A waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon's protected watershed with mandatory day-use fees and strict no-dogs, no-swimming rules.
USDA Forest Service day-use fee (Big Cottonwood Canyon protected watershed): $10/3-day, $20/7-day, or $60/season; America the Beautiful passes accepted
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Donut Falls is located at the base of a scenic waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon, a protected watershed that supplies drinking water to Salt Lake City. Because of this critical water-supply role, the area is subject to strict regulations that make it different from most Utah waterfall destinations.
First, there is a mandatory day-use fee: $10 for 3 days, $20 for 7 days, or $60 for an annual pass. America the Beautiful passes are accepted here. Second, no dogs of any kind are permitted—this rule is absolute to protect water quality. Third, no swimming, wading, or playing in the water is allowed under any circumstances. These restrictions are non-negotiable and strictly enforced.
If you plan to visit, leave your pets at home, bring cash or a card for the fee station, and respect the no-contact rule for all water. The waterfall and its surroundings are beautiful, but the watershed designation means recreation is secondary to water protection. The Forest Service manages the trailhead and has not posted any closures, so access is typically available when Big Cottonwood Canyon Road is open.
Late spring through early fall when roads are clear and water flow is reliable; Big Cottonwood Canyon can close seasonally due to snow.
Avoid if you have dogs or want to swim; the entire canyon is a protected watershed with zero tolerance for water contact.
USDA Forest Service day-use fee (Big Cottonwood Canyon protected watershed): $10/3-day, $20/7-day, or $60/season; America the Beautiful passes accepted
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
No — the managing agency's page states swimming/wading is not permitted here, often for safety reasons (current, rockfall, or cold water).
We track 8 waterfalls in Wasatch Front.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Salt Lake County. All Wasatch Front waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS 'Donut Falls Trailhead' page (fs.usda.gov), checked Sept 2026. Page explicitly prohibits dogs/domestic animals and swimming/wading/playing in water because Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed. No closure noted. Coordinates are the official trailhead location.
Checked September 2026.