Are there fees or permits required for Doughnut Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Doughnut Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Doughnut Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Doughnut Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Doughnut Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Doughnut Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Doughnut Falls.

Utah

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (5)

Aquila-chrysaetos CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

www78 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Aquila-chrysaetos CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

150 ft

About Doughnut Falls

Doughnut Falls (also spelled Donut Falls) is a compact but striking cascade tucked into Big Cottonwood Canyon near Silver Fork, south of Midvale in Salt Lake County, Utah. The fall plunges into a pothole and is famous for the arch of rock above the pool—hikers can walk under that natural arch and look up as water pours down through the opening, creating a memorable, almost theatrical setting. The route to the falls is short and family-friendly, making Doughnut Falls a perennial favorite for locals and visitors. Access is from the Mill D Trailhead toward the Jordan Pines picnic area, and if you’re camping nearby Redman Campground is about 5.84 km away, putting an overnight option within easy reach for those wanting to extend their visit.

The Setting

Doughnut Falls sits at 7,894 feet along the Mcleod Creek, in the high mountains of Utah.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a short, easy out-and-back hike of roughly 1.5 miles with about 150 feet of elevation gain—suitable for families and most skill levels. The well-marked path follows a gentle forested incline from the Mill D Trailhead toward the Jordan Pines picnic area; spring and early summer can be muddy from snowmelt. The final approach requires crossing a small stream and negotiating some rocky, potentially slippery terrain to reach the pothole and the arch beneath which the falls plunge, so wear sturdy shoes and use caution on wet rock.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a scenic hike through a wooded canyon leading to a unique waterfall where water cascades through a hole in the rock. The area around the falls is picturesque and offers great photo opportunities. During spring and early summer, the water flow is strongest, making the falls particularly impressive.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Doughnut Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Doughnut Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit Doughnut Falls is during late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. However, the trail is accessible year-round, and winter visits offer a unique experience with snow-covered scenery.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September).

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery. Avoid climbing on the rocks around the waterfall, as this can be dangerous. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in the canyon.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 43 minutes ago Low

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

12 17 41 48

Based on 29 years of record

6.19 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MCLEOD CREEK NEAR PARK CITY, UT

USGS 10133600

7.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 9 sq mi

Altitude: 6,578 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Doughnut Falls is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 9 miles from the mouth of the canyon. From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South exit, then follow Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (UT-190) to the signed trailhead near the Mill D parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Mill D trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

7894 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.629745° N, -111.654736° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, especially if visiting during spring or after rain, as the trail can be muddy and the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Be cautious when crossing the stream near the falls.

This trail sits at 7,894 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 32% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Carpe Montem - Modern, Views, Large Deck, Hot Tub, Private

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

REDMAN CAMPGROUND

3.6 miles away · 47 sites

Reservable

Overview Redman Campground is located in scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Salt Lake City is conveniently close. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking and fishing.Recreation Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on area trails, including the Donut Falls Trail, which begins nearby. Fly-fishermen enjoy casting on Big Cottonwood Creek.Facilities The campground contains two group sites and numerous single, double, and triple-family sites, all with picnic tables and campf

Book on Recreation.gov