Big Cottonwood Canyon offers camping, hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, animal viewing, and more.
By Romit Kemprai June 18, 2023
The 15-mile Big Cottonwood Canyon scenic byway offers stunning views of steep peaks and lush woodlands.
Big Cottonwood Canyon, 20-25 minutes from Salt Lake City, is a stunning natural hideaway.
Big Cottonwood Canyon offers camping, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, animal viewing, picnics, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
The canyon is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, providing nature enthusiasts with exciting opportunities for animal sightings.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Community
There are numerous picnic locations spread out over the canyon where you may stop, set up camp, and enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Two campgrounds, the Spruces and Redman, situated at an elevation above 7500 feet, provide ideal destinations for a weekend escape from the summer heat.
Big Cottonwood Canyon's evenings remain cool even in the height of summer, so pack a jacket just in case.
Hiking the Donut Falls Trail, strolling Silver Lake, and fishing in Big Cottonwood Creek are popular family activities.
Brighton and Solitude, the canyon's famous ski resorts, attract skiers and snowboarders in winter.
Big Cottonwood Canyon's elevation ranges from 4790 feet at the canyon entrance to 8755 feet at the Brighton Ski Resort, resulting in large temperature differences.
In the canyon, lower elevations receive less snow than higher elevations, which can receive over 15 feet.
Big Cottonwood Canyon covered with snow during Winter
From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South "Canyons" exit and proceed east on UT-190 to Solitude and Brighton.
Lake Blanche