Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a quick 25 minutes away from Salt Lake International Airport (22 miles), and is home to two world-class ski resorts (Solitude & Brighton), legendary rock climbing routes, epic backcountry skiing access, hiking and mountain biking trails, and picnic areas straight out of an outdoor magazine. So come take a drive through this ancient canyon created by both glacier and stream erosion. Pack a picnic and maybe your hiking boots to stretch your legs.
The Beta
Getting There
From the I-215 belt route, head east from the 6200 South exit (Exit 6), and follow the signs to Brighton & Solitude ski areas. You'll turn off of Wasatch Blvd, and from there you'll have 14.2 miles of driving until you reach Brighton Ski Resort. Drive straight through to the top of the canyon, or stop along the way for some of these pretty sites:
Picnic Areas
Ledgemere Picnic Area
Birches Picnic Area
Storm Mountain Picnic Area (bring your rock climbing gear!)
Mill B South Picnic Area
Popular Hiking Trails
Mill B South Fork - Lake Blanche
Mineral Fork
Donut Falls
Dog Lake
Desolation Lake
Silver Lake
Lakes Mary, Catherine & Martha
Rock Climbing Areas
Dogwood
Storm Mountain
Mountain Biking
Big Cottonwood Canyon | Photo Gallery
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Photo credit: Jj Mendez via unsplash.com