DESOLATION TRAIL — KELSEY KAGAN

A few quick notes on a quick trail in MillCreek Canyon.

First thing to note; there is a nominal fee you must pay to enjoy any of the trails in MillCreek Canyon. Each vehicle is charged three dollars upon exit from the canyon, but if you think you will be visiting more than fourteen times in the span of a calendar year opt for the $40 annual pass.

Look out for the Wasatch National Forest sign titled "SOUTH BOX ELDER" (photo below), this is the parking lot you will use for Desolation Trail to the Salt Lake City Overlook. There is a parking lot on either side of the road so you shouldn't have any problems finding a place to leave your wheels. Speaking of leaving things behind; there is a set of trail toilets and a trash can for dog waste, I encourage the use of both.

Unless you decide to continue past the overlook *cough*overachiever*cough* this is a moderate 4.4 mile out and back. The trail is almost all packed dirt with a dense tree cover. It is narrow at times but with heavy vegetation you don't get as much of that 'I might fall off a cliff" feeling when you scoot off-trail to pass other hikers. The pups loved seeing the first glimpses of the Winter to come when we crossed a few snow patches on our route.

Frequent switch backs make the climb slower going but manageable and the gorgeous views of the city you left behind can add some minutes to your timeline. It took us about an hour to the top and then we sat on some couch-shaped rocks until our bums went numb, I'd say we wrapped up this jaunt in about two hours.

As always:
"To keep the air fresh, please pick up the mess"

TRAILHEAD MARKER. Parking lot and restrooms provided.

The views from the overlook of Salt Lake City. This was our end point for the day.