Maple Cove Trail

It can get pretty busy in Millcreek Canyon, so knowing a few trailheads that are a bit less popular is always helpful. The Pipeline Trail runs the length of the canyon; it has many access points, and the Maple Cove area seems to sit between heavliy traveled locations. Sitting above Church Fork and below Elbow Fork is a small parking area that can hold about up to 10 cars on the north side. You are put onto a lower level trail, and you'll begin to head west for a short while. Turn right (to the east) at the marked fork and you will be taken up the steep hillside and eventually level out along the ridgeline. There are beautiful views up and down Millcreek Canyon to Little Water Peak and Salt Lake City respectively. This is a great hike for sun exposure compared to the ones on the heavily forested south side of the canyon. Spring is a great time to be here, and the aspect allows it to be hiked without microspikes earlier in the season than many others. The first part is decently steep, but once you level out the trail is relatively flat with a slight grade down as you near the far end, which is also the trialhead at Elbow Fork for Mount Aire. You can turn the hike into a loop, but you would need to walk back on the road, some opt just to return the way they came.

You can bring your dogs and even let them off leash on odd numbered days. There is a $3 fee to use this canyon if you don't have an annual pass, and national parks passes do not work here. The trail allows bikers and horses as well.