Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is carved into hard granitic rock that welled up as molten material deep underground long ago and cooled into the pale, coarse stone that makes up its towering walls. That rock, resistant and jointed, gives the canyon its rugged, blocky character, unlike the softer sedimentary layers found elsewhere in Utah.

The canyon's U-shaped upper reaches and its string of high lakes are the work of Ice Age glaciers, which ground down the valley and scooped out basins that later filled with meltwater. Waterfalls tumble where side streams meet the main creek, and the classic hike to Lake Blanche climbs to a glacially carved bowl beneath the striking peak of Sundial, one of the canyon's signature views.

Trails climb from the canyon floor to a series of alpine lakes, from the popular, strenuous route to Lake Blanche to gentler destinations higher up. Near the top of the canyon, Silver Lake offers an easy boardwalk loop through wetland and forest, a favorite for families and a good place to spot moose feeding in the willows.

Summer turns the high basins into gardens, with meadows of lupine, paintbrush, and columbine and the fresh green of aspen groves. Fall brings a blaze of golden aspen that draws leaf-peepers up the canyon road, while the cool alpine air makes the high country a welcome escape from summer heat in the valley below.

At the head of the canyon sit Solitude and Brighton, two ski areas famous for the extraordinary snow that Utah's mountains catch, dry and deep, that has helped make the Wasatch a legend among skiers and snowboarders. Brighton in particular has been a training ground for generations of local riders, and both resorts run into the summer as hiking and scenic-lift destinations.

The canyon is also the drinking-water source for much of Salt Lake City, a protected watershed, which shapes the rules visitors follow: dogs are not permitted, and swimming and wading in the creek are prohibited to keep the water clean. Understanding that the canyon does double duty as a wilderness and a reservoir helps make sense of why it is cared for so closely.

The canyon's forests and meadows hold moose, which are often seen browsing near Silver Lake and the beaver ponds, along with mule deer, red foxes, marmots and pikas on the rockslides, and a rich mix of mountain birds. Moose are large and can be dangerous when surprised or with a calf, so watchers keep a respectful distance.

Each season transforms the canyon. Spring runs high and loud with snowmelt and waterfalls; summer opens the high trails and fills the meadows with flowers; fall sets the aspens alight; and winter buries everything in snow, closing high trails but opening the slopes. The road can shut for avalanche control after big storms, so winter visitors always check conditions first.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a scenic Wasatch Range canyon just southeast of Salt Lake City, next to Little Cottonwood, and home to the Brighton and Solitude ski resorts. Somewhat more open and less sheer than its neighbor, it offers superb skiing in winter and wonderful hiking, alpine lakes, and famously beautiful fall foliage in the warmer months. A gorgeous scenic drive winds up the canyon, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding mountain escapes from the city.

In winter, ski and snowboard at Brighton and Solitude. In summer and fall, popular hikes include the family-friendly Donut Falls, the boardwalk stroll around Silver Lake at Brighton, and the more strenuous climb to alpine Lake Blanche, along with fishing, camping, and simply enjoying the scenic drive. Autumn is a highlight, when the canyon blazes with color, making it one of the best leaf-peeping drives near Salt Lake City.

Winter is prime for skiing and snowboarding, summer for hiking and cool mountain air, and fall for the spectacular foliage that draws crowds up the canyon. The upper areas and resorts are busiest in ski season and during peak fall color. Each season offers something different, so choose based on whether you want snow sports, alpine hikes, or leaf-peeping, and check current road and resort conditions before you go.

The canyon road is winding and climbs quickly, so drive carefully, and be aware it can face closures or restrictions during winter storms for avalanche control, with heavy traffic on powder days and peak fall weekends. Come prepared for cooler mountain weather with layers and water, arrive early on busy days for parking at popular trailheads, and check current road and weather conditions before heading up, especially in winter.

The two neighboring canyons are both fantastic Wasatch escapes near Salt Lake City, but they have different flavors. Little Cottonwood is steeper and more dramatic, home to Alta and Snowbird and legendary for deep powder and granite climbing, while Big Cottonwood is a bit gentler and more open, with Brighton and Solitude, lovely alpine lakes, and outstanding fall color. Many visitors enjoy both, choosing based on the season and the activities they want.