Conditions Right Now
Use sunset as your turnaround alarm.
Why Hike This
Mill Creek is the canyon where dogs are still welcome, off leash on odd-numbered days and leashed on even ones, and Grandeur is the summit that makes best use of that. The west route leaves Church Fork Picnic Area about three miles up the canyon and follows the creek for the first half mile or so before the real climbing starts. The Forest Service says the trail can be hiked nearly year round, which is unusual at this elevation. Snakes are not uncommon, so watch your step.
The Trail
Valley-and-canyon views; dogs allowed in Millcreek (odd days off-leash).
Pack Loadout (Hard)
3 liters water or hydration pack, hiking boots, layers, headlamp, trail mix and jerky, trekking poles, first-aid kit.
Getting There
Make it a weekend: Spruces Campground (Camping, 8 mi) · Willow Pond (Murray) (Fishing, 9 mi) · Millrace Pond (Taylorsville) (Fishing, 10 mi) · Tanners Flat Campground (Camping, 10 mi)
More hikes nearby: Mount Olympus (Hike, 4 mi) · Lake Blanche (Hike, 6 mi) · Donut Falls (Hike, 8 mi) · Ensign Peak (Hike, 9 mi)
Quick Answers
- How long is the Grandeur Peak (West) hike?
- 6.2 miles round trip with 2444 feet of elevation gain.
- How hard is Grandeur Peak (West)?
- Hard. Kid rating: 2 out of 5.
- When should I hike Grandeur Peak (West)?
- Best season: April-Nov.
- Why hike Grandeur Peak (West)?
- You can bring the dog and still get a summit. From Church Fork the west trail climbs steadily to a top that looks out from Neff's Canyon to Francis Peak, and it stays hikeable most of the winter. Mill Creek's upper gate closes November 1, so check which trailheads stay reachable.