The Salt Lake Overlook has dramatic views of the Salt Lake Valley and mountain peaks all around in Millcreek Canyon. It’s a great one to do in the winter!
This trail can either be done entirely on the Desolation Trail or including part of the Thaynes Canyon trail. Thaynes Canyon is excellent for Extreme Sledding.
Most of the time you will just need micro-spikes, not snowshoes. Hiking poles are a nice bonus.
I will explain heading up the the Destination Trail and down Thaynes Canyon. There is a small parking lot just past the Millcreek Inn. It is the parking lot for both the Thaynes Canyon Trailhead and the Desolation Trail. The trail begins just west of the bathrooms. There is the first Desolation Trail sign and then around the corner is a larger sign with more destinations.
Continue along the path and very soon it forks into the Thaynes Canyon Trail and the Desolation Trail. Take the right for the Desolation Trail through the trees.
The viewpoints lower down are so spectacular in different seasons!
The only trail junction you need to be aware of is the junction up to the higher trail. If you continue straight, 50 feet later is the Thaynes Canyon junction. Since we want the overlook, we need to turn to the higher trail. The path continues back along the mountainside above the trail we were just on.
Here is what it looks like without the snow, looking left, then right. The trail continues at the top of those rocks that look high in the photo, but it’s only about six feet higher than the lower trail.
Desolation is a beautiful trail!
It’s so pretty anytime!
Here is a panoramic fairly close to the top with impressive views!
The snow was sparkly and had cool patterns from the previous winds.
As you come around the corner you can see the valley down below! Unfortunately sometimes an inversion creates a layer of gross air. Below is one with a fall view and clearer air.
Every direction has gorgeous views!
Since I wanted to sled, when I returned to the lower trail, I headed towards Thaynes Canyon, less than 50 feet from the junction.
I put away my micro-spikes and sat on my sled.
You can sled nearly the whole way down, or for about 10-15 minutes straight!
Here are a few photos from the lower sections of Thaynes Canyon.
For all the details of this trail, check out these posts on the Salt Lake Overlook in Millcreek Canyon and Thaynes Canyon/Desolation Trail Loop:
Other hikes nearby are Rattlesnake Gulch, Thaynes Canyon Loop, Porter Fork Road, Neff’s Canyon, and Miller Park and Bonneville Glen Loop.
