Millcreek Canyon (also Mill Creek Canyon)[1] (Shoshoni: Tempin-Tekkoappah, “rock trap”)[2] is a canyon in the Wasatch Mountains and part of Millcreek City on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. It is a popular recreation area both in the summer and in the winter.[3] It was named by Brigham Young on August 22, 1847, before all of the mills that were built in and below the densely forested canyon. It is home to two restaurants and six Boy Scout Day Camps.
Millcreek Canyon is next to Parley's Canyon on the north and Big Cottonwood Canyon on the south. Though perhaps the most accessible canyon to Salt Lake City, its upper reaches are much less visited than neighboring canyons.
The upper trails in Millcreek Canyon (those above the winter gate, which is located at the Maple Grove picnic area) are open to biking on even-numbered days only. Bikes are allowed on the lower trails on all days.
When riding on the road, bicycles are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles, including signalling before a turn and stopping at stop signs. For more information please consult the website http://RoadRespect.Utah.gov.
Dogs are allowed in Millcreek canyon every day. They may be off leash on hiking trails on odd numbered days, but must still be leashed in all developed areas, including the road, trail heads, and picnic areas. On even numbered days dogs must always be leashed in all areas, including all hiking trails.
When the ski trail along the road in the upper canyon is groomed it is regulated as a trail and dogs may be off leash there on odd-numbered days. However, when the trail is not being maintained, it is considered a service road, even though it is closed to vehicles, and dogs must be leashed.
Dog owners are required to pick up after their dogs. There are receptacles for dog waste in several places in the canyon, including both upper and lower Big Water trailheads.
Millcreek Canyon has a variety of trails for hiking. Difficulty ranges from easy (beginner) to difficult (advanced).
Popular trails include:
The top half Millcreek Canyon is closed from November 1 through July 1 to vehicle traffic.
A $5.00 fee per vehicle is paid upon leaving Millcreek Canyon. Annual passes are $50.00 [7] Seniors (age 60 and over) are charged only $3 per day, and may purchase an annual pass for $30. The interagency pass available from the National Park Service is not accepted in Millcreek Canyon.
On February 6, 2021, an avalanche occurred in the Wilson Glade area of the canyon, killing four skiers and injuring four others. The surviving skiers were able to dig themselves out of the snow and tried to rescue the other skiers, but to no avail. The canyon was subsequently closed to recreational use until further notice.[8]
