Dog Lake is one of those mountain bike rides that every local who owns a bike with fat tires has done at least once. There’s a reason for its popularity, mainly because the trail is perfect, smooth, buffed-out single track that ascends on a low angle as it winds through gorgeous pine groves and aspen trees until it ends at a cute, little mountain lake nestled into the Wasatch Crest.
This 6-mile, 900 vertical foot out-and-back ride is technically on the Big Water Trail, but locals calls it Dog Lake thanks to the dog friendly destination at the top. The Dog Lake ride is located in upper Mill Creek Canyon where you can find the trail head at a parking lot. Note that bikes are only allowed on this trail on even-numbered days and that the gate to upper Mill Creek is only open from July through October. Otherwise you have to bike on the road from the gate to reach the Big Water Trail.
After parking, ride your bike for 1 1/2 miles on the Big Water Trail through incredible stands of old-growth pine forest. You’ll find switchbacks, wooden bridges over streams, and easy uphill pedaling until you come to a fork. Left takes you on the Great Western Trail, so you’ll want to hang right and continue to Dog Lake.
The upper trail becomes steeper, dustier and overall not as much fun as the lower section of the ride, and beginners may find a few hike-a-bike sections here. However, it’s still really easy for intermediate to expert mountain bikers.
After a particularly steep section, the ride tops out at Dog Lake. The naming of the lake becomes obvious as it’s a very popular swimming hole for pooches cooling off after a 3-mile hike. The lake is the perfect place to take a lunch break and snap some photos. You may even be lucky enough to see a moose come lumbering out of the woods for a drink at water’s edge.
Now the fun begins. The descent is the highlight of Dog Lake as that buffed-out single track you rode up on becomes a fast and flowy cruiser run. Although you can really open up the throttle here, be very careful as the trail is popular with hikers and their dogs and can get pretty crowded.
If you go: You can find the Big Water Trail parking area at the top of Mill Creek Canyon in Salt Lake City. If possible, park at the lower lot as that’s where Big Water begins. The upper lot is the start of the Little Water Trail, but you can park here if the lower lot is full. As said before, the upper canyon road is only open from July through October and bikes are only allowed on even-numbered days. As of 2010, there is a $3 fee per car when you leave the canyon.
I also love this area for trail-running. It stays cooler most of the way because of all the trees & I’ve heard it’s ok (?) to swim in the lake, though I haven’t done it since I’m wary of just jumping in to a natural body of water without checking the laws first (in case of watershed protection issues). It’s a great little trail, pretty views in the first section and lots of friendly people along the way.
Gina, just jump in.
I agree. If dogs are allowed in, then so are you. Water looks kinda swampy to me most of the time though…