State: Utah
Location: Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Length, One-Way: 5.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 800 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Fee Charged
Arch bridge in Bryce Canyon
Trail Information
The Pipeline Trail is a result of the abandonment of the flume that carried water from the Elbow Fork intake to the penstock area of the upper Mill Creek power station. For many years a redwood pipe carried the water along this route for power generation purposes. After the power station and pipeline were abandoned and torn down, the tread of the pipeline was utilized as a trail. The Pipeline Trail also connects with the Burch Hollow Trail and on to the Grandeur Peak Trail.
When the snow falls, the Pipeline Trail becomes the domain of snowshoers.
Directions
Via Mill Creek Canyon Road:
Take Mill Creek Canyon Road (3800 South Wasatch Blvd.) 6.1 miles to Elbow Fork, about 2 miles past Log Haven Restaurant at the sharp turn in the road next to a dam. The trail leaves from the north side of the road and heads west following a buried pipeline.
Via Burch Hollow Trail:
Take the Mill Creek Canyon Road about 4.3 miles up the canyon, about 0.1 mile past Porter Fork. The trailhead starts on the left (north) side of the road.
Via Rattlesnake Gulch:
Take the Mill Creek Canyon Road and look for a trailhead on the left (north) side of the road soon after the guard station.
