The Burch Hollow Trail in Millcreek Canyon is a great winter hike and a nice escape from the poor air quality of the Salt Lake Valley. The trailhead is located about 4 miles up Millcreek Canyon just past Porter Fork with parking on the left side of the road. On busy weekends throughout winter parking will be limited for this trailhead.
Burch Hollow connects with the popular Pipeline trail after about half a mile. At the Pipeline junction take a right turn towards Elbow Fork trail. The trail gradually climbs the south facing slope until it levels off for a nice stroll along the mountainside, high above the inversion. After 3 miles of hiking you will arrive at the Elbow Fork trail and the groomed road leading back to the car for a 5 mile loop hike. Wonderful winter exercise - outdoors! Cross country skiers and dog walkers make good use of this road. The entire trail is well packed so snowshoes are not necessary, a nice pair of microspikes added to winter boots work perfectly. I know I sound like a broken record, but the mountain views are awesome.
The trail along the Pipeline is on a south facing slope which is perfect for sun and warmth even when the valley temperatures deep into the teens. Here are a few winter trail shots.
The miles fly by and before you know it you have hiked the 3 miles to reach Elbow Fork Trail and the groomed road back down Millcreek Canyon. And good news! The restrooms are open for winter - although VERY smelly! (But if you got to go you got to go, right)
We hiked on a busy Saturday afternoon and the parking lots were very full. The Salt Lake area definitely has many outdoor enthusiasts. Winter hiking is a wonderful pastime. Trust me you will love it! But get yourself a pair of spikes. I got a pair of Kahtoola Microspikes for Christmas and I love them! Some type of traction for your boots is a necessity for winter hiking. The Kahtoola Microspikes are pictured below.
Get outdoors! Get into nature! You will be glad you did!
