The Trek in a snapshot
Trek Planner Maps
Trailhead: 40.59822, -111.58412
Dog Lake: 40.58708, -111.58396
Experience. Discover. Explore.
Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!
There are two Dog Lakes in this area. One is very popular and the other is this one. The Dog Lake you are thinking of where you can bring your dog is the lake in Millcreek Canyon. You can access that Dog Lake through Big Cottonwood Canyon too but you aren’t allowed to bring your dog from this side.
This hike is still a great and easy one to do!
The trail begins at the Brighton Ski Resort. Just park anywhere in the giant parking area and hike up a hundred yards until you see the signs pointing you to Lake Catherine (which is the same trail to Dog Lake).
The first part of this trail is pretty but once you get into the pine forest it gets immensely better! There are three other lakes beyond Dog Lake: Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine. If you have time, you should visit these lakes too!
This popular trail travels on the Brighton Ski Resort for about 3/4 mile until it cuts west. There is a good trail to follow as you hike on the mountain meadows and in between patches of pine trees and aspen trees. This part is where you will gain almost all of the elevation until you come to Dog Lake.
Once you hike the roughly 3/4 mile you will go inside a pine forest and will probably hear a waterfall in the distance. Hike another hundred yards or so and you will come to a junction sign that points you to Dog Lake or to Lake Catherine. Take the left trail to Dog Lake. It’s only about a tenth of a mile more.
You will climb up a very small hill until you come into the beautiful basin where Dog Lake is located. This is a very small lake but it’s a fun one if you don’t have much time.
Personal Thoughts
Dog Lake is a very scenic lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon that I would recommend for anyone who wants to see some great things but doesn't want to do a long adventure. The first part of the hike is a a little steep as you cross through the ski resort but once you get to Dog Lake you will see that all your efforts are rewarded. If you have time and want to extend your hike then continue hiking the 1/2 mile to Lake Mary. If you want to extend it even more then hike to Lake Martha and even Lake Catherine if you have the time.