Donut Falls Hike in Utah: Trail Guide, Distance & What to Expect

We don’t normally begin a hike at four o’clock in the afternoon.

But this wasn’t a normal day.

Just twelve hours earlier, we had pulled into Big Cottonwood Canyon around 3:00 a.m. and waited for Spruces Campground to open. By seven o’clock, we were choosing a campsite, setting up Alice, and settling into what would become one of our favorite campgrounds in Utah.

The rest of the morning was intentionally slow. We gathered firewood, wandered through the campground, introduced ourselves to the campground staff, and enjoyed watching other campers settle into their own little corners of the canyon. During that walk, we noticed a trail leading toward Donut Falls.

When we asked one of the campground hosts if we could comfortably make the hike and return before dark, the answer was an easy “yes.”

Perfect.

We weren’t looking for a big adventure that afternoon. We simply wanted an easy hike to introduce ourselves to Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Donut Falls had other plans.

Starting the Donut Falls Hike in Utah

One of the unexpected benefits of staying at Spruces Campground is that you don’t have to drive to enjoy one of the area’s most popular hikes.

Instead of squeezing into the busy parking lot at the Mill D North Fork Trailhead, we simply walked to the trail and followed it toward Donut Falls. It felt like a good way to spend our first afternoon in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The weather couldn’t have been better. Blue skies, temperatures in the 60s, and just enough breeze to keep us comfortable. After arriving at the campground before sunrise and easing into the day, we were ready for something simple. Nothing too ambitious. Just enough of a hike to stretch our legs and get introduced to the canyon.

The trail moved in and out of the trees, with stretches of pine and aspen mixed with more open sections where the canyon could breathe a little. It was easy walking, and before long we understood why this hike is so popular with families and visitors looking for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

The closer we got to the falls, the more hikers we began to see. Families with young children, couples, trail runners, and groups of college students were all heading in both directions. We expected an easy, unremarkable waterfall hike. Instead, it felt like we had stumbled onto one of northern Utah’s favorite places.

But we still didn’t know it.

The Hike Gets More Interesting

The easy stroll through the forest ended rather abruptly.

Once at the bottom, the route followed the creek upstream toward the falls. The water was shallow here, only a few inches deep, and it was easy enough to pick your way along the rocks.

Then we reached the crossing.

A few small logs had been placed across the creek, but they shifted underfoot and didn’t inspire much confidence. The water wasn’t terribly deep, but it was high enough to flow over the tops of our hiking boots.

Gail carefully crossed using the logs and managed to keep her boots dry. I looked at the water, looked at the logs, and decided I’d rather take my boots off than risk slipping. Barefoot, I made my way across the cold creek and put my boots back on once we reached the other side.

It wasn’t difficult, but it was unexpected—and suddenly this “easy little hike” was becoming a lot more memorable.

Our First Look at Donut Falls

After crossing the creek, my first instinct was to sit down and put my hiking boots back on. Mission accomplished. I had made it across the water without soaking them, and I wasn’t eager to do it again.

Gail had crossed using the logs and didn’t need to stop. While I fussed with my boots, she simply stood at the base of the falls taking it all in.

When I finally joined her, we quietly watched the activity around us.

The waterfall itself was impressive, but what caught our attention was what everyone else was doing. Groups of younger hikers were climbing the wet rocks, working their way toward the opening where the water disappears through the “donut” carved into the mountain. They moved with the confidence that seems to come naturally when you’re twenty years old.

We looked at each other and asked the same question without really saying it.

Was it worth climbing any higher?

Normally, the answer for us is almost always yes. We enjoy a challenge and don’t mind scrambling when the reward is worth it. But this felt different.

I’d already taken my boots off once to avoid soaking them in the creek. The rocks above the falls were wet, slick, and uneven. Reaching the upper opening meant more scrambling, more water, and a greater chance of slipping.

For us, the answer was no.

And standing there at the base of Donut Falls, we never felt like we were missing out.

Is the Donut Falls Hike Worth It?

Donut Falls wasn’t the hike we expected, but in many ways, that made it even better.

We set out looking for an easy afternoon walk to stretch our legs after settling into Spruces Campground. Instead, we found a hike that gradually revealed one surprise after another. A rope leading down to the creek. A barefoot river crossing. A beautiful waterfall tucked into the canyon. And finally, the choice of whether to keep climbing or simply enjoy the view from below.

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer.

If you’re comfortable scrambling over wet rocks and don’t mind getting your feet wet, climbing higher to see the famous “donut” may be part of the adventure. If you’re like Gail and me, you may decide the view from the bottom is enough.

Either way, you’ll leave with a smile.

If I were hiking Donut Falls again, I’d throw a pair of lightweight water shoes in my daypack. They would have made the creek crossing much easier and given me a little more confidence around the falls.

As we walked back to Spruces Campground that evening, we realized Donut Falls had been the perfect introduction to Big Cottonwood Canyon. It wasn’t the longest hike or the most difficult one we completed during our Utah trip, but it reminded us that memorable adventures don’t always begin the way you expect.

Sometimes the best hikes are the ones that surprise you.

If you’re spending a few days exploring Big Cottonwood Canyon, Donut Falls makes an excellent first hike before tackling longer trails like Desolation Lake.

Interested in knowing all the places we traveled to on this trip and why? Read our post, The Idaho Trip We Never Took: How Weather Changed Our Entire Road Trip to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Donut Falls Hike in Utah?

Starting from the Mill D North Fork Trailhead, the Donut Falls Hike is approximately 3.4 miles round trip with about 511 feet of elevation gain. We started from Spruces Campground, which increased our hike to 4.6 miles.

How difficult is the Donut Falls Hike?

The trail itself is relatively easy and suitable for most hikers. The challenge comes near the end, where you’ll climb down a short rope-assisted rock ledge, walk alongside the creek, and cross the water before reaching the falls. If you choose to climb above the waterfall, expect additional scrambling on wet rocks.

Do you have to walk through water to reach Donut Falls?

Yes. When we visited, the final approach required walking through the creek and crossing water that was deeper than the tops of our hiking boots. Conditions can change throughout the year, but it’s a good idea to expect wet feet near the falls.

Are water shoes recommended for Donut Falls?

If I were hiking Donut Falls again, I’d throw a pair of lightweight water shoes in my daypack. They would have made the creek crossing much easier and given me more confidence around the waterfall.

Can you see Donut Falls without climbing above it?

Yes. We chose to stay at the base of the falls rather than scramble higher to the famous “donut” opening. We still enjoyed the hike and never felt like we missed out. Whether you climb higher comes down to your comfort level with wet, slippery rocks.

Are dogs allowed on the Donut Falls Hike?

No. Dogs are not permitted on the Donut Falls Trail because it is located within the protected Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed.

Is the Donut Falls Hike worth it?

Absolutely. We expected an easy afternoon hike and discovered a much more memorable adventure than we anticipated. Between the forest trail, creek crossings, waterfall, and optional scramble, Donut Falls turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

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Have you hiked Donut Falls? Did you climb above the falls to see the famous donut opening, or was the view from the bottom enough for you? I’d love to hear about your experience or any tips you have for future hikers in the comments below.