Donut Falls is a beautiful and unique little waterfalls in Big Cottonwood Canyon, in the mountains east of the Salt Lake Valley. The stream plunges through a hole (donut hole) into a cave. It then flows out of the cave and down a picturesque canyon. It is a popular hike year-round.

• About 3.3 miles round trip hike, if you can drive to the trailhead parking.

• 4.3 miles round trip in winter, when the road to the parking area is closed and you have to start hiking from Hwy 190 (Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd).

It is a popular hike and the trailhead parking only accommodates a few cars, so you may need to hike the longer distance even during summer. There is considerable parking at the North Fork Trailhead on Hwy 190, but it may also be full, particularly on weekends. You may have to park somewhere up or down the canyon, adding a little more distance.

The trail has a gentle slope over most of its course but the final push to the waterfall is very steep and can be treacherous, particularly during winter.

The area receives heavy snowfall and the trail usually has packed snow from from early winter into spring. It may have unpacked snow immediately after storms. There may also be ice during the winter. MICROspikes or crampons are recommended during winter but many people navigate the trail without them. Take care and you will be alright.

Trailhead coordinates: 40.639376, -111.651407

The map at the bottom of this page shows the location. Google maps will guide you to the trailhead. From Wasatch Boulevard, it is about 9 miles to the turnoff, which is the S Cardiff Fork Rd (019), Jordan Pines Campround area.

From the trailhead, you follow a well-marked trail up the canyon to the waterfall.

Our photos are from Feb. 10, 2022.