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Desolation Lake (Mill D North)
Hiking Trail
Hard
7.58 mi
2,004 ft
This is a lovely moderate hike through some large aspen groves reaching a quiet little lake.
The Desolation Lake trail is almost 8 miles roundtrip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Its a moderate/easy trail through some shady aspen and pine forests leading to a small and quiet lake tucked at the base of the Wasatch Crest. This is a popular trail that sees both hiking and biking traffic in both directions so stay aware.
To access the trail, drive 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Spruces Campground parking on the south side of the road. Cross back over the highway to the north and follow the paved road into the small cabin community. Stay on the main cabin road which turns left about a half mile in. There is a closed gate on the left side of the road; continue past this gate and onto the trail.
This trail parallels the creek and then crosses over it to the west and continues up the canyon. You'll come to a divide in the trail; take the right fork toward Desolation Lake. The trail climbs through some aspen groves and gently gains elevation until it reaches the lake nestled at the base of the Wasatch Crest. Written by FATMAP Official
The Desolation Lake trail is almost 8 miles roundtrip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Its a moderate/easy trail through some shady aspen and pine forests leading to a small and quiet lake tucked at the base of the Wasatch Crest. This is a popular trail that sees both hiking and biking traffic in both directions so stay aware.
To access the trail, drive 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Spruces Campground parking on the south side of the road. Cross back over the highway to the north and follow the paved road into the small cabin community. Stay on the main cabin road which turns left about a half mile in. There is a closed gate on the left side of the road; continue past this gate and onto the trail.
This trail parallels the creek and then crosses over it to the west and continues up the canyon. You'll come to a divide in the trail; take the right fork toward Desolation Lake. The trail climbs through some aspen groves and gently gains elevation until it reaches the lake nestled at the base of the Wasatch Crest. Written by FATMAP Official
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah 190 Climb | 2.36 mi | 1,273 ft | 10.2% |
| Moose Loop Road Climb | 0.38 mi | 203 ft | 10.0% |
| Mill D North to Lake Desolation | 3.70 mi | 1,873 ft | 9.5% |
| Highway 190 Climb | 0.26 mi | 164 ft | 11.9% |
| E Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Climb | 1.40 mi | 709 ft | 9.6% |