Big Cottonwood Canyon is a summer playground near Brighton and Solitude in Utah with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, and outdoor events. From wildflower meadows and alpine lakes to chairlift rides and disc golf, this area offers year-round recreation just minutes from your vacation rental.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is located in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range and is home to Brighton Ski Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, two of the most well known ski destinations in the western United States. The canyon’s high elevation, lake effect snowfall, and dry mountain climate contribute to Utah’s reputation for reliable snow conditions, with Salt Lake City and the former Olympic Winter Games venues just a short drive away.
Located just north of Little Cottonwood Canyon, home to Alta and Snowbird, Big Cottonwood Canyon is a year round recreation area offering far more than winter skiing. During the summer months, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, trail running, and picnicking throughout the canyon. Seasonal events at Brighton and Solitude, along with peak wildflower season and cooler mountain temperatures, make Big Cottonwood Canyon a popular destination for summer travel as well as winter ski vacations.
Little Cottonwood Canyon is located just 15 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range and is home to Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Ski Resort. Known for low humidity, lake effect snowfall, and consistent powder conditions, the canyon is considered one of the premier ski destinations in North America. Snowbird’s aerial tram provides year round access to Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet, while nearby Alta Ski Area is internationally recognized for its terrain and long standing ski culture.
Situated just south of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon is easily accessible from Cottonwood Lodging properties. During the summer months, the canyon offers hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and scenic drives, with Albion Basin at Alta drawing visitors for its famous wildflower displays. Along the route to Albion Basin, travelers pass alpine lakes such as Lake Mary, Lake Catherine, and Lake Martha, making the canyon a popular destination for summer sightseeing and outdoor recreation.
Salt Lake City, Utah is a major gateway to some of the best ski resorts in North America, with Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird located within about 40 minutes of downtown. Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City offers direct flights from most major cities in the United States and Canada, making it possible to arrive in the morning and be skiing in the Wasatch Mountains the same day.
Situated in a valley between the Wasatch Mountain Range and the Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake City provides quick access to ten ski resorts and year round mountain recreation. The region’s dry climate, low humidity, and frequent sunshine make it comfortable for outdoor activities in every season. When winter ends, nearby resort areas transform into summer destinations offering hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, scenic drives, and access to alpine trails throughout the Cottonwood Canyons.
Beyond outdoor recreation, Salt Lake City is also a cultural and sightseeing destination. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, live music, theater, and historic sites such as Temple Square, or take a short trip to the Great Salt Lake. Its central location also makes Salt Lake City a convenient base for exploring Utah’s national parks and scenic landscapes.
The Wasatch Mountain Range stretches from southern Idaho and Wyoming into central Utah and forms the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. This range is home to many of Utah’s most well known ski resorts, including Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Park City, Deer Valley, Sundance, and The Canyons. Two of the most important recreation areas within the Wasatch Mountains are Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, both known for world class skiing and year round outdoor access.
Today, the Wasatch Mountains are best known for outdoor recreation rather than their mining history. Former mining towns such as Brighton and Alta have evolved into internationally recognized ski destinations, supported by reliable snowfall and ideal mountain conditions. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are frequently cited for having some of the best snow in the world, making them central to Utah’s ski culture and winter tourism.
During the summer months, the Wasatch Mountain Range offers extensive hiking opportunities throughout Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. A network of scenic trails connects mountain lakes, alpine peaks, and forested terrain, with some routes linking resort areas such as Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird. Brighton serves as a central base for exploring both canyons, providing convenient access to hiking, sightseeing, and seasonal mountain activities.