This carefully maintained canyon is a popular destination for families, hikers and bikers.

by Peter Behle

Overview
Since 1991, a protection and management program has worked to restore this park's recreational facilities and natural habitats. Mill Creek Canyon now boasts a number of first-class picnic areas and hiking trails, and it's become a popular destination for brunch cookouts on Sunday mornings. Many also visit the area for mountain biking, but bikes are allowed on the upper trails only on even-numbered days.

The Experience
Some visitors come to hang out and relax in the picnic areas, while others come for the great trails. A fishing dock and boardwalk are popular year-round. However, the star of this park is the Grandeur Peak Trail. Start out at the Church Fork Picnic area and wind through some switchbacks to climb to a summit that affords views of the Salt Lake Valley. (Note: The trail is listed as "more difficult.")

08/23/02

All around family fun

by frank_chase

Mill Creek Canyon offers several picnic areas and many hiking trails. There are streams and beautiful wild flowers. You can spend all day and only see a fraction of what the canyon has to offer.

• Pros: Inexpensive, beautiful folage, lots to do
• Cons: Crowded

06/10/02

City escape

by robyngalbos_citysearch

The proximity of this canyon to the city makes it the perfect mid-week destination for a quick getaway. Plenty of people make the drive to the top for an after-work workout in the summertime. Trails get quite crowded on the weekends, and if you're hiking on a bike day, watch out for traffic. It's a great canyon for a weekend picnic or barbecue.

• Pros: Good picnic area
• Cons: Weekend crowds