Autumn Backpacking to Lake Desolation: Fall Colors in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
There’s something special about the mountains in autumn - that perfect blend of crisp air and fiery leaves lighting up the mountain side. For this quick weekend trip, I packed up and headed to Lake Desolation, one of my favorite close-to-home getaways in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Trip Details
Trail: Mill D North Fork Trail —> Lake Desolation —> Wasatch Crest —> Dog lake loop
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Distance: ~10.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Around 2,500 feet
Nights: 1
Best Season: I love the late summer and fall seasons
Highlights: Golden aspens, alpine lake (no swimming though, it’s a protected watershed area), backcountry camping, ridge sunrise/sunsets.
Permits: Yes, permits are required for overnight backcountry camping in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Be sure to pay using the rec.gov app or QR code at the trailhead.
Resource links: Recreation.gov & slc.gov/utilities/watershed/rules
The Trail In
The Mill D North Fork Trail was bursting with color - golden aspens, red maples, and late-season green pines all mixing together in one last show before winter. The steady climb wound through cool, shaded sections before opening up to warm sunlight and sweeping views down the canyon.
By the time I reached Lake Deso, the light was soft and golden, reflecting off the water and the patchwork of trees around it. I setup camp, cooked dinner and watched the last light fade behind the ridge. There’s something about camping during fall - the cool evenings, the warm fire and the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze - that makes it feel extra special.
Morning on the Ridge
The next morning, I packed a light bag and hiked up to the Wasatch Crest above Lake Deso. The early light hit the mountains perfectly - painting the peaks in gold and the valley below in deep reds and oranges. From up top, you could see how the season was shifting - snow barely dusting the higher peaks, fall colors still glowing below.
Wasatch Crest
Wasatch Crest - looking down into Park City at Red Pine Lake. The colors were really popping under the morning sun
Dog Lake on the Way Out
On the way back, I took the Dog Lake detour - a short but beautiful stretch lined with more aspen and pine and open views of the canyon below. The lake itself was calm and busier than Lake Deso.
Trip Takeaways
This quick overnight trip had everything I love about fall backpacking - bright colors, quiet camps, and views that make you stop and just take it all in. If you’re looking for a moderate, rewarding backpacking trip near Salt Lake this time of year, the Desolation-Dog Lake route is hard to beat.
Happy trekking!
Ty
P.S. I put together a short Youtube recap of this trip - check it out here!
