Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive

U-210 from Salt Lake to Alta

Only 25 miles from Salt Lake City, Little Cottonwood Canyon can be reached by taking the 6200 South "Canyons" exit from I-215 and continue east to the canyon on U-210 following signs for Snowbird and Alta.

At the mouth of the canyon is the site where Latter-day Saint settlers quarried granite slabs to build the Salt Lake Temple.

Wilderness Areas are located on both sides of the steep canyon. Summer recreational activities here include rock climbing, camping, picnicking and hiking.

The canyon is home for two of Utah's ski and summer resorts. At world class Snowbird, Utah's only aerial tramway carries visitors to the roof of the Rockies for a panoramic view from 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. One mile further is Alta. Notorious for shootings in its 26 saloons during the mining days of the 1860's and 70's, Alta died quickly, but livened up again in 1938 as the seat of Utah's first ski resort. The Albion Basin becomes a hikers and mountain bikers paradise once the snow has all melted.

This 7 mile scenic byway from the Salt Lake Valley to Alta and back requires approximately one hour.

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