Overview
Donut Falls gets its name from a natural hole in the rock face that water flows through, creating a donut-shaped cascade. It's a quirky, photogenic feature that kids love, and the trail to get there is short and mostly easy. The 3.2-mile out-and-back follows a creek through dense forest with only 500 feet of total elevation gain, making it one of the most popular family hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. For a more challenging hike in the same canyon, Lake Blanche starts from a trailhead a few miles up-canyon and climbs 2,700 feet to an alpine cirque beneath Sundial Peak. No dogs are allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon (a protected watershed), so if you're bringing a dog, Grandeur Peak in Mill Creek Canyon is the better option. The America the Beautiful pass covers day-use fees at several Wasatch trailheads nearby.
The trail is straightforward for most of its length. The last 0.2 miles involves some rock scrambling on uneven, wet terrain to reach the base of the falls, which adds some adventure (and some difficulty for very young children or those with limited mobility). Peak waterfall flow is in late spring and early summer during snowmelt.
Important: Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected Salt Lake City watershed. No dogs are allowed on any trail in the canyon. No swimming, wading, or body contact with the creek or falls.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.2: Forest road and trail. The first section follows a gated forest road (Cardiff Fork Road) through dense mixed conifer forest. The grade is gentle and the surface is wide and smooth. This is an easy walk and a good warm-up. The creek runs alongside the trail.
Miles 1.2 to 1.4: Trail junction and creek crossing. The route leaves the road and follows a narrower trail to the right. A wooden trail sign marks the junction. You'll cross the creek on rocks or a log bridge (depending on the season and water level). In late spring during high water, this crossing can be tricky.
Miles 1.4 to 1.6: Final approach to the falls. The trail steepens and becomes rockier as you approach the falls. The last section involves scrambling up wet, uneven rocks alongside the creek. This part is the most challenging and requires some care, especially with young kids. The "donut" is visible from below: water pours through a circular opening in the rock into a small pool.
When to Visit
Late May through June: Best waterfall flow. Snowmelt pushes the most water through the donut opening, making it most impressive. The trail may still have snow patches in the upper section, and the creek crossing can be deeper.
July and August: The most popular months. Water flow decreases through the summer but the falls are still running. Weekend mornings are crowded. Try to arrive before 9 AM or go on a weekday afternoon.
September and October: Quiet and pleasant. Water flow is lowest but the falls are still active. Fall colors in the canyon add to the scenery. Fewer crowds.
What to Bring
- Sturdy footwear: Shoes that can handle wet, rocky terrain for the final approach. Avoid sandals and open-toed shoes.
- Water: 1 liter per person is plenty for this short hike.
- Snacks: This is a great picnic hike, especially with kids. There are several flat rocks near the falls area that work as seating.
- Extra socks: The creek crossing and the wet rocks near the falls may get your feet damp.
Practical Details
Parking: The trailhead lot is small (about 30 cars) and free. On summer weekends, it fills by mid-morning. Limited overflow parking exists along the road, but it's tight. Carpool or come early.
No dogs: Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed. Dogs are prohibited.
No swimming or wading: You cannot enter the water at the falls or anywhere on the trail.
Kids: This trail is excellent for children ages 5 and up. The flat sections are easy, and the rock scrambling near the falls adds excitement. Very young children (under 4) may need to be carried on the final rocky section. The "donut" feature captures kids' attention and gives the hike a built-in destination.
Difficulty context: The main trail is easy. The final rocky section to the falls is moderate and requires some agility. If anyone in your group has difficulty with uneven, wet rock, you can still get a view of the falls from below the scrambling section.
Getting There
From downtown Salt Lake City, take I-215 south to the 6200 South exit and follow signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190). Drive about 9 miles up the canyon. Turn right into the Cardiff Fork area (signed) and follow the short spur road to the trailhead parking lot. Total drive time from downtown is about 25 minutes.
Beyond Donut Falls
If your group wants more hiking after Donut Falls, continue up Cardiff Fork on the road/trail past the falls junction. The Cardiff Fork drainage extends several miles deeper into the mountains and connects to the Mineral Fork area. The terrain gets progressively more remote and the trail less maintained, so gauge your group's energy before continuing.
For another family-friendly option in the same canyon, the Silver Lake Boardwalk at Brighton (at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon) is a flat, mostly paved loop around a mountain lake. It's accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a good option if Donut Falls feels like too much for your group.
Donut Falls is the kind of hike that works for almost everyone: short enough for families, interesting enough to hold kids' attention, and scenic enough that adults enjoy it too. The waterfall's unusual shape makes it genuinely memorable, not just another cascade. Get there early on weekends, wear shoes that can handle wet rocks, and leave the dog at home. For families who want a dog-friendly option in the Wasatch, the Living Room Trail above the University of Utah campus climbs 1,100 feet to a valley overlook with open access for dogs. Hikers wanting more alpine terrain after Donut Falls can step up to Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is still family-appropriate and reaches a true alpine setting. The full range of Salt Lake Valley trail options is in the best hikes near Salt Lake City guide. Since Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed, it is worth understanding how national forest camping permits and watershed restrictions work if you are planning any overnight trip in the area.