Big Cottonwood Canyon Hiking Guide

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful canyon in the Wasatch Range. It's located about 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah. The canyon spans over 15 miles long and starts at the eastern border of the Salt Lake Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Basin floor.

The canyon offers spectacular vistas that are created by the magic erosive power of winding rivers. The beautiful Alpine scenery and a wide variety of recreational activities draw countless visitors to the canyon year-round. The 15-mile long Big Cottonwood Canyon offers premier biking, rock-climbing, camping, fishing and hiking in summer. One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the canyon is to take one of the hiking trails.

Big Cottonwood Canyon in Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Cottonwood_Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway

http://www.utah.com/byways/big_cottonwood.htm

Big Cottonwood Canyon has various hiking trails for hikers. From Brighton Lakes to Mill D North, your hiking adventures at the terrific canyon are endless. Just pack your bag and enjoy one the best hiking trails.

- Donut Falls Hiking Trail

To take the beautiful Donut Falls Hiking Trail, you need to take a right at the spot approximately 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Drive past the Jordan Pines Picnic Area and some private properties until you come to the trailhead parking lot. You can park your cars at the lot. Because of the popularity of the hike, the trailhead parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

The Donut Falls Hiking Trail begins at south of the parking lot by the restrooms. The whole trail passes through woods and meadows. You can appreciate beautiful views of the surrounding terrain and stream. When you're approaching the falls, you can hear the cascading water in the distance. When the trail leads you to the falls, just walk across a small log bridge to the east side of the stream. There you can take a fantastic view of the falls and the donut.

- Broads Fork Hiking Trail

If you want to get out for more fresh air and beautiful views, the Broads Fork Hiking Trail is recommended for you. The trail starts at the Lower S-Turn about 4.5 miles up the Big Cottonwood Canyon. It can lead you up to a steep angled hill filled with aspens and pine trees. Head on and you'll get to the Twin Peaks Wilderness sign. Continue to pass some rock outcrops and thick spruces. Then you'll come to a creek with a bridge over it. When you reach the first ridge, views of the Broad Forks Twin Peaks will be presented. The whole trail ends up at a meadow with breathtaking views of the Twin Peaks and the Canyon.

- Bear Trap Fork

The Bear Trap Fork trail and its trail head can be the most elusive one for hikers. You need to start from the Forest Service Sign "BEAR TRAP FORK" that is located about 11.2 miles up to Big Cottonwood Canyon. The next stop for the trail is a small hill covered in aspens. The small hill offers great views of the other side of the canyon. The trail will guide you to a wonderful little meadow. Climb up the hill and you'll get to a dense forest of pines and aspens. The destinations of the hike offer great views of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Millcreak and the American Fork Twins in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

- Brighton Lakes Trail

This is a great hiking trail for beautiful views, scenic lakes and diverse landscape and Moose. Brighton Lakes Trail starts from the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. The trail winds around the original trail. It ends about half a mile back on the old trail. The hike up to Lake Mary is quite steep. But it's just a short way.

- Lake Blanch Mill B South Trail

The trail head starts from the lower S-Turn in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail starts up a small hill and you'll get to a switchback after crossing a stream. There you can get the first look at Sundial Peak, an appealing view with red rock cliffs. After several switchbacks and inclines, you'll get to Lake Blanch, which is located directly below Sundial Peak. The lake offers an awesome view of the canyon below, Dromedary Peak, the back side of Superior and Monte Cristo.

Other hiking trails include:

- Mill D North Trail

- Lake Mary Hiking Trail

- The Mineral Fork Hiking Trail

Hiking Map of Big Cottonwood Canyon

http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=12056