Updated: August 2025
In this post, I’m sharing incredible hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon, in Northern Utah. I’ve always loved to hike and while Southern Utah is famous for its stunning National Parks, Northern Utah has its own magic in the mountains.
If you’ve never been to Utah, the state is divided into rocky mountains in the north and stunning deserts in the south. Southern Utah is best known for its Mighty 5 National Parks but Northern Utah is ski territory, which means in the summer, there is amazing hiking.
As someone who grew up in Utah, I can say that Big Cottonwood Canyon has some of the best and most accessible hikes in Northern Utah. The hikes I’ll be sharing today are perfect for beginner and intermediate hikers. They’re all tried and tested by me and I’ll be rating how difficult they are.
I’ll also share tips to help you plan your hiking adventures, advice on what to wear and pack on Utah hikes and trail etiquette advice. Lace up your hiking boots and let’s get exploring.
These hikes are all accessible via Salt Lake with 1 hour or less driving.
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Incredible Hikes in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons
Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons
These two are parallel canyons located just outside Salt Lake City in Northern Utah. They’re both well known for their recreational activities of skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Little Cottonwood Canyon is home to Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, while Big Cottonwood Canyon is home to Brighton and Solitude.
Planning tips for first-time hikers
I don’t know about you, but when I first started hiking, I wasn’t out there looking for the easiest trails. Quite the opposite, actually. I wanted to be challenged. I thought that if a hike left me struggling, breathless, or sore the next day, it had to be a good one.
But over time, I’ve learned that mindset isn’t just unhelpful — it can be dangerous.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing easier trails. In fact, starting slow is one of the smartest ways to build up your fitness, confidence, and skills so you can eventually take on those tougher hikes safely and enjoyably.
Hopefully you’ll find a good range of hikes in this post, with everything from beginner trails to more advanced viewpoints that are worth the challenge.
All of the trails that I’m sharing today are popular hiking routes which means they’ll be well maintained and marked. They’ll usually have utilities at the trailhead and can be accessed by a paved road.
Before you head out hiking for the first time
- Research your trail ahead of time and make sure you have downloaded offline maps (I love AllTrails for this)
- Factor in overall distance, elevation gain, current conditions and your fitness when selecting a trail
- Start easy and gradually work your way up to longer and more challenging trails
- Be sure to wear and pack the appropriate things
- Tell someone your plans before heading off (where you are going and when you will be back)
- Read up on Leave No Trace Principles
Disclaimer: These hikes are suggestions for the summer months and early fall.
Utah Hikes #1: Lake Blanche
Lake Blanche is a very popular Northern Utah Hike that’s rated as moderate on AllTrails. I don’t think a trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon is complete without a trip to Lake Blanche.
The hike itself is steep with a lot of elevation gained. It’s also quite a long hike (almost 7 miles roundtrip) but I’d still recommend it for beginners because it’s wellmarked and maintained.
This is a popular hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon. I recommend starting early to beat out a lot of the crowds or going on a weekday if that’s an option.
- Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2,700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #2: Red Pines Lake
The Red Pine Lake trailhead is a jumping-off point for several of my favorite hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a popular spot, especially for easier trails like Gloria Falls, a great option for kids and grandparents. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, you can branch off toward Maybird Gulch, Red Pine Lake, or White Pine Lake for something more secluded.
I did this hike in July and was surprised by how much snow was still on the trail. Closed-toed shoes are a must, and I highly recommend bringing trekking poles for extra balance — even with poles, I still slipped and fell a couple of times.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly backpacking route, Red Pine Lake is a great place to start. There are tons of gorgeous spots to set up camp for the night, surrounded by alpine views.
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2,073 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #3: White Pines Lake
You’ll start this hike at the same Red Pine Trailhead, but White Pine Lake is a longer, more challenging route. That said, the payoff is so worth it — it’s one of the most stunning alpine lakes you can reach in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Even though it shares the trailhead with more popular routes, White Pine Lake tends to be quieter, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to beat the crowds.
I’d also recommend White Pine Lake for a beginner-friendly backpacking trip, it’s the perfect balance of challenge and reward with plenty of spots you can camp overnight.
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 10.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2,762 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. The Cottonwood Canyon’s are a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #4: Maybird Gulch Trail to Maybird Lakes
This last hike is one of my favorites from the Red Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon and it’s definitely a hidden gem. Maybird Gulch is much less popular than the other trails in the area, which means that once you get past Gloria Falls, you’ll likely have the trail to yourself. Total bliss.
We brought our hammocks and set them up by the lake. It’s the perfect spot for lunch, a nap, and a good book.
To get there, start out toward Red Pine Lake. Along the way, you’ll spot a small bridge crossing the river on your right, cross it, and you’ll be on the Maybird Gulch Trail.
We went in July and the wildflowers were unreal — easily one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in the area.
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7.3 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2,214 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #5: Brighton Lakes Loop
Brighton Lakes Loop is found at the Brighton Ski Resort. The wildflowers are absolutely beautiful here in the spring and summer.
PSA: I shouldn’t have to say this but please, please do not pick the wildflowers. Just enjoy them and take photos. Plenty of animals call those flowers home, they are incredibly important to the ecosystem and everyone else’s enjoyment. I’m always so sad when I see people picking them.
Brighton Lakes Loop is one of the best hikes in Northern Utah. Found in Big Cottonwood Canyon, you can do the full loop which features multiple lakes or you can hike out to a lake or two and hike back.
- Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1,807 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Loop
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #6: Desolation Lake
Desolation Lake is a much less trafficked hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon. I wasn’t expecting much from this hike but it turned out to be really beautiful. The lake was really secluded and the hike was quite beautiful. This is another one I did during the summer, on a weekend and we only passed 2-3 other sets of hikers.
- Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7.7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1,988 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road Access: Paved road up the canyon with a well-marked turnoff and parking area
Utah Hikes #7: Salt Lake Overlook
The Salt Lake Overlook is a hike that also starts at the trailhead of Desolation Lake. It’s a moderately challenging hike with views over the entire Salt Lake Valley. When we did the trail in August, it was surprisingly quiet, I think we only passed one or two other hikers on the entire day out.
- Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Native lands: Shoshoni, Ute
- Distance: 7.7 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1,988 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is watershed so dogs are not permitted in the canyon or any of the hiking trails offered here.
- Road access: Paved road up the canyon with a well marked turn off and parking area
Happy hiking! Enjoy these gorgeous hikes in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and please, remember to leave no traces. There is so much incredible hiking to do right outside Salt Lake City. Let’s all keep this area beautiful for generations to come.
What are your favorite hikes in these canyons?
What to take hiking in Utah
It’s so important to always be prepared when you’re hiking. Take a comfortable backpack with plenty of water and snacks. I love LiquidIV for added hydration on the trail. Wear proper hiking shoes (these are my favorites) and wool socks (socks will always make the biggest difference) and wear comfortable clothing. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack a rain jacket, hat and plenty of sunscreen.
While all of the trails that I’ve shared have facilities, make sure that you pack a poop kit with a shovel and hand sanitizer for when nature calls.
Happy hiking and I hope you enjoy these 7 hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
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Need more road trip inspiration? Here’s my favorite underrated National Parks (hint: one of them is in Utah!).
