Donut Falls Trail Big Cottonwood is a premier hiking destination in Brighton, Utah, covering 1.7 miles with 300ft of elevation gain. Stats: 1.7 miles, 300ft gain, Easy. Type: Out-and-Back. Surface: Dirt/Creek. Time: 1 hour. Fee: Free. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: moose, mule deer, herons, dippers, mink. Best seasons: Spring for peak waterfall flow from snowmelt; accessible most of the year when snow is manageable. Donut Falls pours through a hole in the canyon floor like water through a donut — a bizarre and beautiful geological oddity in Big Cottonwood Canyon just 25 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Pack plenty of water — desert and high-altitude trails demand more hydration than you expect. Layers are essential above 10,000 feet. Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife and other visitors.