The Willow Lake Trail, also known as the Willow Heights Lake Trail, is the perfect option if you’re looking for a short hike with beautiful views near Salt Lake City. This easy-moderate hike takes you through an aspen forest up to Willow Lake and provides stunning views of Big Cottonwood Canyon throughout the trail.
While Willow Lake is relatively small, it still makes for a scenic and easily accessible hike that is suitable for the whole family. It’s also a great hike to do in the fall when the aspens are changing colors!
Always Practice Leave No Trace
To help keep the Willow Lake Trail beautiful and preserve the area for future generations remember to follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles on your hike:
- Plan ahead and prepare. Check the weather and pack/dress accordingly before heading out.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on the trail and out of restoration areas.
- Properly dispose of waste. Pack out all of your trash, including food scraps.
- Leave what you find. Never carve into the trees along the trail. Not only does this harm the tree, but it can also introduce pests and diseases.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife. Stay at least 25 yards away from moose and other wildlife. Never feed wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Please don’t play music over speakers on the trail and remember that uphill hikers have the right of way!
Quick Trail Stats: Willow Lake Trail
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There isn’t a parking lot at the trailhead. Parking for the trail is located along Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (State Route 190). There’s plenty of room along the shoulder to park, just make sure that you’re completely out of the road. Be careful if you have to cross the highway!
- Distance: 2.5 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 630 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate (3.5-4.5/10). I hiked it during my first trimester of pregnancy and didn’t find it to be difficult, even with the elevation gain.
- Estimated Hike Time: 60-90 minutes, unless you spend time up by the lake
- Fee: FREE
- Dog-Friendly? NO! Dogs are not allowed on the trail or anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- Family Friendly? Definitely! I think I saw more kids on the trail than adults when I hiked it.
- Best Time of Year to Hike: Late spring-fall. The trail is accessible in the winter if you have snowshoes or cross-country skis, but make sure to check the avalanche forecast before heading out.
- AllTrails Link
Willow Lake Trail Guide
The trail to Willow Lake begins with a gentle climb through a dense aspen forest. I hiked it during late September when the aspens along this section of the trail were peaking, which made for a magical hike (the aspens up by the lake, however, were still green at that time).
After about 0.2 miles of hiking you’ll reach a fork in the trail. From here you can either hike clockwise or counterclockwise to get up to the lake. I took a right at the fork, and the trail going this direction was initially fairly steep, but mellowed out about 0.75 miles into the trail. If you hike clockwise the elevation gain is steadier and more consistent up to the lake.
Once you arrive at Willow Lake the trail creates another loop that takes you along the shore of the lake and through alpine meadows and the surrounding forest. You also get incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This section of the trail is pretty flat, which makes for easy hiking.
I’ve heard that moose sightings at Willow Lake are fairly common (they love willows!). However, if you hike it on a busy day, like I did, you probably won’t see one. If you are lucky enough to see a moose, make sure to stay at least 25 yards away. They’re very large animals and can be surprisingly aggressive!
Once you’ve had your fill of Willow Lake continue hiking down the rest of the trail. You could also technically hike down the same way you hiked up, but then you’ll miss out on some of the unique views that the trail provides. The hike down takes you through more aspen trees and over a wooden bridge before meeting back up at the fork at the beginning of the trail.
Willow Lake Trail Map
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