On the east side of Salt Lake City between the Point of the Mountain and the University of Utah are several glacier carved canyons: Little Cottonwood Canyon (U-210) terminating with Snowbird and Alta ski resorts, Big Cottonwood Canyon (U-190, U-152) leading to the resorts of Solitude and Brighton; Mill Creek Canyon, Parley's Canyon through which runs I-80 (Lincoln Highway) and Emigration Canyon which served as the access route for the early LDS Pioneers as they entered the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.

Mill Creek Canyon Road begins at E 3800 S and Wasatch Blvd. and ends ca. 10 miles east/southeast at Big Water Gulch. From there trails lead to The Canyons Resort and Park City via Dog Lake and Lake Desolation.

As you enter the canyon a small booth in the middle of the road requires a nominal fee of $3.00 payable upon leaving. A year pass may also be purchased for $40.00.