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Big Cottonwood Canyon

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Big Cottonwood Canyon is a scenic mountain canyon located southeast of Salt Lake City. It is well known for its dramatic landscapes, forested areas, and peaceful walking spots. The canyon is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy fresh air, nature views, and short outdoor stops without long hikes.

What to See & Do

  • 🚗 Drive through the canyon 🏔️ and enjoy iconic viewpoints like the towering Storm Mountain 📸
  • 🚶 Take short walks 🌊 to the hidden gem of Hidden Falls or the stroller-friendly Mill B South trail 🌲
  • 🦌 Enjoy forest views 🌲 and spot local wildlife like moose and deer near Silver Lake 🦆
  • 📸 Stop for photos 🖼️ at designated pullouts to capture the winding river and mountain peaks 🏔️

How to Get There

  • 🚗 By car: The best way 🛣️ to explore; it’s a 30–40 minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City 🏙️
  • ❄️ In winter (Nov-May): **Traction Law** is often in effect; 4WD/AWD or snow tires are mandatory 🛡️
  • 🚌 Public transport: Use the **UTA Ski Bus** (Route 972) for access to the resorts during ski season ⛷️
  • 🅿️ Arrive early: Parking lots at trailheads like Silver Lake and Donut Falls fill up quickly on weekends 🏁

Travel Tips

  • 🚫 **No Dogs Allowed:** To protect the watershed, pets are strictly prohibited anywhere in the canyon 🐾
  • 🧥 Dress in layers: Temperatures can be 10–20°F cooler than the valley; mountain weather changes fast 🌬️
  • 🧴 Carry water 🥤 and snacks; services are limited to the resorts at the very top of the canyon 🥨
  • 📱 Spotty service: Download offline maps 🗺️ as cell signal drops significantly once you enter the canyon 📵

Suggested Itinerary

  • 🕘 09:00 AM – Enter the canyon 🚗 and stop at **Storm Mountain** for photos of the massive rock walls 🏔️
  • 🕙 10:00 AM – Park at the S-Curve 📍 and take the 5-minute walk to **Hidden Falls** 🌊
  • 🕚 11:00 AM – Drive to the top and walk the 1-mile **Silver Lake Boardwalk** loop 🦆
  • 🕧 12:30 PM – Grab lunch 🍔 at Solitude or Brighton Resort before heading back down 🏁

Opening Hours & Entry

Open:

24 hours (road access may vary in winter conditions)

Entry Fee:

Free (some picnic or ski areas may charge fees)

Best Time to Visit:

Late spring to early fall for clear roads and mild weather

Location

📌Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, USA

👉 View on Google Maps

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