Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of our favorite places along the Wasatch Front. On hot summer days it is generally 10-15 degrees cooler up the canyon than in the valley. We’ve found a lot of great hikes and we’ve gathered them all in this post. All of these hikes have been done with our family, so we know that your family can do them, too!
If you venture to Big Cottonwood Canyon, you might run into us; it’s our favorite canyon to visit. Just click the title to go to a complete write-up including pictures and directions to each adventure. And we also have a list of great family hikes in Little Cottonwood Canyon (Big Cottonwood’s neighbor). Don’t forget that Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon’s are in the watershed, so no dogs are allowed.
Ledgemere Cave
You don’t have to hike to get to the Ledgemere Cave. It runs back about 75 yards into complete darkness, so remember to take a light source.
Hidden Falls
It’s difficult to even call this one a hike as it is less that a quarter mile round trip. It leads to a beautiful waterfall that small children will love. This one is great even for infants.
Mill B South Interpretive Trail
This walk is very short and stroller or wheelchair friendly the entire way. Though it climbs uphill to the small waterfall, it is only three-quarters of a mile roundtrip. Pair this with Hidden Falls.
Willow Heights Lake
This trail is steep and shady and extends for about 1 mile (2 miles round trip) to a pretty little lake. We saw ducks on the lake and we were able to walk around the lake in the cool mountain air.
Donut Falls
Donut Falls is very well known, and we would never try it on a weekend. If you do, you’ll be tripping over other hikers the entire way. The falls is beautiful, but be careful as people have been seriously injured in their attempts to scale the falls.
Stairs Gulch
This hike is wonderful in the fall. It’s fairly flat and follows a chuckling little stream as it cascades down to the canyon bottom. Our boys loved seeing the tiny waterfalls and you can hike out as far as you want and turn around.
Silver Lake
This is probably our favorite hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon. There is a boardwalk around the lake that is stroller friendly. We’ve seen animals on this trip every time, including a moose on more than one occasion.
Lake Solitude
This hike begins on the far side of Silver Lake, and extends the hike to 3.0 miles round trip. Lake Solitude is less traveled than the fairly busy Silver Lake trail, and is perfect for families who are ready to push their hikes a little longer.
Dog Lake (the little one)
This hike is a steep hike that begins at the Majestic ski run at Brighton. A short, steep climb to the lake is beautiful and leads to other lakes as well. Out-and-back 1 mile RT.
Lake Mary and Martha
These lakes share a trailhead with Dog Lake (see above) so you can do all three in one day. These two alpine lakes are gorgeous, and you get three for the price of one.
Bloods Lake
This trail is technically on the other side of Big Cottonwood Canyon through Guardsman Pass toward Park City, but it is not too far from Silver Lake. This trail is very popular, and it is a moderate climb up to the lake. Bloods Lake is a pretty lake in the canyon.
Thank you for your adventures. I am physically unable to be with you however, with each, I share them with you. I have learned so much‼️ Please be blessed, be happy, be safe.
Thank you,
H arley😊
LOVE your detailed descriptions! This gets me excited for a summer of fun with my little grandkids. I appreciate you sharing things from super easy to difficult. It helps the whole family find something fun to do so close to home.