Desolation Lake

Destination: Desolation Lake
 Elevation: 9240 AKA: Ninety Nine 90
 Feature: Lake
Notes: It is a large mountain lake, with no apparent outlet. Many trails lead to here, including the long distance Desolation Trail.

There are four different trails you can use:

Desolation Lake from Willow Heights TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.0 to 6.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 9.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1420 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 290 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 5%
Notes: This trail features 2 lakes and 2 peaks, as you walk down the ridge that separates Big Cottonwood Canyon from Park City.
Trailhead: Willow Heights TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7820 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 11.5 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trailhead is on the north side of the road. Look for a large rock with a plaque on it. There is not much parking.
Waypoint 1: Willow Lake
 Elevation: 8480 AKA: Willow Heights
 Feature: Lake
Notes: Willow Heights is a basin with Willow Lake and gentle terrain. A great hike for the family, or snow shoe in the winter. Follow the trail northeast from the lake to find the secluded Dry Lake.
Waypoint 2: Silver Peak
 Elevation: 10002 AKA: Silver Benchmark
 Feature: Peak
Notes: It is at the top of the ridge separating Willow Fork and Beartrap Fork.
Waypoint 3: Desolation Peak
 Elevation: 9990 AKA: Ninety Nine 90
 Feature: Peak
Notes: The peak looks down on Desolation Lake, but also provides great 360 degree views. The Wasatch Crest trail goes below its base, so it is likely you will see mountain bikers, especially on odd days of the month when bikers are allowed in upper Mill Creek.


Desolation Lake from Mill D North Fork TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 6.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 7.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1940 feet
Main Aspect: South
 Climb Rate: 539 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 10%
Notes: This is the standard route to Desolation Lake. Take the right fork when you come to the Dog Lake junction.
Trailhead: Mill D North Fork TH
 Trailhead Elevation: 7300 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 9.0 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: There is great parking at Mill D, both sides of the road, and an outhouse. The Mill D North Fork trailhead is on the west end of the north parking lot.


Desolation Lake from Beartrap Fork TH
via Beartrap Fork
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.5 to 5.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 6.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1680 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 525 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 10%
Notes: This trail is the shortest way to Desolation Lake from a road. You come very close to Desolation Peak, so you might as well hit it too while you’re in the neighborhood.
Trailhead: Beartrap Fork TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7560 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 10.7 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trailhead is somewhat difficult to find. Look for the gate in the picture on the northeast side of the road. There is really no parking area, just park along the road near the gate.
Waypoint 1: Beartrap Fork
 Elevation: 9500 Feature: Canyon
Notes: This trail is not used much and is the shortest route to Desolation Peak and Desolation Lake.


Desolation Lake from Little Water TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.0 to 6.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 8.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1610 feet
Main Aspect: North
 Climb Rate: 383 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 7%
Notes: Its a steady climb to Desolation Lake, except for the downhill part after Dog Lake.
Trailhead: Little Water TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7630 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.5 miles
Area: Mill Creek Canyon
Area Location: East on 3800 S in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: $3
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: This trailhead is at the end of the Mill Creek Canyon road. It shares a parking lot with Big Water Gulgh TH NOTE: The Mill Canyon road is closed east of Maple Cove Campground November 1st to July 1st, so this trailhead is only accessible by non-motorized methods during those months.
Waypoint 1: Dog Lake
 Elevation: 8780 AKA: Reynolds Dog Lake
 Feature: Lake
Notes: The lake is a popular destination from Mill Creek or Big Cottonwood Canyons. It sits under Reynolds Peak and Little Water Peak. You might see many mountain bikers on even numbered days of the month, when they are allowed on trails in Mill Creek Canyon.