Donut Falls

A favorite hike for many that is suitable for the entire family is Donut (often spelled Doughnut) Falls, which is up the Mill D South Fork of Big Cottonwood Canyon.  It is a great hike for individuals who don't want to spend a lot of time necessary for longer, more strenuous hikes.  Unfortunately, the falls have lost some of their pristine beauty in recent years due to rock fall in the area.  Donut Falls is so named because the water cascades through a hole in the rock that looks like a donut hole when viewed from below.  In 2007 the City of Salt Lake purchased Donut Falls from private ownership along with about 144 acres of surrounding land in an effort to protect the city's watershed.

To access the Donut Falls trailhead from the Salt Lake Valley, take the 6200 South (Exit 6) off of I-215 and turn right (at the light) onto Wasatch Boulevard (SR 190).  At Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South), turn left (east) to go up Big Cottonwood Canyon towards the Brighton and Solitude Ski Resorts.  Continue driving for approximately 9.0 miles up the canyon to the Jordan Pines picnic area, and turn right (south) onto the paved turn-off.  The trailhead is at the south end of a parking lot about one mile down this turn-off – past the Jordan Pines picnic area and some private property.  A well-marked trail covers the first 0.4 miles of the hike before it crosses a stream to an old dirt road.  Follow this road upward for about 1/4 mile or so until the trail veers to the left (east) a little towards the narrowing canyon.  Upon reaching the stream area, a small steep slope into the streambed is encountered, which will require a helping hand for young children to get across.  The viewing area just below Donut Falls is approximately 7,820 feet in elevation.  Hiking in the grotto area and around the waterfall itself is discouraged due to the slippery wet conditions, the dislodging of rocks, and causing further damage to the unique character of the waterfall.  Distance is approximately 0.75 miles one-way with an elevation gain of 360 feet from the parking lot.

A group of young women hike in
the area just below Donut Falls

Close-up of Donut Falls – Photo
credit: Utah Outdoor Activities