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Dog Lake via the Mill D North Fork Trail - Big Cottonwood Canyon Hiking Trails
This is a great trail and Dog Lake can make for a great overnight camp spot for those wanting to spend a night in the great outdoors. This is a moderate hike and the last portion of the trail get's a little steep and can have plenty of bike traffic so be prepared. Approximately 8.6 miles from the bottom of Big Cottonwood Canyon, you will arrive at the Spruces Campground, located on the South side of the road. Parking in the campground parking lot does require a fee, but you can also park along the roadside during the summer months. Park at the campground entrance area, and proceed to the North side of the highway to the paved entrance of the Mill D Cabin area.
THIS IS PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CONTINUED ACCESS TO THIS TRALHEAD REQUIRES US ALL TO STAY ON THE PAVED ROAD AND RESPECT THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS! Follow the road until you come to a sign showing the cabin lots and a split in the road. Stay to the left of the sign and watch the cabin lot numbers on the signs as you head on down the road. When you come to the sign for cabin lot 15-19, stay to the right of this sign and you will immediately see the green gate which is the trailhead and beginning of the actual trail.
Follow this trail along the east side of the creek for approximately 1.2 miles till you come to the junction of the west side and east side trails. The trail will become one as you cross over the creek. To this point the trail is a small foot path you will have mostly to yourself through the aspen and pine trees. The wildflowers in early June and July are spectacular so make sure you have your camera in hand.
Once the two trails join, the trail becomes a wider, much more well used trail and you are likely to start seeing mountain bikers so remember, they have the right of way and step off the trail as they approach. Continue up the canyon through the aspen trees to the junction of the trail with the Desolation Trail which is marked with a wooden sign. This is a great place to stop and catch your breath because the last push to the top from here is steeper then the trail to this point.
From the junction stay to the left and proceed up the canyon through the shady trees. The trail is quite rutted from bike traffic here and I found walking sticks to be a great help. This portion of the trail gets well used and you are likely to have a few folks to say hello to on the way.
Elevation at the Dog Lake is approximately 8,790 so your total elevation gain on this hike is about 1,400 feet with much of that at the end of the hike. Dog Lake is a great place and it is not uncommon to find a few tents pitched in eh beautiful meadow behind the lake. This is a watershed area so NO dogs are allowed and follow back country camping practices as well as Leave No Trace ethics.
The view of Reynolds Peak is beautiful and and evening sunsets can be breathtaking!
Total distance on this hike is approximately 4.6 miles GPS Coordinates to Mill D Summer Home Cabin Map - 40 38.913 N , 111 38.191 W
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