Donut Falls Trail

Donut Falls is a hugely popular trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon that boasts a really amazing waterfall. It’s called Donut Falls because the water falls through a hole in the top of a cave and I guess folks thought it looked like a donut. On the weekends, don’t be surprised to see a couple of families enjoying donuts somewhere near the falls! From the trailhead, the hike is only 1.5 miles to the falls. But there are times when the trailhead parking lot is full or the gate from the main road is closed and you have to hike from there, which adds another 1.5 miles total. The trail is a mix of climbing and descent as it meanders through the forest and crosses the creek. There’s lots of shade and many beautiful spots with beautiful views. It’s totally doable for folks of almost all ages. The last hundred yards to get close to the falls and actually go inside the cave are very steep, essentially climbing over rocks IN the creek. In the summer, be prepared to wade in at least ankle-deep, icy water if you go into the cave too. Many families with kids don’t finish that tiny last bit. I won’t make that climb with a kid on my back, but it’s worth it to go inside the cave if a friend or family member can keep an eye on your kids. In the winter, it can actually be easier to climb up there on packed snow and I was able to do it with my 2yo on my back while my 6yo scrambled ahead of me. Because the snow was packed down, we just slid down on our butts. This trail is fantastic in all four seasons. It’s popularity means the snow is almost always packed down and you don’t need snow shoes. Some extra traction like YakTrax or microspikes are recommended though, especially if it’s been warm enough to start melting the snow and then freezing still at night. In the spring, when snow is melting, it can leave ice on rocks too, so use caution.