Doughnut Falls



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Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip

Hiking Time: 45 minutes- 1 hour

Elevation Change: 360 feet

 

Directions: Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for 9 miles and turn right at the Jordan Pines Picnic area, continue 0.8 mile to the trailhead parking area. Google Map

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Doughnut Falls is a very popular hike, with a waterfall unlike any other. The water pours over the ledge and falls directly through a doughnut-shaped hole. 

We did this hike on a Summer evening in June. It was very pleasant. The trail is shaded in parts and has some fun features like a bridge over a stream, pretty trees and flowers, and even moose-sightings sometimes.

As you get closer to the Falls, the water level rises and requires some maneuvering over boulders and rocks in the stream to get across. We did not attempt this with our small children. We had a distant view of the falls from below and across the stream, but felt it was too much work to get across the stream with our kids. We had planned from the beginning to stop at this point.

The Falls themselves require a short scramble up some boulders. In Spring and early Summer, the area can be quite wet and slippery and it is advised that hikers do not attempt to reach the falls in these conditions. Hikers have slipped, fallen, and even died trying to reach the falls, so we play it safe and remain at a safe distance.

After viewing the falls, we turned around and headed back.

Because we didn't get started until the early evening, and this hike was a little farther than what we normally do, I brought two carriers in case our 4 year old got too tired to walk back. I love our carriers and their ability to carry up to 40+ pounds!

This is a great hike for everyone. It's very doable with small children by yourself, as long as you are aware that you should stop before you reach the Falls. I highly recommend it!

Little Cottonwood Creek Trail

 

 

Where: Little Cottonwood Creek Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon

Distance: 3.5 miles total, but may walk any distance and turn around at any time

Hiking Time: Varies

 

Little Cottonwood Trail starts at the entrance to Little Cottonwood Canyon and follows Little Cottonwood Creek east. Primary activities on the trail include hiking, trail running, and mountain biking but dogs are not allowed. Parking is free.

 

We started in the middle of the trail and walked west along the creek trail for about 45 minutes then turned around. Below is a description of the section we "hiked".

  

Directions: From the large parking area at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, follow the Little Cottonwood Canyon Road up the canyon for 2.7 miles. Before the road enters a bend to the right, turn into the small turnout parking area on your right. Across the road to the north is the trailhead for Lisa Falls. After you park, walk down the hill to where you join the east-to-west Little Cottonwood Trail. You can head east or west, it's your choice.

 

If you decide to start at the bottom of the trail, park in the parking lot  at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon where the paved road veers to the right (at the stop sign). This is the same parking lot as the Temple Quarry Trail.

 

The trail is mostly wide and smooth. There are also smaller trails off the main trail that lead down to the creek. It was fun to explore the creek and see the flowing water and throw some rocks into the creek. Towards the end of our walk we stopped at a bridge that spanned the creek. Great picture spot and area to view the red berries and changing leaves on the trees. After we turned around, it was a bit tricky finding the spot where we leave the trail and head back up the hill to our cars. At least 6 adults walked right past the turnoff without noticing. I would recommend leaving something bright at this point so you know when to turn back to your cars. There was a small cairn set up that we didn't notice at first. If you head to the east end of the trail, there is a historic mill you can view.

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 More information: here and here

 

I don't know what it is babies in backpack carriers, but it's adorable! Love seeing her little face riding behind me.

We took a short side trail down to the creek to feel the water. It was fun to see the creek up close.

 

At the part where we turned around there was a bridge that spanned the creek. We walked across it and saw these beautiful red berries growing on the trees.

 

These little friends holding hands while hiking just about killed me it was so cute.

 

 

I loved the parts of the trail that opened up wide and you could see the large granite canyon walls.

A great little hike on a rainy cloudy day! Luckily we only felt a few sprinkles.

Cecret Lake

This alpine lake near Alta is a kid-friendly introduction to the beauty Little Cottonwood Canyon has to offer. 

 

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Change: 420 feet

 

Driving Directions: Located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Drive 11.3 miles up Little Cottonwood Road to the parking lot for the Cecret Lake trailhead at the end of the road. The parking area fills up fast so another option in the Summer (on weekends and holidays) is to take the free shuttle from the town of Alta to the trailhead.  

 

This hike is similar to the hike to Albion Basin in that you'll get great views of wildflowers in July and into August. We did this hike over Labor Day weekend and still saw many varieties of wildflowers.

 

The trail is gently-sloped and wide providing lots of room for wandering toddlers and small children. The trail is easy to follow as well and there are interpretive signs along the way providing information about the wildflowers and wildlife in the area. 

 

Even though I carry my baby/toddlers on most of the hikes, it's great when they're able to get out of the pack and explore themselves.

 

See the moon up there?

As you approach the lake, the trail gets a little steeper. You'll hike along some switchbacks for the last portion of the hike.

 

Once you reach the lake, you're treated to magnificent views of the beautiful water, and reflections of the surrounding trees and mountains. It's a gorgeous hike for any time of day.

 

 

Once you reach the lake, you can walk around it and find a more secluded spot for pictures or to eat a snack.

The trail back down is of course down hill and quite easy. You'll want to watch your small children going down the switch backs though, it can get a little steep for little ones.

This is one of those hikes that I like to do every year, especially as a family because it offers so many great views and variety along the trail.