Summer Recreation in Millcreek Canyon
- Picnics
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Dog-friendly hikes
Summer in Salt Lake City is a great time of year to explore the canyons and the mountains of the Wasatch range. One of the most accessible canyons to Salt Lake City is Millcreek Canyon, which offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation to enjoy. Summer recreation in Millcreek Canyon should be high on your bucket list for a Salt lake City summer. The entrance to Millcreek Canyon is a quick ten minute drive from Sugarhouse and a twenty minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City.
Enjoy a Picnic in Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon in the summer is the perfect place to escape the heat with your family and enjoy a picnic lunch in the trees next to the creek. The two most popular picnic areas in Millcreek Canyon are Terrace Picnic Area and Alva Alexander Fire Pit. The picnic areas are maintained well and are very clean. Most of them have a fire pit as well for cooking over the fire or staying warm on a cool summer evening. Pay attention to local fire restrictions before having a campfire and make sure to pack all your garbage down the canyon with you.
Camping and Activities at Camp Tracy
A great activity for families and friends up Millcreek Canyon is checking out Camp Tracy. Camp Tracy offers day camps for children as well as campground weekend stays for families. Camp out with your family while also enjoying the activities offered at a camp such as fishing, gaga ball, nature photography and rock climbing. This is a great summer weekend escape in Millcreek Canyon if you have children and want to have a variety of different activities to enjoy while camping. If you are looking for a more traditional campground for a weekend camping trip check out Jordan Pines or Redman Campground. If you are looking to get into the backcountry, enjoy dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest with hike-in or walk-in sites.
Hiking in Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon has a variety of different trails for hiking at all different levels. Two of the most popular hiking routes in Millcreek Canyon are Grandeur Peak and Dog Lake via Big Water Trail. Grandeur Peak is a challenging out and back trail that offers beautiful views and a steep incline. We recommend starting early in the morning and bringing plenty of water since it can get hot and sunny quickly on the exposed trail near the peak. Dog Lake is a more moderate hike that is also very popular for camping and mountain biking with a beautiful lake at the end of the trail. Consider going midweek so you can avoid the crowds.
Millcreek Canyon Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Millcreek Canyon is another go-to activity for summer recreation near Salt Lake City. Make sure to be aware that mountain bikes are only allowed on the upper trails of Millcreek Canyon on even numbered days. One of the most popular mountain biking routes in Salt Lake City is the Millcreek Pipeline trail with both the lower and the upper trail option. Some other popular mountain biking routes in Upper Millcreek Canyon are the Great Western Trail, Upper Little Water and Big Water.
Dog Friendly Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon is one of the canyons near Salt Lake City that always allows dogs. This is a treat since some canyons, such as Little Cottonwood Canyon, don’t allow dogs at all. Millcreek Canyon doesn’t have any restrictions besides that your dogs must be leashed in the entire canyon on even-numbered days. Dogs can be off-leash on odd days. Enjoy recreating in Millcreek Canyon with your pups and make sure to clean up after your furry friends!
Summer recreation in Millcreek Canyon is just one place to explore the stunning landscapes around Salt Lake City. There are a variety of other adventures and activities to enjoy in the Wasatch mountains and other nearby areas as well.