Donut Falls

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.1/5

based on 44 reviews

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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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Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildlife

Reviews

Ed Of The East

Donut Falls

08/23/17

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

Lyndsey Marie

Donut Falls

08/03/17

My BF just moved to SLC for a six month work stint. On one of my weekends visiting we decided to go for a hike and stumbled upon this article while searching Google. Thank you so much for the recommendation! Super easy hike with a very rewarding conclusion!

5.0

Brandon Hays

Donut Falls

06/26/17

This place was awesome! Really easy hike. Just make sure you keep left after the first river crossing. The views are spectacular and there weren't a ton of people there on a warm summer afternoon. Maybe 10. Awesome hike.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Snowshoe to Cardiff Mine

The trail starts from the same trailhead as Donut Falls which is extremely popular. In the winter, the gates are closed and you need to park just off the highway. Follow the road and crowds along the trail but once you cross the bridge continue straight ahead instead of following the trail that curves to the left. About 50 feet after leaving the trail, you will intersect with an old mining road...

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Donut Falls

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Backcountry Ski Cardiff Fork

Kessler Peak in Utah's Big Cottonwood Canyon

Snowshoe to Cardiff Mine

Big Cottonwood Canyon Astrophotography

Hike Cardiff Fork

Hike Days Fork

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