Your Guide to Big Cottonwood Canyon: What to Know Before You Go
Your complete guide to visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon. Get live road conditions, local tips for hiking and skiing, and essential rules for a safe trip.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a world-class playground for skiing, hiking, and jaw-dropping scenery just a stone's throw from Salt Lake City. This guide provides the critical info you need—from road conditions and traction laws to the best trails and ski runs. Think of it as your local's cheat sheet for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable canyon adventure.
What to Expect in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is both a premier recreation hub and a critical protected watershed for Salt Lake City. This delicate balance dictates everything from road access to what you can (and can't) bring with you. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you can enjoy its stunning beauty while helping to preserve it.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Timing is everything. Whether you're chasing winter powder at Brighton and Solitude or looking for summer wildflowers, the canyon's character shifts dramatically with the seasons, impacting traffic, activities, and how you need to prepare.
| Season | Primary Activities | Typical Travel Time from SLC | What to Know About the Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Apr) | Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing. | 45-90+ mins, heavy on powder days. | Traction law often in effect. 4WD/AWD with snow tires or chains required during storms. |
| Spring (May-June) | Late-season skiing, hiking lower trails, waterfall viewing. | 30-60 mins, can vary with weather. | Wet roads, potential for late-season snow. Upper road to Guardsman Pass closed. |
| Summer (July-Sept) | Hiking, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking. | 25-45 mins, heavy weekend mornings. | Roads are clear. Arrive early for popular trailheads like Lake Blanche. |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | Scenic drives (fall colors), hiking, rock climbing. | 25-45 mins, busy during peak foliage. | Generally clear until the first big snowstorm. Check for early-season traction laws. |
Local Tip: Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. The most common mistake visitors make is assuming the road is clear. Always check our live Big Cottonwood Canyon conditions and Big Cottonwood Canyon cameras right before you leave.
How to Get to and Drive in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Getting up the canyon (SR-190) is a tale of two seasons. From breezy summer scenic drives to mandatory winter traction laws, knowing the rules of the road is the first step to a great day in the mountains.
Driving in Summer and Fall
From late spring through early fall, the drive up Big Cottonwood is straightforward. Your biggest challenge isn't the drive itself, but finding parking. Popular trailheads like Lake Blanche fill up shockingly early—arrive before 8:00 AM on weekends to get a spot. A highlight is the opening of Guardsman Pass, the scenic connector road to Park City, which usually opens in late May and closes after the first heavy snow.
Driving in Winter and Spring
Winter driving changes everything. Utah's traction law is frequently enforced to keep everyone safe. When the signs are flashing, your vehicle absolutely must be properly equipped.
- Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) Vehicles: Must have snow tires or chains. An "M+S" (Mud and Snow) rating is the minimum standard.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) & All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Vehicles: Must have snow tires or all-weather tires (look for "M+S" or the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol).
The single biggest mistake a winter visitor can make is underestimating the road. One car with the wrong tires doesn't just put its own passengers at risk—it can cause accidents and multi-hour closures that ruin the day for everyone.
For real-time updates on traction law status, closures, and avalanche control work, check our live data on the Big Cottonwood Canyon conditions page.
How to Use the UTA Ski Bus
For a stress-free winter trip, the UTA Ski Bus is your best bet. It eliminates the headache of traction laws, slick roads, and finding parking at crowded resorts. Routes run from various park-and-ride lots in the Salt Lake Valley straight to Brighton and Solitude. See our complete guide to the Utah Ski Bus to plan your ride.
What to Do in Big Cottonwood Canyon: Winter
When Utah claims "The Greatest Snow on Earth," Big Cottonwood is Exhibit A. It’s home to two legendary resorts, Brighton and Solitude, that transform the canyon into a winter playground.
Ski or Snowboard at Brighton and Solitude
While they share the same famous powder, each resort has a different vibe. Brighton is the classic, laid-back local's mountain, perfect for families and groups with mixed abilities. Solitude lives up to its name, offering a more refined, uncrowded experience with challenging terrain like Honeycomb Canyon.
| Feature | Brighton Resort | Solitude Mountain Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Laid-back, family-friendly, social. | Refined, uncrowded, adventurous. |
| Terrain | Great for all levels, excellent park. | Known for steeps, glades, and bowls. |
| Best For | Families, beginners, park riders. | Advanced skiers, powder seekers. |
Local Tip: Always buy lift tickets online in advance. This saves money and guarantees you a spot, as resorts can sell out on powder days. For gear, rent from a shop in the Salt Lake Valley before you head up the canyon for better prices and selection.
Explore the Backcountry
Big Cottonwood is a world-renowned hub for backcountry skiing. However, this freedom comes with huge responsibility. Avalanches are a very real danger, and you must have the right knowledge and gear (beacon, shovel, probe). The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) provides daily forecasts that are non-negotiable to check before any backcountry travel.
What to Do in Big Cottonwood Canyon: Summer
When the snow melts, Big Cottonwood transforms into a vibrant playground for hiking, climbing, and cycling.
Go for a Hike
The canyon is home to some of the most beloved trails in the Wasatch Front.
- Lake Blanche Trail: A difficult but iconic 7-mile roundtrip hike to a stunning cirque of lakes.
- Brighton Lakes Loop: A moderate loop offering multiple lakes and amazing wildflower displays in July and August.
- Donut Falls Trail: An easy, family-friendly walk to a unique waterfall that flows through a cave-like hole in the rock.
Go Cycling, Climbing, or Fishing
- Road Cycling: Test your endurance on the 15-mile paved climb up SR-190, gaining over 4,500 feet to the top of Guardsman Pass.
- Rock Climbing: The quartzite and granite walls in the S-Curves and near Storm Mountain offer classic sport climbing and bouldering.
- Fishing: Big Cottonwood Creek is regularly stocked with trout. Just make sure you have a valid Utah fishing license.
How to Visit Responsibly and Stay Safe
Visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon is a privilege. Following a few key rules protects this fragile environment and keeps you safe.
Watershed Rules: Why Dogs Are Prohibited
The most important rule is no dogs are allowed. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed, meaning its creeks provide drinking water for over 500,000 people. Dog waste carries pathogens that can contaminate this water supply. The rule is strictly enforced with hefty fines to keep the water pure.
Mountain Safety
The weather can change in an instant. Always pack extra layers, more water than you think you'll need, and a map that doesn't rely on a cell signal (service is spotty at best). Be aware of wildlife, especially moose. If you see one, give it plenty of space and back away slowly. In winter, avalanche danger is a serious threat in the backcountry; always check the daily forecast from the Utah Avalanche Center before heading out.
A Brief History of the Canyon
Today's pristine landscape was forged in a rugged industrial past. Before it was a recreation hub, Big Cottonwood was an engine of commerce for 19th-century logging and mining. Timber from the canyon was used for the ties that helped complete the transcontinental railroad in 1869. The clear-cutting and mining booms profoundly changed the ecosystem, leading directly to the strict watershed protections we have today, as detailed by the Seven Canyons Trust's history of the creek.
Big Cottonwood Canyon FAQ
Are there fees to enter Big Cottonwood Canyon?
No, there is no general entrance fee to drive the scenic byway or park at most trailheads. Fees are only required at specific developed sites like official campgrounds.
Can I have a campfire in the canyon?
No. Campfires are heavily restricted and only allowed in designated fire pits within official campgrounds like Spruces. Due to high wildfire risk, a portable camp stove is a much safer and often required alternative.
Is there cell phone service in the canyon?
Don't count on it. Service is spotty near the mouth and at ski resort bases but disappears quickly. Download maps for offline use and tell someone your plan before you go.
At Wasatch Roads, we pull all the live data you need into one place to plan the perfect canyon day. From road conditions to resort status, we’ve got you covered. Visit us at https://wasatchroads.com to travel smarter.