For a fun adventure that both you and your dog will enjoy, take the Dog Lake Trail in Millcreek Canyon. It takes you up to a little lake that's perfect for swimming and fetching sticks.
If you want to make your dog a happy pupper, head to Millcreek Canyon. Drive up the canyon to the Mill D Trailhead, where you'll find a large parking lot. The Dog Lake Trail starts on the north side.
The trail is 5.2 miles, out and back, and it's considered moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,276 feet.
The trail can be somewhat steep in places, but overall, the climb is gradual.
The air is fresh and the scenery is beautiful, so you might be inclined to take it slow and easy on the way up, but if your pup has ever been here before, that's probably not going to happen.
No dilly-dallying on this trail - your pupper will be dying to get to the lake, and you'll need to catch up.
You be passed by wet, tired, and grinning dogs on their way down the trail, which will make your own dog that much more excited.
Dog Lake is a very shallow lake, and while it's picturesque at times, sometimes it's pretty muddy. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and your four-legged friend probably thinks it's the best thing he's seen all week.
On a busy weekend, the lake is full of playful pups paddling around and fetching sticks.
Once you see the pure joy on your furry friend's face, you'll be scheduling regular trips up here all the time.
Make sure to bring your pup a snack. Between the climb up the trail and the swimming and fetching, he'll need a little boost - if you can get him out of the lake long enough to gobble up some kibble.
The Dog Lake Trail is best hiked on odd-numbered days, when your dog can be off leash. On even-numbered days, mountain bikers take over the trail.
Even though you're allowed to have your dog off leash, make sure that he's a good enough canine citizen to handle the task. He should come immediately when called, and should be well-socialized with other dogs, because he'll be meeting dozens of them on the trail.
A day spent at dog lake is one of the best doggone things you can do with your pup in Utah. There's a bonus for you, too. Once you get him home, he'll sleep the rest of the afternoon.
Have you hiked Dog Lake with your best friend this summer? If so, we would love to see your photos!
If your dog loves to swim in Utah's lakes and rivers, check out our article about the potentially deadly algae blooms that are present in some of our waterways, and make sure that you keep an eye out when the weather's hot.
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