Donut Falls is a very unique waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. What makes it unique is what also gives it the name Donut Falls. A stream actually flows through a “donut hole” into a small cave and pools in the cave before running out of an opening to the creek below.
The hike is a short 3.5 mile round trip and is extremely popular in the summer. However, I chose to do this hike a couple of times when there was plenty of snow on the ground. Some of the images I took are from April (still lots of snow) and some are from December.
The hike to the falls is gentle at first, but things get a little tricky close to the falls. If hiking in the snow, it is advisable to wear spikes or snowshoes depending on trail conditions. The last pitch to the falls is steep and rocky. This part can also be extremely icy so spikes and poles are good to have if you choose to go up to the actual falls.
Winter hikes are not as popular as summer hikes and there can be significant hazards. The last half or so of the hike to the falls is in an avalanche zone so extreme caution is advised. The trail also crosses the creek in places and there is a danger of breaking through the ice under the snow.
Final push to the falls. Lots of boulders with snow and ice in the winter.
Hikers can start at the Mill D trailhead, which is about 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Click for a map.
If you hike in the winter, please make sure you understand Utah’s traction laws for driving up the canyon.
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