Observation Point Trail at Snowbird

Posted in Hikes
Updated October 19, 2022

We did an amazing hike today up Little Cottonwood Canyon called Observation Point Trail (formerly called Barrier Free Trail). We drove up to Snowbird and parked in the parking lot near the Snowbird Center which is behind the lodge. Who knew there are dozens of things to do and hundreds of people doing them up there even during the summer? We really love this hike in the Fall!

The trail is flat and stroller friendly.

In order to hike this trail, you need to enter the Snowbird Center. We walked into the building and went up to floor 3. Then we went out the back of the building. There was a large open area with a bridge to the right after exiting the building. After crossing the bridge, the trail split and went to several of the activities that were going on. You can ride the tram or the mountain coaster, which are both really fun. We were here to hike a trail, though, so keep to the right and follow the signs for Observation Point Trail.

Once you get behind the Snowbird Center, watch for this sign that points you toward the trail. The trail is now named Observation Point Trail.

Eventually you’ll find this sign behind all of the hustle and bustle of Snowbird.

The Observation Point trail climbs up behind the booths and leads to a overlook platform. The trail is flat and runs for about a half mile along the bench. At the end of the trail is a large platform that overlooks the ski resort. Even though you can see the parking lot for much of the way, there are beautiful alpine flowers, and animals along the trail.

You’ll cross this dirt road and come to the first interpretive sign that starts that Observation Point Trail.

There are a few signs along the way to teach about the area.

Walking through the trees the entire way is so peaceful

We saw a doe with her fawn, which was still covered with spots. There were different kinds of squirrels criss-crossing the trail, too. We stopped to watch a squirrel and heard a noise behind us. About 30 feet away stood a moose in the thick foliage. We watched as she paralleled the trail and her calf came out into the open. The calf was so beautiful, but we were a little worried about proximity. We had to wait until these moose moved back from the trail a bit before we could proceed. The funny thing was, though we were within a few hundred yards of the full parking lot, no one else seemed to see the mama moose and her calf.

This is not zoomed in…they were right next to the trail! It was exciting and frightening all at once.

We always see some kind of wildlife when we hike this trail.

The Observation Point Trail at Snowbird is free. This trail is paved and we pushed our stroller the entire way. This is a great summer stroll for anyone, but if you really want to enjoy this trail wait for Fall.