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Camp / Hike Gear
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Desolation Trail (to Salt Lake Overlook)
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The Basics |
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Location: |
In Millcreek Canyon just east of Salt Lake City |
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| Difficulty: |
Intermediate
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| Length: |
3.5 miles roundtrip |
| Elevation: |
1250 feet |
| Time to Allow: |
2 hours |
| Season: |
June to October |
| Map: |
USGS Sugarhouse Topo (1:24,000); USGS Salt Lake City Topo (1:100,000)
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Some More Things to Know |
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Easy switchbacks bring you to the Salt Lake Overlook at the crest of a ridge and its good views up and down the canyon. From the overlook, the trail climbs to a junction with Thayne Canyon Trail and continues to near Thayne's Peak. Thayne's Peak can be scrambled to and offers a good panorama. The trail continues past Thayne's Peak another 2.3 miles to Porter Fork Trail. The trailhead is at the South Box Elder Picnic Area, 3.2 miles up canyon.
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Directions to Trailhead |
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From Downtown Salt Lake City, head south on either I-15, State Street or 700 East. After a few miles, get onto I-80 heading east and take it 4 or 5 miles to the I-215 Belt Route. Head south on the I-215 Belt Route for about 2 miles and exit at 3900 South. Take a left at the top of the exit ramp and cross over I-215 heading east. At Wasatch Boulevard, the first light, take a left and head north 1 block to the light at 3800 South. Take a right on 3800 South and head east. It will progress through a residential area before taking you up into the canyon. After about 1 mile, is an entrance station. (The attendant there will supply you with a simple map and answer any questions you might have.) The trailhead is 3.4 miles past the entrance station on the south side of the road.
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