It was a crisp morning as I set out from the trailhead on what has become one of the region’s most popular hikes. The wide, well-worn trail wound its way ever upward along the lower reaches of Mill D South Fork Creek. Wild geraniums and columbine were guiding the way alongside the trail, which cr iss-crossed on tree-trunk bridges across the fast-moving creek. It was quiet along the Donut Falls Trail just an hour after sunrise, save for the hoots and hollers from a joyous group of teens. It had probably been 30 years since I trekked with our kids to the infamous grotto high up in the canyon, where the raging waters of the creek cascade through a donut-shaped rock forming a chasm below before dropping again through steep rocks on its way to join Big Cottonwood Creek in nearby Reynolds Flat. The creek has its origins along the high ridgeline that separates Big from Little Cottonwood Canyon, collecting snowmelt from Superior, Cardiff, Dromedary and Monte Cristo Peaks, then rushing past the old mines of Cardiff Fork. Mill D was one of a series of lumber mills established by Mormon settlers in the mid-1800s during the extensive logging that accompanied the construction of Salt Lake City. It was also a heavily mined area, with the Cardiff District name taken from the famous mining region in Wales. Early morning hikes are the best. It was a peaceful drive in golden morning light over Empire and Guardsman passes. Now on the trail, it was a time of some solitude and joy at being amid Mother Nature. Reaching the falls, I stood in awe at the scene. I also reflected on my previous journey up the rocks and thought, ‘What was I thinking in climbing up those rocks?’ But I had also spied a side trail that climbed up to the west of the falls. I headed up the steep, but safe, singletrack to a wonderful rock outcropping above the upper falls. There I sat, joined only by the sound of rushing water as I watched a continual column of white rush through the donut and down to the valley below. It was a special way to start the morning. DETAILS Getting There From Park City, head up over Empire Pass, then crest Guardsman to Big Cottonwood Canyon. Mile markers will be going down, and you’ll find the huge Mill D parking lot around marker 9. Allow about 35-40 minutes from Park City. Parking This is one of the most popular hikes in the Wasatch. Go early for a parking spot. There is a large lot on the highway. Or you can drive up one mile to a 20-car lot right on the trail, saving you two miles of hiking. This is a fee area — have a permit or buy a day pass at the trailhead kiosks. Distance It’s an easy 1.7-mile round-trip from the upper lot. Add two miles if you park on the highway. Watershed This is the Salt Lake City watershed. Do not step into the creek at any point. Dogs are not permitted. Danger There’s a reason why there’s a sign at the base of the falls to not climb the rocks! Pay attention and use it to educate your kids. If you want to truly see the creek cascading into the grotto, use the singletrack side trail to the right just before you drop down to the base of the falls (next to the Salt Lake Watershed sign). In just five minutes, this trail takes you to an overlook above the grotto, offering you a spectacular view down into the falls. FOOTNOTE This is truly a wonderful family hike, with an easy trail and plenty of rewards, including a panoramic view of the falls. Sitting on a perch off a side trail overlooking the falls, I was mesmerized by the water cascading through the donut. Then I spied a teen crouching down on a rock ledge just 10 feet below me. The ledge was broad but sloped downward. Suddenly, he lost traction. It wasn’t much. He sat down on his rear. But he kept sliding. In a flash, his feet carried him over the cliff’s edge. He tumbled downward and cartwheeled 50 feet down the rocky slope. He was simply exploring on a happy morning hike with friends. He was adventuring, but not doing anything crazy. But rather than hiking back to the car with his friends, he was lifted out by helicopter in critical condition. This is how quickly your day, or your life, can change. Be ever vigilant. Stay safe. The post Sunday Drive: A donut hole in Big Cottonwood appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less