Dog Lake Mountain Bike Ride: Great Western Trail to Big Water Trail

The Dog Lake mountain bike ride usually begins at the Great Western Trail trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon, though it is possible to get to the lake by climbing up Mill D or by dropping down from Wasatch Crest through Lake Desolation.

If you do the standard ride, you’ll begin by heading up the Great Western Trail. You’ll come to a clearly marked junction where you’ll follow the Big Water Trail up. Stay on Big Water and you’ll soon arrive at the lake. The lake itself is picturesque and surrounded by a massive aspen grove. Dogs are allowed on the trail and up to the lake, but they must be leashed on even numbered dates. Likewise, bikes are only allowed on the upper Mill Creek Canyon trails on even days.

The climb is pleasant and relatively easy, and the descent can be super fast and flowy, but the trail is busy enough that you’ll frequently need to check your speed. The biggest benefit of Dog Lake is the epic scenery. You’ll get stunning mountain views and broad vistas. You’ll ride through thickly wooded forests filled with aspens, cottonwood, and towering pines.