Donut Falls
Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Distance
1.53 miles
Elevation Gain
413 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Eric Bennett
Donut Falls is an out-and-back hike to an amazingly beautiful and picturesque waterfall. This trail, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is good for all seasons with easy access to the trail.
The Trail
Follow the trail for just a little bit and when it forks, stay to the left and you will arrive to Donut Falls. Once at the waterfall, climb up the rocks to get to the cave at the top, which is not visible from the bottom. To take pictures inside of the cave, you will most likely get your feet wet.
This is a really short hike, so it's great if you are short on time and want to see something amazing.
Falls Coordinates: 40.629722, -111.654722
Getting There
Coming from the I-215, turn left on Big Cottonwood Road and the parking lot will be about nine miles up the road on your right. Usually the gate is closed, so park here and follow the rest of the road on foot until you get to a trailhead with restrooms on the left hand side.
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Reviews
Did this hike near the end of April and had the place to ourselves. Lots of snow, but doable in regular hiking shoes. Would recommend getting in the water if you’re feeling brave!
5.0
Be careful no matter what time of year you are doing this one. There is a steep drop off when you eventually get to the water part. Usually, in the winter they have a rope that you can climb up in order to see the actual waterfall.
5.0
The hike to Donut Falls is one of my favorites! It is very family friendly and a great way to escape the SLC heat. Check out my blog post about the hike: https://saltlakedad.weebly.com/blog/hiking-donut-falls
5.0
Nice Easy hike with a nice treat at the end. easy to navigate. See video below for more info https://youtu.be/bB-Dt3q4KEs
5.0
Donut Falls is a family-friendly, 3-mile, our-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the trailhead and public restrooms. The trail leads you through dense pine trees, across streams, and to the base of a spectacular feat of nature - a donut-shaped waterfall. I highly recommend you scramble up the rock face to see the opening. Please note, this hike gets quite crowded on the weekend and during the day.
3.0
Lots of kids playing music and families I don’t recommend if you are looking for a peaceful hike.
2.0
This place is nutso crowded on most weekends. The falls are unique and worth the crowds if you haven't taken the family there yet, but do not go on a holiday weekend. You will regret it!
3.0
Good in winter, way too crowded summer weekends -- summer=zoo early spring or winter is nice. Early spring so there was still some snow, which made it even better! Make sure you climb up to be under the falls. Nice short hike, pretty neat fall.
3.0
Its super easy and can get crowded but its one of the best hikes when your dragging up three little girls. The best time to hike the falls is in winter, the trail is well used so snowshoes aren't necessary and all the snow makes it even easier to hike up to the hole.
5.0
We loved this trail. Nice gentle uphill most of the way easy enough for all of use. The reward at the top was worth it. We had a lovely break up top, feet in the cold stream enjoying the brilliantly clear fresh water and view.
5.0
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