Pipeline Trail | Millcreek

Hiking Pipeline Trail - Millcreek Hiking Pipeline Trail

Millcreek

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike
MAPS: SUGAR HOUSE, UT; MOUNT AIRE, UT

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. South southeast wind 2 to 6 mph.

57 | 37

Sat

A chance of rain and snow before 2pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 2pm and 5pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

52 | 42

Sun

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

39 | 32

Mon

A chance of snow before 5pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 27

Tue

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 30

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None. Church Fork flows all year for dogs.

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. South southeast wind 2 to 6 mph.

57 | 37

Sat

A chance of rain and snow before 2pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 2pm and 5pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

52 | 42

Sun

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

39 | 32

Mon

A chance of snow before 5pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 27

Tue

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 30

View Full Weather Details
Winter over the city and along the trail.

Winter over the city and along the trail.

The Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek Canyon runs about 7.5 miles from the Salt Lake Valley Overlook near the mouth of the canyon to Elbow Fork about 1/2 way up the canyon. The Pipeline Trail is one of my favorite running trails! With three trailheads, it is easy to find a section or loop that fits the mood of the day. Much of the path is relatively flat, with all of it being wide, mostly rock free, and easy to run on.

In addition to being well suited for running, the trail makes a great hiking or biking trail as well. The lower section, from about Church Fork down is often done even in the winter. On a cold winter day, the sun on the south-facing slopes can feel glorious!

My favorite section is from Church Fork to Rattlesnake Gulch, or all the way to the overlook if I am feeling motivated. With each ridge crossing as you head down from Church Fork, the views become better and better.

Note: This is a shared trail, and dogs are allowed off-leash on odd days. Please be mindful to clean up after your pet, and keep an eye out for bicycles. On more than one occasion I've had to make a quick step off the trail to avoid a speeding oncoming cyclist.
Between Church Fork and Rattlesnake Gulch

Between Church Fork and Rattlesnake Gulch

Getting There

Millcreek Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley, just south of I-80 and Parleys Canyon. To get there, take I-215 South from I-80 and take exit 4 off of I-215 and go left (east) on 3900 South.

Turn left on Wasatch Blvd just after crossing under the highway, then the next right on Millcreek Canyon Road.

0.7 miles from the junction of Wasatch Blvd and Millcreek Canyon Road is the entrance to Millcreek Canyon and the pay booth.

Note: The upper road section above 3.8 miles is closed from November until July 1st. Upper canyon hikes are best done in the summer or fall to avoid a fair bit of road walking.

Mileage below is from the pay booth.

  • 0.7 miles - Pipeline Trailhead on the left (north).
  • 2.4 miles - Church Fork Trailhead on the left (north).
  • 3.5 miles - Burch Hollow Trailhead (north).
  • 5.4 miles - Elbow Fork Trailhead (Mount Aire)
Morning light on the canyon.

Morning light on the canyon.

Route

The Pipeline Trail has three trailheads. From the mouth of the canyon up:

Pipline Trail/Rattlesnake Gulch/Salt Lake Overlook
This connector trail is steep, and about 0.8 miles from the road to the Pipeline Trail. A tough way to start a run, but makes a great hike, especially if the Salt Lake Overlook is your goal. The gulch can be quite icy in the winter.

Church Fork
A short stroll from the parking area to the trail or about a 0.75-mile walk from the road if parking is full. This trailhead is also the Grandeur Peak trail, and often quite busy. The picnic area gate is closed during the winter and only open from 8 AM to 10 PM in the other seasons. If you have a k-9 companion with you, Church Fork has flowing water.

Burch Hollow
This trailhead doesn't seem to see quite as much traffic as the others. A good bet for a parking spot on a busy day. It is only a few minutes walk from the parking area to the Pipeline Trail. Left, to Church Fork, is a lovely 3-ish mile round trip amble that is one of our families favorite outings. Right, to Elbow Fork, is the steepest section of the Pipeline Trail.

Elbow Fork
Elbow Fork Trailhead is a small parking area with a pit toilet. This trailhead is also the trailhead for Mt. Aire and is often very busy and hard to find a parking place.

Distances between sections are shown on the maps.


Maps

Route / 9.30 miles / Elevation Range 5,338 - 6,644 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead - Overlook

12T 435023mE 4504792mN

N40° 41' 29" W111° 46' 08"
Trailhead - Church Fork

12T 437270mE 4505784mN

N40° 42' 02" W111° 44' 33"
Churck Fork Piplene Jct

12T 437233mE 4505910mN

N40° 42' 06" W111° 44' 35"
Trailhead - Burch Hollow

12T 439070mE 4505641mN

N40° 41' 58" W111° 43' 16"
Burch Fork Pipeline Jct

12T 438813mE 4505650mN

N40° 41' 58" W111° 43' 27"
Trailhead - Elbow Fork

12T 441730mE 4506378mN

N40° 42' 23" W111° 41' 23"
Overlook

12T 433915mE 4505036mN

N40° 41' 37" W111° 46' 56"
Pipeline Trail

12T 435085mE 4505573mN

N40° 41' 55" W111° 46' 06"

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