The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a popular trail up Millcreek Canyon, Utah with impressive mountain and city views.
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 right trail and down the left, but either direction works well.
Much of this lower trail is nicely shaded.
The trail is easy to follow and well marked. In the second photo you can see the enormous rock. Next to it is a sign that directs you to follow the trail left.
I saw a few Stellar’s Jays, but they were too quick for a photo. I did manage to get a blurred photo of a hummingbird and a robin.
The trail soon switches back and you continue hiking up the trail.
Now that the trail is getting higher, the mountain views are getting more impressive!
The trail remains mostly shaded.
There are a couple junctions to watch for, but they are well-marked. Both times you will want to go on the Pipeline Trail. The second junction is where you will return down the other part of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.
The mountain vistas keep getting prettier!
This first one below is looking the opposite direction and the second is looking down at the parking lot.
After you pass the junction to the second Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, you will just follow the Pipeline Trail to the overlook. Very soon you will start to see views of the city.
This section has no shade.
The end of the trail is the viewpoint at the exposed pipeline. Looking to the left you can see Olympus Cove and out towards the south part of the valley. Directly below you can see Skyline High School.
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. When you get to the junction, head down the hill to the right.
There are lots of short switchbacks on this newer trail section of Rattlesnake Gulch.
As you get lower you get back into the shade.
Soon you will return to the parking lot.
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
This is a great winter trail! For details click on this link:
Other nearby trails are Salt Lake Overlook, Thaynes Canyon/ Desolation Loop, Neff’s Canyon, Living Room Lookout, and Heugh’s Canyon.
