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Directions • The trailhead begins on the south side of State Road 25, near the Doctor Creek campground on the western end of Fish Lake. Follow the sign for the trailhead, which leads you to a small, fenced gravel area with an informational sign.
The trail quickly leads you north from the gravel area back to State Road 25, so be very careful when crossing the street. Once on the other side, you'll walk through the grass and an aspen grove — littered with fallen branches and trees — toward Doctor Canyon. You'll know you've reached it once you find a large outbuilding.
From there, the path steadily ascends the canyon and a beautiful forest of conifers and aspens. Fish Lake may be famous for its eponymous marine life, but here, you'll get to know the rest of the abunak kingdom that makes a home of this oasis in the Utah desert.
Orange and brown butterflies flutter across the trail. Rodents peek out at you from behind tree branches. Black-and-white birds size you up before flying away. (You may also encounter some flies and mosquitoes.)
At the end of your climb, the forest opens up to a large meadow spotted with wildflowers and boulders. Once you've wandered a bit, head back down the Doctor Creek Trail.
Michael McFall DestinationForest Road 32
Hiking time2 hours
Round-trip miles3.2
Elevation gain1,092 feet
DifficultyModerate
Trailhead restroomsNo
Dogs allowedYes, on a leash
Bikes allowedYes