Trail difficulty
Green
Elevation Gain
-360.00 ft (-109.73 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.00 mi (8.05 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This paved pathway starts from the Park and Ride at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It takes you west, down and under the freeway and toward the historic Old Mill and a nearby reservoir. You continue to descend through a set of office buildings and down toward the suburbs of Holladay. The ride is not very long, but it is pleasent and has many options to be turned into a longer route by heading in many of the quiet nearby neighborhoods along the way. The pathway is well maintained, and along the way there are some of the best bars and restaurants in the area such as the Hog's Wallow, Porcupine Grill, Market Street Grill and the Cottonbottom inn with its famous garlic burgers.

You can bring your dogs to the reservoir at Old Mill Park as well as on the pathways when leashed. There are many walkers on the paths, but there are painted lines to keep people in their lanes, making it a good place to bike safely. There are a few tight spots near the office buildings, so watch your speed on those descents. The main reason to do this path would be to avoid cars that you are nomally exposed to out on the open road when cycling. There are only a few road crossings, but overall it allows you to relax a bit more than when doing true road cycling.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy to access. Nicely paved paths. Only a few road crossings.

Cons

Short ride. Can be crowded.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Trailhead Elevation

4,937.00 ft (1,504.80 m)

Highest point

4,937.00 ft (1,504.80 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Hiking

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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