Activities in Utah › Nature Areas & Viewpoints › Brighton

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Where: 90 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Brighton, UT (Salt Lake County)
Indoors or outdoors: Outdoors
Good for: outdoor lovers
Phone: +1 801-521-6040

Good to know

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a scenic 15-mile route from Salt Lake City that becomes increasingly dramatic as it narrows into alpine terrain. Those seeking mountain scenery and a scenic drive will enjoy the landscape. The canyon is about an hour's round trip from the city, making it good for a half-day outing.

Updated October 22, 2026

Also listed as Big Cottonwood Canyon in Alta.

Open in Go Do — make plans with friends

To reach Big Cottonwood Canyon from Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South "Canyons" exit and then continue east on U-152, following signs to Solitude and Brighton. This 15-mile scenic byway takes about one hour round trip. From the main road, this canyon narrows almost immediately into dramatic alpine scenery.

About Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a nature area or viewpoint in Brighton, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It's an outdoor activity. 173 other nature areas and viewpoints are within 30 miles; the closest is Willow Heights Trail Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 1.2 miles away. Good for outdoor lovers.