Dog Lake

Wasatch Backcountry

This is a short, moderate hike to one of the most popular lakes in the Wasatch through a nice wooded canyon.

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 7.6 km
Ascent: 443 m
Descent: 443 m
Duration: 2-3 hrs

Low Point: 2.2 km
High Point: 2.7 km
Gradient: 10˚

This hike to Dog Lake is a short and wooded trail of mostly easy angle except for one steep final climb to the lake. It climbs a little over 1000 feet in the 2 1/2 miles it takes to gain the lake.

going to Dog Lake. Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Approaching Dog Lake Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Description

Park at the Mill D north parking lot on the north side of Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 8.8 miles up the road. The trail is well marked and well traveled. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed so keep an eye out for bikes coming down the trail. It starts out with a few switchbacks and then traverses around and into the canyon where it meets up with the creek. The trail parallels the creek and comes to a branch in the trail. Take the left (east) branch marked towards Dog Lake. The trail continues straight and steepens up a gully until it pops out at the lake.

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Similar routes nearby

1 m away

Desolation Lake

This is a lovely moderate hike through some large aspen groves reaching a quiet little lake.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 606 m
Descent: 606 m

65 m away

Kesler Peak

A very steep hike to one of the most prominent peaks in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Extreme Hiking

Distance: 9.8 km
Ascent: 941 m
Descent: 941 m

65 m away

Donut Falls

Scenic hike to a small waterfall in a narrow canyon.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 5.3 km
Ascent: 160 m
Descent: 160 m

65 m away

Cardiff Fork

This is an easy hike up an old road grade through a beautiful drainage lined by rugged alpine peaks.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 840 m
Descent: 841 m

1.2 km away

Butler Fork Loop

This is a 7 mile loop with 2,000 feet of elevation that passes through thick woods and opens up with breathtaking views across the canyon.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 610 m
Descent: 609 m

1.2 km away

Mount Raymond

Mount Raymond is one of the tallest and most prominent peaks along the Big Cottonwood/Millcreek ridge.

Severe Hiking

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 928 m
Descent: 926 m

1.2 km away

Gobblers Knob

The trail up Gobblers Knob is a Wasatch classic that offers moderate hiking through aspen groves and into the open alpine.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 927 m
Descent: 927 m

1.2 km away

Days Fork

The Days Fork trail is a little over 7 miles round trip with some good elevation gain through a heavily wooded canyon that opens up into the Alpine as you gain the Little Cottonwood Ridge.

Difficult Hiking