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 60 miles.

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, Utah
⌖ 0.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alta, Utah

Alta, Utah is a haven for snow enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known for its superb skiing and stunning alpine scenery, this charming town provides a perfect winter getaway with excellent trails and abundant wildlife.

Brighton, Utah
⌖ 3.40 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brighton, Utah

Brighton, Utah offers epic winter sports and scenic summer trails. This mountain town is a hidden gem for skiing, boarding, hiking, and biking enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Sundance, Utah
⌖ 6.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sundance, Utah

Sundance, Utah is a serene mountain town perfect for skiing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers seeking stunning Wasatch Range vistas. Enjoy skiing, hiking, and cultural experiences in an unforgettable alpine setting.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Park City, Utah
⌖ 8.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Park City, Utah

Park City is a premier adventure destination, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding, scenic trails for hiking and biking, and relaxing paddling in nearby waters. This vibrant town is your year-round basecamp for outdoor excitement.

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

Midway, Utah

Midway, Utah is an inviting mountain town known for its hot springs, access to hiking and biking trails, and proximity to ski resorts. Outdoor lovers enjoy fishing, camping, and soaking in the iconic Homestead Crater year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall for most activities; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Cottonwood Heights, Utah
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Cottonwood Heights is an accessible gateway for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. With nearby canyons and resorts, it’s perfect for active adventurers year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking, biking, and climbing; Winter for snow sports
Explore 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.

Climbing the Wasatch: Multi‑Pitch Ice Routes Above Salt Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Salt Lake City, Utah
ClimbingADV Bookable

Climbing the Wasatch: Multi‑Pitch Ice Routes Above Salt Lake

An 8‑hour, guide‑led multi‑pitch ice‑climbing day with Red River Adventures across Little Cottonwood, Provo and Maple Canyon — ideal for climbers aged 12 and up who want to push beyond a single rope length.

ClimbingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip