Dog Lake via Big Water and Little Water Loop

From November 1st to July 1st the summer road of Millcreek Canyon is snow-covered and closed to vehicle traffic. During these months just getting to the trailhead is a 5 mile trek. Dogs are allowed off-leash in all of Mill Creek Canyon on odd numbered days. Big Water Trail (3.0 miles) The Big Water trail may be longer than its sister trail Little Water Gulch, but Big Water is no where near as steep. Perhaps Millcreek Canyon's most popular trailhead is the Big Water Trailhead. Located at the end of the narrow summer road (approx 9 miles from the base of the canyon) is the main parking lot. This large trailhead has several overflow parking lots available but even they can and do fill up on weekends. From the upper most parking lot starts the 2 main trails, which are the Little Water Gulch and Big Water Gulch trails. These 2 trails provide access to Dog Lake, Little Water Peak, Reynolds Peak, The Desolation Trail as well as Upper Millcreek Canyon. For mountain bikers the extra distance is worth the lack of climbing over the steps of Little Water Trail. This trail tends to traverse its way across Big Water Trail as it slowly makes its approach up to Dog Lake. The large pine trees and thick forest growth that line the trail keep the summer sun and heat at bay, making this trail perfect for the dead of summer.