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Little Cottonwood Canyon wilderness guide
Protected Area · UT

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah is a premier destination for year-round outdoor activities, featuring striking alpine landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities.

Protected Area300004+ Trails

Designation

Protected Area

Total Wilderness Area

30000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah is a premier destination for year-round outdoor activities, featuring striking alpine landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Little Cottonwood Canyon, located in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, spans about 15 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for its dramatic granite cliffs and lush mountainous terrain, the canyon offers a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Historically, it has been a significant mining area during the 19th century silver boom, leaving traces of old mines and ghost towns as markers of its past. Today, it is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter at resorts like Snowbird and Alta, while the warmer months are perfect for hiking, climbing, and camping. Notable landmarks include the challenging trails leading to beautiful peaks and lakes, such as the Twin Peaks and Red Pine Lake. The canyon's rugged beauty and varied environments make it appealing to photographers, nature lovers, and adventure-seekers alike.

Field Guide · Protected Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Little Cottonwood Canyon

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake★ 8.4⌖ 1 miHiking
Cecret Lake

Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake

Cecret Lake, with its crystal-clear waters in the Wasatch Range near Alta, offers a moderate hike featuring wildlife like marmots and moose. Ideal for summer wildflower viewing, it's a family-friendly spot perfect for photography and picnicking.

Albion Basin★ 8.3⌖ 1 miHiking
Albion Basin

Albion Basin

Explore Albion Basin in Alta, Utah, a haven for wildflower enthusiasts and hikers. The moderate Cecret Lake Trail offers 1.5 miles of vibrant blooms and scenic views during peak summer. Perfect for photographers, with wildlife spotting opportunities.

Enchanting Trails to Cecret Lake★ 7.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Cecret Lake Trail

Enchanting Trails to Cecret Lake

Explore the 1.7-mile Cecret Lake Trail near Alta, Utah. This moderately challenging route offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and is popular for hiking and wildlife watching. Enjoy the striking alpine lake and vibrant wildflowers.

Mount Wolverine: Alpine Adventure Awaits★ 8.7⌖ 2 miHiking
Mount Wolverine

Mount Wolverine: Alpine Adventure Awaits

Explore the tranquil alpine beauty of Mount Wolverine near Alta, UT, offering hiking in spring and fall. Capture stunning views and enjoy skiing in winter. A peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking Through Catherine’s Pass★ 8.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Catherine’s Pass

Hiking Through Catherine’s Pass

Explore Catherine’s Pass near Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and summer wildflowers, this area offers hiking and photography opportunities. Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene experience.

Discover the Beauty of Lake Mary★ 8.7⌖ 3 miHiking
Lake Mary

Discover the Beauty of Lake Mary

Explore Lake Mary in Brighton, Utah. This 2.5-mile round trip hike is moderately challenging, offering photography opportunities and a chance to see wildlife. Visit during summer and fall for the best experience, and enjoy a peaceful retreat just an hour from Salt Lake City.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Snowbird Resort - renowned for its ski slopes and summer activities.✦ Cecret Lake - a popular, scenic alpine lake accessible by a short hike.✦ The Wasatch Resort remains from the mining era - a historical site.✦ Mount Superior - a challenging and rewarding destination for climbers.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Little Cottonwood Canyon
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees for canyon access, but parking fees or ski passes may apply at resorts.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Little Cottonwood Canyon

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Alta
⌖ 0.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alta, Utah

A quaint mountain town offering thrilling snow adventures and picturesque alpine landscapes.

Brighton
⌖ 3.40 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brighton, Utah

A picturesque mountain town offering year-round outdoor activities with a focus on skiing and hiking in Utah's Wasatch Range.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Sundance
⌖ 6.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sundance, Utah

A tranquil mountain town offering diverse outdoor adventures, with a focus on skiing, hiking, and cultural experiences in a stunning alpine setting.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Park City
⌖ 8.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Park City, Utah

A vibrant mountain hub offering year-round access to thrilling outdoor pursuits amidst the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Range.

Winter for snow sports, Summer and Fall for hiking and bikingExplore Town
Midway
⌖ 9.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Midway, Utah

A charming alpine town offering a blend of rugged mountain adventures and relaxing waterside activities, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking both excitement and tranquility.

Late Spring through Early Fall for most activities; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Cottonwood Heights
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

An outdoors-focused mountain town offering easy access to rugged hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing in the Wasatch Mountains, with convenience to Salt Lake City.

Spring through Fall for hiking, biking, and climbing; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.