Big Water Trail #042

This trail is located in Mill Creek Canyon and Dog Lake is its major destination. This trail junctions with Desolation and Great Western Trails. From lower or upper Big Water parking lot at the upper end of Mill Creek Canyon to meeting of Desolation Trail just above Dog Lake. The Big Water Trail ends at the meeting of the Desolation Trail just above Dog Lake. This trail is highly used by hikers and bikers, therefore some restrictions have been implemented to avoid conflict. Dogs are allowed in Mill Creek Canyon, but Watershed Restrictions apply and are strictly enforced if you cross the ridge into Big Cottonwood Canyon. See the special restrictions for dogs.

At a Glance

Fees:	$ 5.00 / car. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation employees collect the fee as you exit the canyon. Annual passes are available through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation by calling (801) 483-5473, or you can purchase one as you exit the canyon.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	The Big Water Trail is CLOSED to mountain bikes on ODD numbered calendar days. No motorized use. Dogs are allowed in Mill Creek Canyon, but Watershed Restrictions apply and are strictly enforced if you cross the ridge into Big Cottonwood Canyon. On May 29, 2001 the Salt Lake County Council voted to allow dogs Off-leash on Odd-numbered days and leashed on Even-numbered days in Mill Creek. During the winter months, unleashed dogs are allowed on the groomed ski trail on odd-numbered days. However, on even days, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Also, on both odd and even days, dogs must be kept on a leash at all trail heads and developed sites including parking areas.
Information Center:	For more information contact the Salt Lake Ranger District at 801-733-2660.

General Information

Directions: Access #1: Via Mill Creek Canyon Road (3800 South Wasatch Blvd.) about 9.1 miles up the canyon to the parking lot. Please note that the upper parking lot fills up very quickly on weekends. Horse trailers can park in the lower overflow parking area down the canyon. Illegal parking and the small upper parking lot makes it difficult for horse trailers to park and almost impossible for larger trailers. Changes will be made to the upper parking lot to accommodate a couple of horse trailers (summer of 2000). Access #2: Via Mill D North Fork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon to Dog Lake then on the Desolation Trail which connects with the Big Water Trail. Dogs and horses are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon due to watershed restrictions.