Cottonwood Canyons
Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the Cottonwood Canyons are a year-round destination for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re visiting to ski world-famous resorts, hike scenic alpine trails, enjoy mountain dining, or simply take in breathtaking views, this guide highlights our favorite places to explore in and around Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights, and the surrounding foothills.
Winter Recommendations
4WD / AWD Recommended
Winter storms can create snowy and icy road conditions in Big Cottonwood Canyon. While not always required, all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) is strongly recommended during the winter months. During heavy snowfall, Utah traction laws may require 4WD, snow tires, or tire chains.
UDOT Traction Law
Utah’s Department of Transportation (UDOT) may activate traction restrictions during winter storms. Before heading up the canyon, check current restrictions to make sure your vehicle meets the requirements.
Check Current Road Conditions and Weather
Learn About Utah Traction Laws
Parking Reservations
Parking at Solitude and Brighton may require reservations on weekends, holidays, and during peak winter months. We recommend reserving your parking spot before your visit whenever possible.
Ski Bus
Skip the hassle of driving by taking the UTA Ski Bus to Big Cottonwood Canyon. The shuttle provides convenient access to Solitude and Brighton throughout the ski season.
How to ride the Ski Bus
Winter Activities
🎿 Solitude Mountain Resort
Enjoy uncrowded slopes, excellent powder, ski lessons, rentals, and terrain for every skill level. Solitude is a favorite for families and skiers looking for a relaxed mountain experience.
Best For: Families • Skiing • Snowboarding
Solitude Mountain Resort
Lift Tickets
🎿 Brighton Resort
Known for legendary Utah powder and one of the state’s best night skiing experiences, Brighton offers terrain for beginners through advanced riders.
Best For: Night Skiing • Snowboarding • Families
🎿 Alta Ski Area
A bucket-list destination for skiers, Alta is famous for deep powder, challenging terrain, and exceptional snow quality. (Please note that snowboarding is not permitted at Alta.)
Best For: Advanced Skiers • Powder Days
🏂 Snowbird
Home to Utah’s longest ski season, Snowbird features extensive terrain, the iconic Aerial Tram, and incredible mountain views for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Best For: Advanced Terrain • Scenic Tram • Long Ski Season
🥾 Snowshoeing
Explore quiet forests and snow-covered trails throughout the Cottonwood Canyons. Popular areas include Silver Lake, Solitude Nordic Center, and Mill B.
Best For: Families • Beginners • Nature Lovers
🎿 Cross-Country Skiing
The Solitude Nordic Center offers groomed cross-country ski trails, rentals, and lessons, making it a great way to experience the mountains at a slower pace.
Best For: Nordic Skiing • Beginners • Families
🚡 Snowbird Aerial Tram
Even if you’re not skiing, the Snowbird Aerial Tram is a must-do winter experience. Ride to the summit for panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains and enjoy dining or sightseeing at the top.
Best For: Sightseeing • Photography • Families
💙 Conmigo Tip
Stock up before heading into the canyon! Pick up groceries, fuel, and any last-minute essentials in Cottonwood Heights, as services are limited once you’re in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Essentials Before Heading Into the Canyon
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Harmons Grocery
heading into Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Price Range: $$ Moderate
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location -
Sprouts Farmers Market
Stock up on fresh produce, organic groceries, snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals before heading into Big Cottonwood Canyon. A great stop for healthier options, picnic supplies, and specialty dietary needs.
- Price Range: $$ Moderate
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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Maverik Adventure’s First Stop
Fill up your gas tank, grab snacks, drinks, coffee, and travel essentials before driving into the canyon. One of the most convenient fuel stops nearby.
Price Range: $
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Location -
Ski N' See
Need skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, or winter gear? Ski N See offers quality rentals and accessories, plus exclusive discounts for Conmigo guests.
Price Range: $$ Rental pricing varies
Hours: Seasonal hours -
Walgreens
Pick up prescriptions, toiletries, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, and other travel essentials before heading into the mountains.
Price Range: $–$$
Hours: Daily 7 AM - 10 PM -
Alpha Coffee
Fuel your adventure with locally roasted coffee, breakfast burritos, pastries, and sandwiches before hitting the slopes or trails.
Price Range: $–$$
Hours: Daily 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Food & Drink
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Lone Star Taqueria
A Cottonwood Heights favorite serving fresh Baja-style tacos, burritos, and house-made salsas. Great for a casual meal before or after exploring the canyon.
Price Range: $–$$
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday and Saturday 11 AM–10 PM -
Cotton Bottom Inn
A local institution famous for its legendary Garlic Burger. This no-frills neighborhood favorite has been serving hungry skiers and locals for decades.
Price Range: $$
Hours:
Sunday, 10:30 AM–8 PM
Monday and Tuesday, 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday hrough Friday, 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM–10 PM -
The Hog Wallow Pub
Part pub, part live music venue, The Hog Wallow is a fun local hangout with burgers, pizza, sandwiches, craft beer, and frequent live performances.
Price Range: $$
Hours: Sunday, 12 PM–1 AM
Monday - Tuesday, 2 PM–1 AM
Wednesday - Thursday, 12 PM–1 AM
Friday - Saturday 12 PM–1 AM -
Beaumont Bakery & Café
A charming French-inspired bakery offering fresh pastries, artisan breads, breakfast, and lunch in a cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a slower morning before hitting the trails.
Price Range: $$
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary)
Summer Adventures
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Lake Blanche Trail
One of Utah’s most iconic alpine hikes, featuring crystal-clear lakes, towering cliffs, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The challenging climb rewards hikers with unforgettable panoramic views.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time: June–October
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Silver Lake Boardwalk
An easy, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly boardwalk circling a beautiful alpine lake. Watch for moose, ducks, wildflowers, and incredible mountain reflections.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Families & wildlife viewing
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Donut Falls
A popular family-friendly hike leading to a unique waterfall that flows through a hole in the rock. One of the canyon’s most beloved short hikes.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best For: Families
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Cecret Lake
A short scenic hike known for wildflowers, alpine scenery, and a peaceful mountain lake. One of the best beginner hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time: July–September
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Mountain Biking
Big Cottonwood Canyon offers scenic mountain biking opportunities for all skill levels, with trails winding through forests, meadows, and alpine terrain.
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Scenic Chairlift Rides
Ride the chairlift to enjoy panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains without breaking a sweat. A great activity for photographers, families, and anyone wanting to experience the mountains from above.
Family Adventures
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Solitude Mountain Bike Park
Families with older kids can enjoy beginner-friendly mountain biking trails and scenic rides throughout the resort during the summer months.
Price Range: Lift ticket required
Info -
Big Cottonwood Regional Park
Located at the base of the canyon, this spacious park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and open green space, perfect for an afternoon with the family before or after exploring the mountains.
Price Range: Free
Hours: Open daily. -
Picnic in the Canyon
Pack lunch from one of the nearby grocery stores and enjoy one of Big Cottonwood Canyon’s many picnic areas surrounded by towering pines, mountain streams, and fresh alpine air. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to experience the canyon.
Price Range: Free (bring your own food!)
Hours: Open daily.
Pet Friendly Attractions
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Mill B North Trail
One of the canyon’s most peaceful trails, Mill B North follows a beautiful mountain stream through pine forests with stunning alpine scenery. It’s a great option for a scenic walk with your leashed dog.
Price Range: Free
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset. -
Tanner Park
One of Salt Lake City’s most popular dog parks, Tanner Park offers a large off-leash area, creek access, and miles of trails where dogs can run and play freely. It’s an excellent stop on your way to or from Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Price Range: Free
Hours: Open daily. -
Dog Friendly Patios
Many restaurants near Cottonwood Heights welcome dogs on their outdoor patios during the warmer months. Some local favorites include:
🐾 Alpha Coffee
🐾 Lone Star Taqueria
🐾 Cotton Bottom Inn (seasonal patio)
🐾 Hog Wallow Pub (patio)
Perfect for grabbing a bite without leaving your furry friend behind.
Scenic Views & Photography
Capture the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains from some of the area’s most scenic overlooks, alpine lakes, and mountain roads. Whether you’re chasing sunrise, fall colors, or snow-covered peaks, these picture-perfect locations offer unforgettable views in every season.
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Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
One of Utah’s most breathtaking mountain drives, Guardsman Pass offers panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, vibrant wildflowers in summer, and spectacular fall colors. Along the route, you’ll find plenty of scenic pullouts perfect for photos.
Info -
Wasatch Mountain Overlooks
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons feature numerous scenic pullouts where you can stop to admire dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and colorful alpine landscapes. These viewpoints are especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
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Bells Canyon Reservoir
A peaceful reservoir surrounded by mountain scenery, perfect for sunrise photography, reflection shots, and a relaxing stroll before hiking Bells Canyon Trail.
Price Range: Free
Hours: Open daily