The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a popular trail up Millcreek Canyon, Utah with impressive mountain and city views. It is great in Winter and all seasons.
Directions
The Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead is only about three minutes from the base of Millcreek Canyon, so it’s very convenient.
For most of the incline there are two options of trails that begin parallel to each other. They follow each other mostly out of sight, but you can easily hear someone on the opposite trail. The (newer) left trail has a few more switchbacks and is a little less steep. I will describe going up the left trail and down the right, but either direction works well.
The trail is easy to follow and well marked.
The southern facing slopes melt more quickly in the sun, so there are a few muddy patches.
The mountain views are so beautiful!
When you get to the Pipeline Trail, head left towards the entrance of the canyon. Soon you will start to see the city views.
The views of Olympus Cove are pretty.
As you get to the viewpoint, you see more of the city.
Here is the viewpoint in the summer and winter.
If you look north you can see downtown Salt Lake City.
Return Hike
Turn around and head back into Millcreek Canyon along the Pipeline Trail. The first junction is the newer trail we took up.
Continue along the Pipeline Trail until you get to the second junction.
Shortly after is another junction with Church Fork Trail.
The trail is still beautiful in the winter.
Soon you will return to the parking lot.
For more details about this trail, click on this link below. Scroll down for more winter hikes.
Stats: Distance – 3.8 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 1 1/2 – 3 hours
Elevation gain – 790 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year round (microspikes necessary in winter)
Permits needed – $5 fee paid as you exit Millcreek Canyon
Dogs Allowed – Yes
Other nearby winter trails are the Salt Lake Overlook, Thaynes Canyon/ Desolation Loop, Neff’s Canyon, Porter Fork Road, and Miller Park and Bonneville Glen Park.
