The prettiest part of the Dog Lake loop is probably the first two miles of the hike, along Butler Fork. Butler Fork meanders northward through a narrow canyon filled with dense groves of quaking aspen, eventually emerging into a more open forest of Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir along the ridge above Mill Creek Canyon. It is not uncommon to see moose along this part of the trail. Look for their hoof tracks along the path-similar to deer tracks, but two to three times larger.
The Lake itself is located in a shallow, heavily forested basin just south of the ridge that separates Mill Creek Canyon from Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Although Dog Lake itself lies outside the Wilderness boundary, Butler Fork is part of the Mount Olympus Wilderness Area and you cannot bring a dog on this part of the hike!
Details
Location:
In Big Cottonwood Canyon southeast of downtown Salt Lake City
Length:
5 mile roundtrip
Difficulty:
Easy
Time:
2-3 hours
Elevation Change:
1680
Season:
June to October
Additional Details:
About 0.5 mile from the Butler Fork Trailhead you will encounter a fork in the trail, with the better used left fork leading to Mill A Basin. Take the right fork for Dog Lake. The trail climbs steadily for another 1.8 miles, finally coming to another fork about 1,680 feet above the trailhead at the top of the ridge. Again, bear right along the crest of the ridge. As you near Dog Lake, about 0.5 mile further east along the ridge, you may be confused by a number of trails that branch off to the north and south. Pay attention to the map, and remember that Dog Lake is just a short way below the ridge on the south side. If you start climbing abruptly to the south you are probably headed for Renolds Peak. If you start descending abruptly to the north you are probably headed down into Mill Creek Canyon. Look for Dog Lake just a few hundred feet after the trail begins descending to the south.
From the southeast corner of Dog Lake a well used mountain bike trail descends for 0.6 mile to another trail junction. Here you will see a sign directing you to either Desolation Lake (left) or Mill D Trailhead (right). Take the right fork to the Mill D Trailhead. You will see a lot more hikers on this side of the loop than you saw along Butler Fork. There are also some summer homes along the east side of Mill D North Fork, and you may catch glimpses of another trail below you that follows the east side of the creek. You will arrive at Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Mill D Trailhead about 2.4 miles after leaving Dog lake.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Downtown Salt Lake City, head south on I-15 about 8 miles to the I-215 Belt Route. Take I-215 East about 5 miles to 6200 South (Exit 6). Bear to the right off the exit ramp onto 6200 South and head east. (It'll turn south after a bit and and merge with Wasatch Boulevard, but just stay on the main road.) Follow it about 2 miles to the light at Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. (On the southwest corner of the intersection is a 7-Eleven gas station and mini-mart.) Take a left and head up canyon. The trailhead is 8 miles past the canyon entrance on the north side of the road. (Note: Along the trip from downtown you'll see large signs to the Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. These resorts are at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, so if you follow those signs, you'll get to Big Cottonwood Canyon just fine.)
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Price. More Visitor Guides are available in Arizona. Click here to view them all!
Carbon Corridor Central Utah
Carbon Corridor
Central UtahCradled by the Book Cliffs, this land boasts rich history reflected in ancient rock art, scenic and adventurous outdoor opportunities, and museums that educate about the region’s history. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Emery County, Utah South Central Utah
Emery County, Utah
South Central UtahWelcome to the Swell, a natural playground in the heart of Utah. Within the region, you will find endless opportunities to ride, climb, camp, hike or paddle. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Utah - Life Elevated Statewide
Utah - Life Elevated
StatewideWith five national parks and more than 40 state parks, Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families & adventurers alike. Order your free Travel Guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Arizona. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon Southern Utah
Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon
Southern UtahTravel information on the North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Kanab and Bryce Canyon Nation Park - Visit the Heart of the Parks. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
San Juan County Southeast Utah
San Juan County
Southeast UtahSan Juan County is located in the Four Corners region of the southwest United States. Visitors come to experience the unique culture and natural history of the area. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Capitol Reef Country Central Utah
Capitol Reef Country
Central UtahThis area of southern Utah has a diversity of landscape like no other area in the state - red rock formations and canyons, pristine meadows, alpine forests, as well as lush green valleys. That landscape makes Capitol Reef Country perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, or just a quiet picnic! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Sierra Vista Southern Arizona
Sierra Vista
Southern ArizonaWhether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, history or culture, Sierra Vista has something for everyone. Connect with the Old West in the "Land of Legends", or Cochise County. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Tucson Southeast Arizona
Tucson
Southeast ArizonaTucson is a borderland metropolitan area influenced by many cultures to make it an exciting and unique place to visit. Near Tucson is Saguaro National Park, named for the spectacular Saguaro forest found there. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Glendale Phoenix Area - Central Arizona
Glendale
Phoenix Area - Central ArizonaFrom exciting sports frenzy to signature festivals filled with family fun, unique culinary flavors, holiday splendor and more—when it comes to lifestyle, Glendale’s got you covered. Home to the nation’s finest multi-sport entertainment complex with famous shopping districts and a treasured historic downtown, Glendale is a beautiful blend of new excitement and historic charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Wickenburg Central Arizona
Wickenburg
Central ArizonaWhen visitors want a real, authentic taste of the wild west, they visit Wickenburg. The town has successfully merged the past with the present in a way that awakens the cowboy in everyone. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bisbee Southern Arizona
Bisbee
Southern ArizonaVictorian neighborhoods, locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, bookstores, galleries and more make Bisbee a good choice for those seeking sophistication along with small town charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
Lake Havasu City
Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Tempe Phoenix Area - Central Arizona
Tempe
Phoenix Area - Central ArizonaArizona State University may be Tempe’s claim to fame, but there’s plenty going on in this friendly city just south of Phoenix. Boating on Tempe Town Lake, nightlife on Mill Avenue and performances at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium are just a few of our favorite Tempe temptations. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
ArizonaStart planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Fill out the form to request your free travel packet, which includes an Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide and an Arizona state highway map. The Arizona Office of Tourism ships domestically as well as the following countries only: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bryce Canyon Country Southern Utah
Bryce Canyon Country
Southern UtahBryce Canyon Country is home to several scenically diverse state/national parks. Visitors will want to spend at least a few days exploring this spectacular part of Utah. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Benson Southeast
Benson
SoutheastBenson has a rich history tied to the railroad and Old West. A great draw for many visitors is Kartchner Caverns State Park which offers camping, hiking, beauty and of course, the caverns themselves. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Utah - Life Elevated Statewide
Utah - Life Elevated
StatewideWith five national parks and more than 40 state parks, Utah offers a wealth of outdoor activities for families & adventurers alike. Order your free Travel Guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Prescott: An Arizona Gem Central Arizona
Prescott: An Arizona Gem
Central ArizonaPrescott is a destination that transcends the Arizona archetype. No sweltering summers or miles of cactus covered moonscape. The town’s mile-high location in the Grand Canyon State’s central highlands brings four mild seasons, an average annual daytime temperature of about seventy degrees, and over 300 days of sunshine. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Chandler Phoenix area - Central Arizona
Chandler
Phoenix area - Central ArizonaThe City of Chandler, AZ boasts world class golf facilities, Arizona resorts, fabulous restaurants of every cuisine, premier shopping and tons of fun activities. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Gilbert Phoenix Area
Discover Gilbert
Phoenix AreaOne of America’s Top 20 Thriving Cities. Make your way to Gilbert, Arizona. Our welcoming town is just southeast of Phoenix and only a short drive away from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. One of the best places to live in America, Gilbert boasts sunny weather, safe neighborhoods and an exceptional school system, as well as a wide array of outdoor and cultural attractions. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Salt River Scottsdale Area
Discover Salt River
Scottsdale AreaWe proudly welcome you to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and cannot wait for you to discover Salt River. Awaken your senses and explore Arizona Indian Country in a whole new way. Adventure awaits you! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Explore Cochise County Southeast Arizona
Explore Cochise County
Southeast ArizonaHike, bike, bird, dine, wine, and stargaze … your next adventure is in these wide open spaces! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Superior Southeastern Arizona
Superior
Southeastern ArizonaIf you love unspoiled nature and rich heritage — Superior is a picturesque largely undiscovered gem that offers pristine desert experiences at the world-renowned Boyce Thompson Arboretum, top-notch outdoor adventures, unique annual festivals, as well as an authentic budding culinary and art scene. Start your small town adventure here. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Cottonwood Central Arizona
Cottonwood
Central ArizonaVisit Cottonwood- Heart of Arizona Wine Country. Experience the Verde Valley Wine Trail, outdoor adventure, family fun, charming Old Town, and so much more. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
North-Central ArizonaFrom the river to the rails, Clarkdale is teeming with awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. Nestled in the stunning Verde Valley of North-Central Arizona. Clarkdale is the gem of Arizona. Skip the crowds and get right to the heart of red rock country. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Switch to Mobile Browser Mode
We offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arizona on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.