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Located 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon just off the “s-curve” is a small parking area and the trail head of the Mill B North Fork Trail. This is also the parking area for Hidden Falls and overflow parking for the Lake Blanche trail, Mill B South Fork.
The Mill B North Fork Trail starts to the north of the parking area and requires you hike up a short incline to the canyon road. You will then cross the road at the top of the “S-Curve”. Once across the road the trail begins to the east, and Hidden Falls is located in the back of the canyon to the north.
Because this was a winter hike, our original plan was to visit Hidden Falls. However, we noticed the Mill B North Fork Trail had limited snow, so we decided to see how far we could hike the trail without snowshoes.
The trail immediately begins with a set of switchbacks and quickly gains elevation to the first ridge. Rounding this ridge to the right, the trail descends back down to the creek that feeds into Hidden Falls.
Once down by the creek the trail meanders its way through a pine forest and follows the creek for about a quarter mile. The trail then makes a hard right and the next set of switchbacks begins. At this point, the trail begins to climb the canyon and exposes hikers to several steep sections. You will need to watch your footing because one slip and you may take an unwanted fall to the bottom.
Soon after the switchbacks the first overlook of this trail comes into view. The snow covered peak glistening in the sun with the exposed rock was spectacular. Even more spectacular was the gorgeous views of Big Cottonwood Canyon. From this viewpoint you could see the backside of Dromedary Peak, the drainage of Lake Blanche, the canyon road, and the snow covered peaks on all sides.
After we found the perfect rock to sit on, we enjoyed the views, the fresh mountain air, the beautiful sunny day, and then we headed back down the trail. This was the furthest point on the trail we could go without snowshoes.
For many hikers the mild to moderate hike to the first overlook even in the summer months is the end of the line. The hike is 30 to 45 minutes and offers beautiful scenery and views of the canyon below.
Hiking the Mill B North Fork Trail in the Winter
If you plan to hike this trail in the winter, please keep in mind that on our trip the first part of the trail was snow free. Once we crested the first ridge the trail became snow packed. When we arrived at the switchbacks we had to take our time to insure proper footing as we made our way to the overlook.
Always check the weather conditions because any amount of new snow would have made this trail more difficult, and may be impassable without snowshoes. As always, make sure you have the proper gear for winter activities.
In the winter months the parking area for the Mill B North Fork Trail is closed. Parking is available along the canyon road, however, space is limited.
Why Hike in the Winter?
One of the best reasons to hike in the winter, is solitude. In the warmer months the trails up Big Cottonwood Canyon attract many hikers. In the winter, you may only see a few hikers, or even have the trail all to yourself.
When hiking in the winter, the wildflowers, green meadows, and leaf covered trails are replaced with snow covered pines, icy creeks, streams, and the sun glistening off the fresh mountain snow. Even if you have hiked the same trail many times in the summer, the trail in the winter may appear completely different.
Winter Hiking Safety Tips
As mentioned above, even though you may have hiked the same trail many times before, and you’re familiar with the area, the trail markers and the well traveled path will be covered with snow making navigation more difficult. Hiking in the snow even with snowshoes is a slower process than hiking in the warmer months. Allow for additional time to reach your desired destination. Always check avalanche safety conditions if you plan to hike in areas prone to avalanches.
The trails up Big Cottonwood Canyon are used year around by hikers, snowshoers, and cross country skiers. If you want to enjoy a unique outdoor experience put on your cold weather gear and go experience a winter hike up the Mill B North Fork Trail to the first overlook. Of course don’t forget to visit Hidden Falls while you're there.
Related Links:
Big Cottonwood Canyon Hiking Trails
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