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Low
Mt. Aire 7.5’ quadrangle
Salt Lake Overlook--12T 0437307/4504284
Dogs allowed off leash on odd # days and on leash on even#days.
A quiet wander among the thick evergreens and the view over the Salt Lake Valley are
my favorite aspects of this trail. The Desolation trailhead accesses many a trail–at least 7 of them
are listed, with mileage, on a sign found not far up the trail. The area seems to maintain enough
usage to keep a distinct trail, but it’s not over run to the point that you can’t enjoy a little solitude.
Remember, when using Desolation trail, if you plan to cross to Big Cottonwood Canyon you’ll be in
watershed territory and Fido won’t be allowed.

Desolation .19 Trailhead sits 2.6 miles up Mill Creek Canyon from the fee station –
just past the Mill Creek Inn on the south side of the road.
Trail Description: The trail is well used and well marked with signage. Three hundred feet after starting
up the Desolation trail the Salt Lake Overlook trail diverges to the right and takes off on a switchback
bonanza up the side of the mountain. These switchbacks provide a less direct way up the face of
the mountain so the workout remains moderate. At .3 of a mile up the trail, you become level with
the Pipeline trail across the canyon. When the trees open you can see the trail running across the
canyon as well as the trail up to Grandeur Peak—a new perspective on those trails.
The trail is usually easy to follow, and after the zig zags makes a long straight pull to the south
and then switchbacks again up to the Salt Lake Overlook. If you are breaking trail on your own, look
for routes between the trees that will allow you to make your own switchbacks to the top, the south
traverse, and the continued climb to the ridge that will give you the view to the west. You can use
the GPS coordinate to pinpoint the exact spot for the lookout. .From the top, Salt Lake Valley opens
below. The perfect day to get the best views would have clear blue skies, low wind, and no smog.