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Decent vert, decent miles, lovely views!


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Map Key

12.9

Miles

20.8

KM

83%

Runnable

9,645' 2,940 m

High

7,331' 2,234 m

Low

2,770' 844 m

Up

2,769' 844 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Overview

A favorite loop in the Wasatch with LOTS of options to add on!

Need to Know

Be on the lookout for moose!

Description

Start at Mill D Trailhead North - the lot will be busy, but that's because everyone and their brother likes to hike Donut Falls across the street - the route you're doing will not be busy (for Wasatch standards!).

Take Mill D up to Desolation Lake, then keep heading up to the Wasatch Crest Trail. For this shorter (12-15 mile route), turn left on the Crest to head toward Mill Creek. If you want a longer day, turn right on the Crest and go as far as you want before turning around to add on miles.

After turning left on the Crest - you'll stay on it for some time - be on the lookout for moose and give them their space. This section of the trail is rolling and fun. When you get close to Mill Creek, you can make another decision - stay right to make a 15-mile loop -this will be Soldier Fork North Side trail and take you into Mill Creek at the Little Water Parking lot, you'll then head south on Little Water and follow the rest of the instructions here.

If you want the 13-mile loop, stay left on the Crest, then turn left on Little Water Trail, which will take you to Dog Lake, then take Dog Lake back down to where it meets Mill D back to the parking area.

Shared By:

Chris Linder

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1428

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#99

in Utah

#1,428

Overall
3 Views Last Month
328 Since Jun 6, 2022
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Desolation Lake in the morning light, from an adjacent meadow
Aug 6, 2017 near Snyderv…, UT
Singletrack Desolation Trail winds through aspens, evergreens, and grassy meadows
Aug 6, 2017 near Snyderv…, UT
Little Water Trail on your way up to the ridgeline above Millcreek Canyon.
Jul 2, 2020 near Snyderv…, UT
On the ridge above Desolation Lake.
Oct 15, 2015 near Snyderv…, UT
Looking south across Big Cottonwood Canyon in May brings beautiful snowy views.
May 21, 2017 near Alta, UT
In May, Desolation Lake and the surrounding area are still covered in snow.
May 21, 2017 near Snyderv…, UT

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