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Big
& Little Water Trails - Mill Creek Canyon
Pictures
And Story Submitted By Dj Nebula Of SLC
Back
To Mill
Creek Canyon Hiking Trails
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These two trails are great for a relaxing hike to get the
blood flowing, heart rate elevated, and there is allot of shade to
keep you out of the sun. This trail is used by a lot of Mountain
Bikers, Horses, and Dog Owners. It is closed to Mountain bikes on
odd numbered days. We began this hike on the Upper Big Water Trail.
It wound its way around the hills of Upper Mill creek through Aspen
groves, Pine trees, and flora everywhere. It reminded me of an
Oregon forest for how dense the plant life grows here.
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At the first trail intersection, we noticed the bugs were veracious,
so it was time to get out the OFF bug repellent. After soaking in
Deet (Active chemical in OFF) we were off on the trail again. Up
winding switchbacks, through more wonderful Aspen Groves, to a
little bridge where you start climbing the last 400 feet of the
Upper Big Water Trail. Nice switchbacks on this very well maintained
trail. Soon we arrive at Dog Lake. It is a small mountain lake used
for water shed and irrigation. While sitting on the beach eating a
Cliff Bar, I noticed a bird with a red crown land not so far from
me. It was a Red Crested Finch, and it did not seem to mind me much
either.
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So we were off to head down the Big Water Trail,
when I noticed a trail sign, and it said Big Water Trail 3 miles,
Little Water Trail 1.8 miles. We wanted to trail run, so we opted
for the Little Water Trail. Glad we did. It was spectacular. The
Aspen Grove that we saw was so serene. Very peaceful on this trail.
Not a soul around. If you are looking to get away from it all in a
relatively short distance, I recommend these two trails, It does not
get too hot, therefore you will not lose a lot of water due to
dehydration. And the flora, just thick and green and beautiful. This
is perfect for the beginner hiker who wants to build endurance. I
will definitely pick these trails for those hot summer days in the
valley, it is much cooler here. This trail up and down is a really
great workout for the legs, but not physically exhausting like some
of the steeper grades. And it is nice to get to Dog Lake, relax in
the serenity of a mountain atmosphere with virtually no one around.
And the trail run down Little Water Trail was great to finish off
the hike with. Great for the mind body and spirit. I recommend this
hike for a beginner to become familiar with the kind of terrain the
hiking trails are like. Enjoy!
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Directions
And Trail Stats
Mill
Creek Canyon- Trail Head- 9.6 miles from Fee Station
Distance to Dog Lake- 3 miles up/ 1.8 miles down
Elevation Gain- 1200 vertical feet
Hiking Time- 1hr 56min up on Big Water, 1hr 3min down on Little
Water
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