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Donut Falls


Highlights:

Short, relatively level trail. Impressive waterfall. Great for young families!
Near:Salt Lake City, UT
Scenery:
Distance:1.56 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:420 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This is a very easy hike that is suitable for hikers of all ages and experience levels. The trail is an easy one to hike. However, a rocky step-down just prior to reaching the falls may prove a bit challenging for children and elderly hikers.

This is an ideal hike for anyone who just wants to get away for a brief respite, but doesn't have a lot of time to spend on a more lengthy hike. This hike is very safe. It should be noted, howerver, that the terrain immediately surrounding the falls is extremely rugged. Great care should be taken when climbing up the walls surrounding the falls. There are numerous boulders in the vicinity of the falls and caution should be exercised around them especially during spring runoff or after extreme weather. These boulders have been known to dislodge and move, with tragic results.

The waterfall, which travels THROUGH a hole in the rocks, is delightful. Some time should definitely be spent enjoying the area before returning.

Trailhead: Getting to Big Cottonwood Canyon:

Take I-215 South (freeway will become I-215 East) until you reach the 6200 South exit. Turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. The intersection is clearly signed. You will see a 7-11 store to your right.

From the north or south ends of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 East and follow the directions above.

Getting to the Trailhead:

Travel up the canyon road 9.0 miles. Here, the turn-off to the right will take you to the trailhead one mile further, past the Jordan Pines picnic area and some private property. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking area. (Lat:40.63957 Lon:-111.6512)

Trail Guides for Donut Falls:
Best Easy Day Hikes - Salt Lake City
by Brian Brinkerhoff (Falcon Publishing)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Wasatch-Cache National Forest (801) 466-6411 Tu-Sa 10:30a-7:00p MT
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Troy Slater, who has posted  9 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by sb on 6/20/2008
Hiked on 6/13/08. Much of the trail was covered in snow and mud. We couldn't get close to the donut falls because of high runoff. The trail was covered by the raging river. I've hiked this in August, and it was beautiful. I recommend saving this hike for later in the summer.

Reviewed by KelnJae on 6/3/2008
We tried to do this hike yesterday (6/2) but the gate was still closed from the winter. The groundskeeper happened to be there by the gate and said there is still a fair amount of snow on the trail. This may be a hike to wait a few more weeks to do.

Reviewed by Dasha on 3/18/2008
Fun hike, we saw couple baby raccoons on that trail

Reviewed by Wyatt on 10/14/2007
Loved it! Went on this hike with my girlfriend and we were very short on time. It is a very easy hike with tons of wildlife, I mean we saw a bull elk, 4 deer, and a chipmunk. It took us 30 minutes to get to the falls, 15 to climb up to the actual falls and then half an hour to get home. Great hike!!!

Reviewed by Ac & CaT on 7/24/2007
First off the hike was awesome! They have cleared the trees covering the no parking signs, so no ticket for us! The hike was easy enough for a mom to push her child in a stroller. Although she did look a little winded. The trail does have some walking hazards you must watch where walking those rocks just jump out at you! After all said and done the moose at the end of the trail was an extra treat to one of the greatest family hikes in Utah!

Reviewed by RM on 6/7/2007
I really liked this hike, it is perfect for families with smaller children, it is not very long at all and not steep at all. All ages can make this hike. The Falls are Gorgeous and the hike is pretty. Easy Hike not much of a challenge for the avid hiker.

Reviewed by RAC on 5/28/2007
Good hike for the family. No signs to the site, take the left turn 9 miles up the canyon and the right fork at the camp ground. The police ticketed cars parked in no parking areas even though the signs were behind trees (don't park to the right of the small parking area). We passed several hundred people on Memorial day.

Reviewed by Barney on 5/27/2007
Would hike again beautiful falls. Enjoyed the scenery.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Salt Lake County Hiking, Salt Lake County Trails, Salt Lake County Hikes

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