Dog Lake via The Big Water Trail
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Dog Lake via The Big Water Trail
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Dog Lake via the Big Water Trail is a fantastic hike for dogs and their people. This trail is a popular route in the area that gets lots of two-legged and four-legged traffic in the summer and fall. The wildflowers that pepper the Big Water Trail make it a scenic hike to the little lake at the end and the steady incline will give you and your dog a great workout.
Getting there
This hike begins at the Big Water Trailhead at the east end of Mill Creek Canyon Road, east of Salt Lake City.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | July to October |
| Pets allowed | Yes - Off leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Dog Lake via The Big Water Trail
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Dog Lake via The Big Water Trail Description
The hike to Dog Lake via the Big Water Trail is a highly popular, dog-friendly route in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This trail is busy, so arrive early to snag a parking spot. If your dog is skittish around other pups, this might not be the best trail for you as Dog Lake is a hot spot for dog-walkers and adventure pups from near and far.
In accordance with the rules of the Mill Creek Canyon Wilderness Area, dogs are allowed off-leash on the Big Water Canyon Trail on odd numbered days of the month but must be on-leash on even numbered days. Please be respectful towards everyone on this multi–use trail: follow the rules and please clean up after your dog, so everyone can enjoy this gorgeous route.
From the trailhead, follow the Big Water Trail south and stay straight at the first divide. After crossing over Big Water Gulch, the trail will split again, take a right here and follow the path that heads south. The path will split once more, approximately 1.1mi later, take the right-hand path once again and follow the trail for just a quarter of a mile to Dog Lake.
Take a rest at the lake and enjoy watching the dogs playing in the water before turning around and following the same path back to the trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to Dog Lake in Utah?
Yes, dogs are permitted to hike to Dog Lake along the Big Water Trail in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Dog Lake can also be accessed via the Mill D North Fork Trail: this trail is not dog-friendly.
Insider Hints
This trail is very popular, arrive early in the day to snag a parking spot
This trail can be used by mountain bikers on even days, keep your eyes and ears open on these days and allow bikers to pass you by
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