City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta interviewed prolific hiker Brandon Miller who hiked 54 trails in 54 days. Together, they share the best local hikes for every occasion.
⛰️ If You’re With a 7-Year-Old
Brandon: “I would say Donut Falls. It's pretty easy going and there's a great view with a little waterfall at the end. Little bonus tip: During the summer, there's a closer trailhead. In the winter, you have to park further back.”
Ali: “And it's in Big Cottonwood, which means no dogs. So if you got a kiddo learning to walk the walk, they won't get knocked over.”
⛰️ If You’re With Your Dog
Brandon: “Millcreek Canyon, very dog friendly. And there's a section that's gated off during the winter. It's perfect for the summer when that opens up, you can take your dog there. And the specific hike that I'm thinking of is called Dog Lake, it's pretty aptly named. It's nice and cool in the summer, to get away from the heat of the valleys.”
Ali: “The really interesting thing that they've done in Millcreek Canyon is even days dogs have to be on a leash, odd days your dog can be off leash. That Dog Lake hike is also so great because it's a nice steady incline, it is a little long, but you never really have to grind. And to your point that it's nice in the summer, it's shaded.”
⛰️ If You’re Scared of Dogs
Brandon: “You're not gonna find any dogs in either Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon, since they're protected watersheds. So one that won't have any dogs and one that I love so much is Lake Blanche. It's definitely a bit of a challenge, I would say more for the experienced hiker that's looking for something a little bit longer.”
Ali: “I would also like to offer for anyone who wants a no dog hike, but isn't ready to grind out Lake Blanche quite yet, Cecret Lake, which is the very tippy top of Little Cottonwood canyon. You are gonna have to pay a $10 toll to get your car all the way up to the trailhead. It’s pretty doable, beautiful at sunset, and, man, an iconic Utah scene.”
