The upper trails in Millcreek Canyon are open to biking on even-numbered days only. Bikes are allowed on the lower trails on all days. When riding on the road, bicycles are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles, including signalling before a turn and stopping at stop signs. For more information please consult the website http://RoadRespect.Utah.gov.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in Millcreek canyon every day. They may be off leash on hiking trails on odd numbered days, but must still be leashed in all developed areas, including the road, trail heads, and picnic areas. On even numbered days dogs must always be leashed in all areas, including all hiking trails. When the ski trail along the road in the upper canyon is groomed it is regulated as a trail and dogs may be off leash there on odd-numbered days. However, when the trail is not being groomed/maintained it is considered a service road, even though it is closed to vehicles, and dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are required to pick up after their dogs. There are receptacles for dog waste in several places in the canyon, including both upper and lower Big Water trailheads.
Hiking
Millcreek Canyon has a variety of trails for hiking. Difficulty ranges from easy to difficult. Popular trails include: Pipeline Trail is popular for kids or beginning hikers. It can be accessed from multiple points. The least strenuous access points are Elbow Fork and Burch Hollow. This trail is approximately 6.7 miles in length with an elevation gain of 800 feet. Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook -. Trail is accessed from the Desolation trailhead located just east of Millcreek Inn on the south side of the canyon. This a moderately strenuous hike that leads to a fantastic view of the Salt Lake Valley. The Overlook Trail is also a popular snowshoe trail in winter. Grandeur Peak. Trail leads to Grandeur Peak and is accessed from the Church Fork Picnic area. Dog Lake/Big Water. Trail is accessed from the Big Water trailhead at the top of Millcreek Canyon. This is a moderately difficult trail that is very popular for hikers and mountain bikers. Trail leads to Dog Lake and can also be accessed from the Mill D trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Alexander Basin ridgeline and beyond. Gobblers Knob can be reached from Alexander Basin. This is a steep and strenuous hike. Mt. Aire Trail Mt. Aire is a peak located at the confluence of Mill Creek Canyon, Mt. Aire Canyon, and Parley's Canyon. Hiking to the summit of Mt. Aire is a steep 1.8 miles with an elevation gain of almost 2,000 feet. The following elevation chart illustrates the trail’s consistently unrelenting slope.
Access
The top half Millcreek Canyon is closed from November 1 through July 1 to vehicle traffic. A $5.00 fee per vehicle is paid upon leaving Millcreek Canyon. Annual passes are $50.00 Seniors are charged only $3 per day, and may purchase an annual pass for $30. The interagency pass available from the National Park Service is not accepted in Millcreek Canyon.
