Information
Landmark: Big Cottonwood CanyonCity: Salt Lake City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, USA Utah, North America
Overview
Big Cottonwood Canyon stretches through the Wasatch Mountains, just east of Salt Lake City, where pine-scented air and sheer rock walls make it breathtaking.With sheer cliffs towering above green forests and streams so clear you can see the pebbles, it draws visitors all year for hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the beauty.From its mouth near the city, the canyon runs about 15 miles, climbing into high alpine terrain where cool river valleys give way to jagged, sun-baked peaks.Rugged granite cliffs rise above dense stands of pine, while clear, cold streams tumble down from alpine lakes and lingering snowfields.Sheer cliffs loom on both sides of the canyon road, walls of stone that seem to close you in, yet through the gaps you catch sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley shimmering far below.The canyon shifts with the seasons-spring bursts with wildflowers and the sound of rushing creeks, summer offers shady trails and cool hideaways, autumn blazes with bright leaves, and winter wraps the slopes in a quiet blanket of snow.Big Cottonwood Canyon is famous for its wide network of trails, offering everything from easy strolls beside rushing streams to demanding alpine climbs that top out at White Pine Lake or the summit of Mount Olympus.You’ll find trails that wind past cool misty waterfalls, across basins carved deep by ancient glaciers, and up to overlooks with sweeping views.Climbers of every skill level are drawn to the canyon’s granite cliffs, where rough, sun-warmed rock invites hands and feet to find their grip.Climbers flock to the sheer cliffs by Donut Falls and the rugged walls at Mill B South, where the rock feels cool under your hands.In winter, the canyon buzzes with world-class ski resorts, where you can carve down beginner-friendly runs, tackle steep backcountry powder, or glide along crisp, pine-lined cross-country trails.Streams and reservoirs brim with trout, offering anglers a chance to cast a line where the water runs clear and cool.The canyon bursts with life, its slopes shaded by pine, aspen, and fir, while bright alpine meadows and cool, winding streams thrive in between.It’s not unusual to spot mule deer grazing, a moose moving through the brush, or a fox slipping across the trail, along with raptors circling overhead and songbirds filling the air with chatter.Big Cottonwood Creek winds through the area, joined by several waterfalls whose mist catches the sunlight, adding both striking beauty and vibrant life to the ecosystem.Along the canyon, you’ll find picnic spots with sturdy tables, charcoal grills, and shady rest areas, often tucked beside trailheads or perched near sweeping viewpoints.You’ll find several campgrounds where you can spend the night, maybe waking to the smell of pine and a sky full of stars-perfect for stretching your adventure a little longer.You’ll find several trailheads and scenic pullouts along the canyon road, each offering an easy spot to park before heading out to hike, climb, or simply take in the view of sunlit cliffs.Most roads stay in good shape, though the tighter stretches demand extra care-especially in winter, when icy patches can catch you off guard.The canyon feels like a hidden world, wrapping you in quiet air and the scent of sun-warmed stone.Rushing water, the soft whisper of leaves, and bursts of birdsong drift through the air, as shifting sunlight and shadow dance across the granite cliffs.Towering cliffs rise above lush, pine-scented slopes, with alpine views that leave visitors awed yet somehow closely connected to the wild around them.Big Cottonwood Canyon is an easy getaway with sweeping cliffs, quiet pine forests, and trails that teem with life.With rugged peaks dusted in snow, rushing waterfalls, winding trails, and abundant wildlife, it draws hikers, climbers, skiers, and nature lovers all year, offering both thrill and quiet in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains.
