This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Description: Near the start of the trail you come to a junction. Go for the Desolation Trail. The trail zigzags through the Mount Olympus Wilderness in a forest of conifers. About a mile into the hike there is a second trail junction, for Thaynes Canyon. This junction is your optional return route. Continue to the right and uphill. The trail turns back toward the canyon with terrific views of Mill Creek. When you see the Salt Lake Valley and the crest of rocky ridges, you have arrived at the overlook. On your return, watch for the trail junction to loop into Thaynes Canyon. The junction isn't posted on the return and is easy to miss.
About dogs in Mill Creek: Salt Lake County requires dogs be leashed in the entire canyon on even-numbered days. They can be unleashed on odd-numbered days, except in developed areas.
Directions: From the fee station in Mill Creek Canyon, it's 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trail and parking lot are east of the Mill Creek Inn on the south side of the road.
All hikes are listed at http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors
Photo, text and graphic by Steve Baker (baker@sltrib.com)