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Show 15 www.forumfortnightIy.com r .SJ cdJ lJ is "'t 4 rjivns,i 48 Si 3fVC &! IS ! i i I ! X. , l! St, 2 51jsb :uie j i? v i a SS at is m i , 2. w Cjiurd 1 St Mvr J, ;t - vr' .j- A ff . p w b , As the weather gets warmer and the snow starts to melt, Utahs outdoor enthusiasts can hang up their skis and lace up their hiking boots. There is an abundance of great places to hike in and around Salt Lake City. One local favorite is Millcreek Canyon, located off of Wasatch Boulevard on 4 3800 S. ' - . , ..A - Whether the hiker is looking for a strenuous ..u X day hike or something relaxing just to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, Millcreek Canyon has trails suitable for every level. v Liz Rogers, director of outdoor programs at V Westminster, recommends Millcreek for its va- riety of terrain. The Salt Lake Overlook is a really nice short trail, especially if you have guests in town that want to hike but not something too r- ' aggressive, she says. Grandeur Peak is a great option for a peak ascent. Alexander BasinGob-bler- s Knob is absolutely beautiful but has a steep J -- . n:-r?r- is r.tcr 'Zr1 r V .j r LEVELS FOR fvlAN .ND MIS BEST FRIEND ? s'- X 'y f P 4 Jfe approach. v Jfc I One of Millcreek Canyons most popular trails is Grandeur Peak, which, according to the Hiking the Wasatch guidebook, is the most accessible and the easiest of the major peaks. It offers some outstanding views overlooking the Salt Lake City Valley. The hike to Grandeur Peak is about three and a half miles each way and can be hiked mosdy year round. I like Grandeur Peak, and the whole Millcreek area is awesome, says Anna Wayman, a frequent t ' ,1 a mfe 4. an Millcreek hiker, adding, its such a great culture here and I love that a lot of the trails are interconnected. Wayman has a few favorite, including Terrace, Porter Fork, Church Fork, Pipeline and Big Water Fork, commonly known as Dog Lake, The Pipeline Trail follows an old water flume. It trail and a fairly easy hike. Pipeline is a well-knois and Trail nice flat, about five and a half miles each way, and usually open year round. My favorite time of year to hike is in the spring when the weather is warm but not hot, the way Utah gets in the summer, says Rachel King. I like Millcreek cause there is something for everyone, not just extreme hikers and mountain bikers. I particularly enjoy hiking Pipeline Trail because it is one of the flatter trails at Millcreek but is a good distance and has some beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley. Porter Fork Trail follows an old mining road that leads to the upper end of the Porter Fork drainage. Porter Fork is about three miles each way and is one of the more strenuous hikes. According to the guidebook, Elbow Fork to the Terraces trailhead is a short hike and has views down Millcreek Canyon and up into Porter Fork. It is about two miles each way and climbs a series of steep switchbacks before reaching an excellent viewpoint. This hike is only about ten minutes. The trail then gradually ascends to the crest of the ridge above Bowman Fork and follows this mountain ridge before descending a series of switchbacks to Terraces picnic , wn - areatrailhead. : L r L k X .x' t -t 4 yj ' X w A 1 , A i- - The website Utah Outdoor Big Water Fork, also known as Dog Lake, is very popular among Activities suggests that dne ' hikers who enjoy the company of ' of the best ways to see Utahs dogs, hence the name Dog Lake. beautiful scenery is to enjoy one trails. , The three mile hike leads to a lake t of Utahs many hiking Millcreek Canyon should be at where dogs can cool down in water. Dog Lake is also a great area the top of the list for Salt Lake to rest, drink some water, and have City residents human and canine who want to get out- lunch after hiking a while. Odd days of the week are called doors for invigorating exercise dog days at Millcreek because and great scenery. people can bring their dogs with them on any of the trails on odd days. Hiker Bonnie ONeill says, I love to hike with my dog so when I love to come , odd days are up here the most. All the dogs are ; well-trainand people are good Two women coming their after down from the dogs. at picking up ' ONeill are that dog days Pipeline trail after explains snow shoeing at i what makes Millcreek Canyon Millcreek Canyon culture. , such a great f Jt 3 V J it: -- ) f 1 , 4 I I i i 4 is 7 W ed V i -i 2 X |