Need an excuse to stop at Krispy Kreme on the way to a hike? ....I got the hike for you!
Donut falls is a hike that has some challenges to be aware of, but is overall an easy hike for the whole family.
It's named Donut Fall because the falls cascade through a doughnut shaped hole in a section of shell rock.
Challenges :
1. Don't let you kids climb up on top of the falls! Shortly after we hiked Donut Falls for the first time, we heard of a 41-year-old lady slipping up on top of the falls, and dying. I saw other parents letting their children climb everywhere, and it made my boys moan and groan when I said "No".
I am all for letting children explore, get dirty, and have new experiences...But 100 foot drop with slippy wet rocks at the top? Nope! No way!
2. Be prepared to lift and carry little ones over lots of rocks along this trail.
3. Bring extra clothes/socks for kids, because there is a good chance of getting wet near the falls.
4. WATCH WHERE YOU PARK! - The unified police dept love to hand out parking tickets in this area - I know from experience!
Distance/Elevation Gain: 3.7 miles out and back with a 593 feet elevation gain.
Fees: No Fees - Except if you get a parking ticket
Parking: Very limited parking is available at the trailhead. Please observe no parking signs. On busy weekends, it may be necessary to park near the highway, adding 1.6 miles to the round trip hiking distance.
Directions: Exit 6 for 6200 S./Wasatch Blvd. Drive south on Wasatch Blvd. for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. Continue up the canyon 9.7 miles. Turn right at the signfor Jordan Pines group area, just across the road from the Mill D North Fork trailhead. Continue 0.8 miles to the trailhead
Dogs: NO DOGS ALLOWED