1
destination
Park
Big Cottonwood Canyon
What people say
A major Wasatch watershed canyon along SR-190 with waterfalls, picnic areas, alpine lakes, trailheads, Brighton and Solitude, summer hiking and winter resort access.
At this place
Upcoming events
Inside this place
Explore the grounds
Choose a destination, preview what it looks like, then open Explorer for live on-site guidance.
1
destination
2
destination
Lake Blanche Trailhead
Lake Blanche Trailhead is a named route within Big Cottonwood Canyon; use this mapped trailhead and confirm grade, surface, closures and return distance.
3
destination
Storm Mountain Picnic Area
Storm Mountain Picnic Area is a distinct mapped destination within Big Cottonwood Canyon; navigate to this point instead of the general park pin and check posted conditions on arrival.
4
destination
Mill B South Trailhead
Mill B South Trailhead is a named route within Big Cottonwood Canyon; use this mapped trailhead and confirm grade, surface, closures and return distance.
5
destination
Silver Lake Visitor Center
Silver Lake Visitor Center is a staffed or separately operated facility associated with Big Cottonwood Canyon; building hours may be shorter than the surrounding grounds.
6
destination
Silver Lake Loop Trail
Silver Lake Loop Trail is a named route within Big Cottonwood Canyon; use this mapped trailhead and confirm grade, surface, closures and return distance.
7
destination
Brighton Lakes Trailhead
Brighton Lakes Trailhead is a named route within Big Cottonwood Canyon; use this mapped trailhead and confirm grade, surface, closures and return distance.
8
destination
Guardsman Pass Overlook
Guardsman Pass Overlook is a specific landmark within Big Cottonwood Canyon; use this mapped point for the shortest practical approach and follow edge or crossing warnings.Public record
Verified information
What people ask
Useful answers about this place
11 answers
Frequently requested details, researched and kept current by AuditMap.
When is Big Cottonwood Canyon open?
The canyon road is normally open continuously, but avalanche control, crashes, weather, wildfire and maintenance can close or restrict it without a fixed schedule. Individual sites are seasonal.
Where should I park for Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Trailhead lots are small and roadside parking is tightly controlled. Choose a named destination, obey no-parking zones and check UDOT traffic before entering; Donut Falls and Silver Lake are frequent pinch points.
What is the best entrance for Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Enter SR-190 from Wasatch Boulevard and route to the exact trailhead, picnic site or resort. The canyon is long, and a generic pin may leave visitors miles from the intended stop.
Are there restrooms at Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Restrooms are available at selected developed picnic sites, visitor facilities and resorts, not at every pullout or trailhead. Carry water and do not drink untreated watershed water.
Is Big Cottonwood Canyon free?
Driving the state road and hiking most public trails is free. Picnic reservations, resort activities, parking programs and special facilities may charge separately.
How accessible is Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Silver Lake and developed facilities offer some of the strongest accessible options. Most trail routes are rocky, steep and snow-covered seasonally.
Are dogs allowed at Big Cottonwood Canyon?
No pets are allowed anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon's protected watershed, including inside vehicles. Qualified service-animal rules are narrower and should be confirmed before arrival.
Is Big Cottonwood Canyon good for children?
Silver Lake's boardwalk and short waterfall approaches can work well for families. Fast traffic, cold streams, wildlife and steep unprotected terrain require close supervision.
How do I reach Big Cottonwood Canyon without a car?
Seasonal UTA ski buses and resort transportation vary by year. Outside active service, a compliant vehicle or arranged shuttle is necessary; confirm the return before relying on rideshare.
What should I know before visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Winter traction restrictions on SR-190 can require approved tires or chains before snow begins. Check UDOT road status, avalanche control and canyon alerts immediately before leaving.
What weather should I check before visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon?
Check current Wasatch Front weather, air quality, road status and operator alerts. Heat, cold, snow, avalanche control, lightning, flash flooding, high wind, wildfire smoke and fire restrictions can independently close roads, trails or facilities.
Quick community check
Help verify this place
Know this place? Check one detail from a recent visit.
✓ Accurate × Incorrect ? Unsure
Community for this place
What people are noticing
Ask a question, share what changed, or help make a detail more reliable.
The place logUseful questions, updates, and confirmations from this community.
Keep exploring
Nearby public places
Based on this place's location and public details, not your activity.