Hidden Falls - Winter

Hidden falls is a great short hike any time of the year, including, as I just discovered, winter! It is located on the North section of the big S curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s been a couple weeks since we have gotten out and I was just chomping at the bit. I was looking for a shorter adventure too, so I decided to do this one today.

Quick Details:

Length: ~1/4 mile out and back. Seriously super short.
Difficulty: DR3. It’s short and there is barely any elevation gain.
Elevation Gain: Maybe 15 or 20 feet, tops.
Restroom: There is a restroom in the Mill B South parking lot. Closed for winters though.
Dogs? Big Cottonwood Canyon is watershed, so dogs are not allowed.
Extra Info: It is pretty popular so the snow will likely be packed down. However good winter boots and a hiking pole are recommended in winter.

To get here drive approximately 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon until you hit the S curve. If you are not familiar with it, trust me, you will know it when you hit it. There are 2 major trail heads here, Mill B South and North. Hidden falls is on the North, so park in the upper (north) parking lot, or well, wherever you happen to find a spot. You will have to scurry across Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Be sure to watch for cars. After you cross the road and hit the trail be sure to go straight back, following the creek. Taking the fork on the right is also a nice hike, but it is significantly longer.

The canyon looks incredible in the winter! (Drive By Photo (DBP)).

View up canyon from the S curve. It is a winter wonderland up here!

Snow covered trees.

Cliff hanging icicles.

And the trail! It’s kind of hard to make out, but you can see the trail through the snow next to the stream.

Lots of snow up here. I thought I remembered the trail being generally flat, but there is a small hill you have to get up that was a little slick. I recommend having good boots and a hiking pole.

And then before you know it you can see the waterfall.

It’s not a big waterfall, but it is nice.

Not as much ice as I was expecting.

With the narrow canyon above.

A little closer.

Great little waterfall.

Nearby mine.

I poked my camera in a took a shot.

Some greenery hiding under this rock.

Looking down canyon.

And nearing the trailhead again.

Back to the S curve.

Well that was a fun winter adventure! If you still have some energy like I did, you can explore the Mill B Interpretive Trail. Or if there isn’t as much snow, there are quite a few great adventures to explore here. The Mill B North trail, Lake Blanch, and one I have yet to explore, Broads Fork. Final rating 9 out of 10 squirrels! Losing one for having to try to park at the S curve, and scrambling across Big Cottonwood Canyon Road!

As for difficulty, It is super short and very easy without snow. With snow, I would recommend good winter boots and a hiking pole. Preferably ice clamps on your boots if you have them. That said, we made it just fine in our winter boots with hiking poles. Definitely a DR3.

Dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon as it is watershed. Please leave Fido at home.