Big Cottonwood Canyon
A majestic canyon in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, offering stunning hiking, scenic drives, and winter sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic canyon in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, offering stunning hiking, scenic drives, and winter sports.
"Magnificent! Offers a plethora of sights and scenes for your senses to experience and wonder."
🚗 Park Smart
Trailheads fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider the shuttle for ski resorts.
🥾 Gear Up for Hikes
Sturdy shoes are a must for rocky trails. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes like Lake Blanche.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Donut Falls
Big Cottonwood Canyon
A unique waterfall that cascades through a natural rock formation, creating a 'donut' shape. Easy hike, but water levels can affect access.
Lake Blanche Trail
Big Cottonwood Canyon
A challenging but rewarding hike leading to stunning alpine lakes with panoramic mountain views. Expect steep climbs and boulder crossings.
Scenic Drive
Big Cottonwood Canyon Road
A paved 15-mile road offering breathtaking vistas of the Wasatch Mountains, especially vibrant during fall foliage.
Willow Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
A family-friendly hike with beautiful autumn colors, perfect for a quick outing. Offers a shorter loop with an option to extend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Before You Go: Canyon Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Trailheads fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider the shuttle for ski resorts.
🥾 Gear Up for Hikes
Sturdy shoes are a must for rocky trails. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes like Lake Blanche.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash. Dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic drive offers endless photo ops. Don't miss the fall colors or winter snowscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Trailheads fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider the shuttle for ski resorts.
🥾 Gear Up for Hikes
Sturdy shoes are a must for rocky trails. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes like Lake Blanche.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash. Dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic drive offers endless photo ops. Don't miss the fall colors or winter snowscapes.
🦌 Wildlife Awareness
Keep a safe distance from moose and other wildlife. Never feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Big Cottonwood Canyon for its breathtaking natural beauty, especially during the fall. The scenic drive and hiking opportunities are major draws, offering something for various activity levels. Some note that parking can be challenging on busy days, and the lack of dog-friendly areas is a consideration for pet owners.
"Beautiful we camped at Spruces campground. Moose in campground"
suzette Lemont
"The drive through the canyon was incredible, despite the haze from the California wildfires. We made a few stops along the way and hiked up to Twin Lakes from the Silver Lake Education Center. The hike was steep (for us, as novice hikers) but the views were well worth it."
Dagny Monette
"We went for a ride up Big Cottonwood Canyon to see the snow. It was so beautiful to see, the snow on the trees and the absence of leaves is a beautiful contrast. You feel like you can see every detail of the mountains. Roads were busy due to all the skiers. However the roads were clear and it was a great ride."
P DeLand (babersgrandma)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Cottonwood Canyon is easily accessible via Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (SR-190) from the Salt Lake Valley. It's a paved, scenic drive with no entrance fee. 
Yes, UTA (Utah Transit Authority) operates a ski bus service during the winter months to the major ski resorts like Brighton and Solitude. Check their schedule for routes and times.
Yes, the main road is typically plowed and accessible in winter for scenic drives and access to ski resorts. However, always check road conditions before heading up, as weather can change rapidly.
Trailheads can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday is highly recommended. Some trails, like Donut Falls, have different access points depending on the season.
No, there is no fee to drive through or access the hiking trails in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to enter Big Cottonwood Canyon or to access most hiking trails. If you plan to ski or snowboard at the resorts within the canyon, you will need to purchase lift tickets separately.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have their own operating hours. Trail access is generally from dawn to dusk.
The primary restriction is that dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon due to its status as a protected watershed.
Yes, there are several campgrounds available, such as Spruces Campground and Big Cottonwood Campground. Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak season.
While there's no fee to enter the canyon, some popular trailheads might have limited parking, and it can fill up quickly. There are no specific parking fees for most trailheads, but be prepared for potential parking challenges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the challenging Lake Blanche Trail,
Willow Lake offers a relatively easy 1.5-mile round trip hike. Donut Falls is also considered easy, though water levels can impact the final approach.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, camping, and in winter, skiing and snowshoeing at the nearby resorts.
Yes, Big Cottonwood Canyon is a popular destination for rock climbing, with numerous routes for various skill levels.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, especially for trails with rocky terrain. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. Bring sun protection and rain gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options within the canyon are limited, primarily found at the ski resorts (Brighton and Solitude) during their operating seasons. It's advisable to pack your own food and snacks for hikes and picnics.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated picnic areas, and many scenic spots along the road are perfect for a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all your trash.
There are no grocery stores within Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's best to stock up on supplies before you enter the canyon.
Brighton and Solitude ski resorts offer various dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, typically open during the ski season.
It's uncommon to find food trucks or vendors within Big Cottonwood Canyon itself. Planning to bring your own food is the most reliable option.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire scenic drive offers stunning vistas. Key spots include viewpoints overlooking the canyon, Donut Falls,
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers good opportunities for capturing details.
Generally, no specific photography restrictions apply, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors. Avoid disturbing wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens. Never approach or feed wildlife, as it can be dangerous for both you and the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Donut Falls is another accessible trail that kids often find fascinating, though current water conditions should be checked. +1 The scenic drive itself is an adventure, with plenty of pull-offs for picnics and enjoying the mountain views. Remember that dogs are not permitted, so plan accordingly. Packing plenty of snacks and water is always a good idea for family outings. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Other popular routes include hikes to Sundial Peak or exploring the trails around Silver Lake. Check trail conditions before you go, especially in spring and fall when weather can be unpredictable. 🚗 Scenic Drivers
It's particularly spectacular during the fall foliage season, when the canyon explodes with color. Numerous pull-offs allow you to stop, take photos, and simply admire the grandeur of the landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Adventures in Big Cottonwood Canyon
+1 For those seeking a more strenuous adventure with rewarding payoffs, the Lake Blanche Trail is a popular choice. This 7-mile round trip hike involves significant elevation gain and requires navigating rocky terrain, but the views of the alpine lakes are spectacular. Other notable hikes include Willow Lake, known for its beautiful fall colors and family-friendly accessibility,
and the hike to Twin Lakes from the Silver Lake Education Center, which offers steep but worthwhile vistas. +1The Scenic Drive and Seasonal Beauty
It's a perfect activity for those who want to experience the canyon's grandeur without strenuous hiking. The drive is particularly stunning in the fall when the aspen and maple trees erupt in a riot of color, creating a vibrant spectacle. Visitors often stop at various overlooks to soak in the panoramic vistas and capture photographs. Beyond fall, the canyon transforms with the seasons. Winter brings a blanket of snow, making it a gateway to world-class skiing at Brighton and Solitude ski resorts.
Wildlife and Conservation in the Canyon
Visitors are also reminded to pack out everything they pack in to maintain the pristine condition of the trails and natural areas. Wildlife sightings are common, with moose being a frequent, albeit potentially dangerous, resident.
Social
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