it multiple times a year. Such a fun, beautiful hike. It’s moderately hard but my 3 boys can do it (13,10,6). Took us about 4 hours including stopping at the top by the lake for lunch. This last time we went (mid July) the flies were HORRIBLE! I have never experienced that before."

CALLI HAYMAN

What People Like

Dog-friendly atmosphere
Beautiful hiking trails
Spectacular fall colors

What People Dislike

Summer flies
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Millcreek Canyon is easily accessible from Salt Lake City. Take I-215 E to exit 6 for 3800 South and follow signs for Millcreek Canyon Road. The drive itself offers scenic views as you ascend into the canyon. TikTok

Currently, there is no direct public transportation service to Millcreek Canyon. Driving your own vehicle or using ride-sharing services are the primary options for reaching the canyon. Reddit

To avoid traffic, especially on weekends, aim to arrive early in the morning or consider visiting on a weekday. Weekends can get very busy, leading to parking challenges. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas available at various trailheads and picnic spots throughout Millcreek Canyon. However, popular spots like Donut Falls can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

Biking is permitted in Millcreek Canyon, but with restrictions. Bikers are not allowed on odd-numbered days, which are designated for dogs off-leash. On even-numbered days, biking is permitted. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a $5 fee per vehicle to enter Millcreek Canyon, which is collected on your way out. This fee helps maintain the canyon's facilities and trails. Instagram

Millcreek Canyon is generally open year-round from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have limited hours, but the canyon itself is accessible for most of the day. Reddit

No, advance ticket booking is not required for Millcreek Canyon. The entry fee is paid upon exiting the canyon. Instagram

While there aren't specific discounts for Millcreek Canyon, annual passes for Salt Lake County parks might offer benefits for frequent visitors. It's best to check with Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation for current options. Reddit

The fee is collected on exit, and it's expected that all visitors will pay. Failure to do so may result in penalties or being asked to return and pay. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular trails include Dog Lake (moderate, great for dogs), Salt Lake Overlook (moderate, scenic views), and Desolation Trail (challenging, stunning fall colors). The All Trails app is a great resource for finding trails. TikTokInstagram

Yes, dogs are allowed! On odd-numbered days, they can be off-leash. On even-numbered days, they must be on a leash. InstagramReddit

You might encounter deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Hiking further into the canyon increases your chances of spotting wildlife. Reddit

Yes, Millcreek Canyon offers several designated picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing lunch amidst nature. Reddit

Absolutely! Trails like Dog Lake are manageable for children, and the picnic areas provide space for them to play. Just be mindful of trail difficulty and bring plenty of snacks and water. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Salt Lake Overlook trail offers panoramic city views, while the Desolation Trail is renowned for its vibrant fall colors. The alpine lakes and forest scenery also provide excellent photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but can work for capturing the vibrant greens of summer. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in national forests and protected areas. It's advisable to check with the U.S. Forest Service for specific regulations regarding drone operation in Millcreek Canyon. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and trails. A wide-angle lens can capture expansive views, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. TikTok

Beyond the landscapes, look for wildflowers in spring, the vibrant fall foliage, and the happy dogs enjoying their off-leash days on odd-numbered days. TikTokInstagram

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