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BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — If you want to escape the city for an afternoon of refreshing outdoor recreation that also causes you to crave a delicious sugary treat, Donut Falls is the hike for you.
The Donut Falls Trail is located about 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and another mile off the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road/Wasatch Boulevard. However, if you use GPS, it may instruct you to park near the Mill D Trailhead along the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, which will add an extra mile to your hike. Instead, turn right at the road across the highway from the Mill D Trailhead and follow the signs to the Donut Falls Trailhead.
Hikers will drive about a mile up that road to the trailhead, where there is a small parking lot and bathrooms. Be advised that this is a popular, heavily trafficked hike so the parking lot at the Donut Falls Trailhead fills up quickly. As such, it's recommended to go early in the morning or you may have to park along the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and walk the extra mile to the Donut Falls Trailhead.
The trail is well established and has signs, making it easy to navigate. It gradually inclines for the first half-mile or so before flattening out. During the hike, you cross the river several times, but there is a bridge for easy access during the first crossing and the second crossing is close to the river bank and has several rocks you can walk on.
It should be noted that this is a watershed area, so hikers should not wade or swim in the river and dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
Near the end of the hike, the trail rambles down some rocks toward the river (this is the second river crossing mentioned above.) This area is quite steep and if small children are included on the hike, they will need assistance to descend and ascend this part.
After this area, the waterfall and end of the trail are only another couple hundred feet.
You technically can’t reach the waterfall unless you cross the river, which, as mentioned above, is not allowed. There are also posted signs stating that hikers should not climb up the waterfall as it is quite dangerous due to loose boulders and slick rocks, and several people have died from falling.
While this hike was a bit overrated (I think there are much better waterfall hikes in Utah, in my humble opinion), it’s still a nice, quick hike with some pretty scenery. And waterfalls are always a bonus.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.65 miles round trip
Time: Roughly an hour and a half if you take breaks
