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Lake Desolation Primitive Sites

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Wasatch National Forest holds this free, hike-in primitive area above Big Cottonwood Canyon, reached via the Mill D trailhead. The trail gains shade from fir and spruce in the first mile, then opens into aspen groves and meadow where moose and deer are occasionally spotted. Flat ground surrounds the lake for tent placement. Crowds are light. Campers wanting a roof overhead can look at Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant or the Dog Lake Dispersed Campground for a comparable no-fee option nearby.

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Map & DirectionsLake Desolation Primitive Sites is located in Utah near Mounthaven

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

Directions from Salt Lake City: Follow Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7000 South Wasatch Blvd.) about 9.5 miles up the canyon to the Mill D North Fork Trailhead about 0.2 miles before Spruces Campground. Trailhead sign marks the beginning on the north side of the road.

Coordinates

40.65970007 N
111.60240097 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Lake Desolation Primitive Sites

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1 Review

Reviewed Mar. 6, 2018

Lake to Ourselves!

The best part about living in Salt Lake City is that you can have brunch at Ruth's Diner at 8am, pack up your car around 10am, leave for the trail by 11am, and be on the trail by 11:30am.

This is exactly what my husband and I did when we decided to take a last minute backpacking trip to Lake Desolation. The trailhead begins at the Mill D parking lot in Big Cottonwood Canyon. From here, hikers can access three hiking trails: Reynold's Peak, Desolation Lake, and Dog Lake.

Starting out on the Mill D trail, both Fir and Spruce trees provide shade for the first mile. Once it levels out a bit, the trail follows Mill D North Fork creek until the Dog Lake/Lake Desolation junction. Lake Desolation trail weaves through an Aspen grove and along a meadow, which, if you're lucky, is a popular place to spot moose, deer, and other wildlife.

Once we got to the lake, we had the entire place to ourselves. Even if you went in the middle of summer, there are enough open, flat areas surrounding the lake to setup camp.

We lit a fire, drank some whiskey, and kept our eyes out for shooting stars.

We set out before dawn the next morning to catch the sunrise from Square Top Peak. If you continue along the Lake Desolation trail to the northeast, it joins the Wasatch Crest which leads to stunning views of the Wasatch Range.

10/10 would recommend!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lake Desolation Primitive Sites by Megan W., March 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Lake Desolation Primitive Sites by Megan W., March 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Lake Desolation Primitive Sites by Megan W., March 6, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Desolation Lake in Utah?

Yes, you can camp at Desolation Lake in Utah. It offers primitive camping sites for those seeking a wilderness experience in the Wasatch Mountains. The lake is a popular destination for backpackers from Salt Lake City who want a quick wilderness getaway. No formal facilities are provided, so campers should be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and bring necessary supplies including water filtration equipment. The area is especially beautiful for overnight stays, allowing visitors to enjoy both evening and morning views of the alpine lake.

How do I get to Desolation Lake from Mill D North Fork trailhead?

To reach Desolation Lake from Mill D North Fork trailhead, follow the clearly marked trail that begins in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles one-way with moderate elevation gain. The trail winds through forested areas before opening up to alpine meadows as you approach the lake. Most hikers complete the journey in about 2-3 hours depending on pace and breaks. The trailhead has parking available, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.

How far is Desolation Lake from Magna, Utah?

Desolation Lake is approximately 30-35 miles from Magna, Utah. The drive typically takes about 50-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You'll need to travel east from Magna to Big Cottonwood Canyon, then to the Mill D North Fork trailhead. From there, it's a 3.5-mile hike to reach the lake. Plan for a total journey time of 2-3 hours from Magna to the lake itself, accounting for both driving and hiking times.

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