Desolation Ridge Trail
Table of contents
The Desolation Ridge Trail is a challenging route east of Salt Lake City. This trail doesn’t get much traffic, so it’s a great place to go if you are looking for some peace and quiet. The Desolation Ridge Trail winds through the beautiful Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Try this trail in the fall when vibrant autumn leaves ignite the forest.
Route Description for Desolation Ridge Trail
The Desolation Ridge Trail is a challenging hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon east of Salt Lake City, Utah. This trail is a consistently steep ascent; hikers should be prepared with proper hiking footwear and plenty of water. We recommend bringing along a set of hiking poles to aid in your ascent and save your knees some strain on the way back down. This hike begins and ends at the lovely Spruces Campground. If you are spending a few nights enjoying the campground, The Desolation Ridge Trail is a great way to get out and explore your surroundings with a morning or afternoon hike.
Beginning at the Spruces Campground, cross over Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and follow Canyon Spruce Road to the Mill D North Fork. Continue following the creek northeast for about a mile before branching off and following the switchbacks eastward to a summit point.
Take a rest at the top and enjoy the views before turning around and heading back to the Mill D North Fork. From the creek, simply follow your footsteps back to the Spruces Campground where you began.
Getting to the Desolation Ridge Trail Trailhead
This hike begins at the Spruces Campground on Highway 190/Big Cottonwood Canyon Road in between Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Spruces Campground at Trailhead
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Lollipop
Desolation Ridge Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Greens Basin Trail
Salt Lake City
Beartrap Fork and Desolation Lake Trail
Salt Lake City
Silver Fork Trail
Salt Lake City
Kessler Peak Trail
Salt Lake City
The Honeycomb Cliffs Trail
Salt Lake City
Mill A Basin Trail
Salt Lake City
Honeycomb Canyon and Lake Solitude Loop
Salt Lake City
Willow Heights Overview Trail
Salt Lake City
Gobblers Knob via Butler Fork Trail
Salt Lake City
Dog Lake via the Mill D North Fork Trail
Salt Lake City
Mt. Raymond
Salt Lake City
Donut Falls
Salt Lake City