Dog Lake
Address:
NileGuide Expert tip:
Mountain bikes are only allowed on upper Mill Creek trails on EVEN numbered days and dogs are allowed off-leash on ODD numbered days.Description:
Dog Lake is a fun and popular hike just outside of Salt Lake City in beautiful Millcreek Canyon. The trail is very well maintained and winds itself through gorgeous high alpine forest 2.5 miles to Dog Lake. The hike is immensely popular with dog owners (hence the name Dog Lake) because the trail is one of the only trails in the Wasatch that lead to a lake where dogs are allowed.The trail is moderately strenuous with 1440 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead to the lake. The climb is rather gradual so anyone in average physical condition should not have any real difficulty completing the hike.
The trail can be accessed from Upper Millcreek Canyon from July 1 until the snow falls. Spring hits these high elevation trails mid-summer so mid to late summer is an excellent time for wildflower viewing and the leaves are spectacular in the fall.
To get to the trailhead, travel all the way up Millcreek Canyon to the top and park in the Big Water Trail Parking Area. There are several trails leaving the parking area so make sure to the Big Water Trail to Dog Lake.
