Little Cottonwood Canyon

Granite Walls, Goats On The Cliffs, and
A Semi-Straight Shot to Alta & Snowbird

The Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway climbs SR-210 from the Salt Lake Valley into the very heart of the Wasatch. It’s Big Cottonwood’s sibling a few miles to the south but with a completely different look than its northern neighbor.

Glacier-carved granite (quartz monzonite) walls close in. The creek is further from the road along most of the route. And the canyon feels wider, steeper, and a touch more Rocky Mountain like.

Even though the entrances of the two Cottonwood Canyons are only a few miles apart, the vibe in each canyon is completely different right from the bottom. Seven winding miles later, you crest into a high basin where Snowbird and Alta anchor winter and summer activities in equal measure.

They are literally side-by-side with Snowbird just below Alta.

Granite That Built Part of a City

Stand at the Temple Quarry pullout near the canyon mouth and you’re looking at the source rock for some of Utah’s most recognizable buildings. Stone quarried here … technically a granite-like quartz monzonite … went into the Salt Lake Temple (according to “history”, finished in 1893

Decades later, it was used to build the Utah State Capitol (1913–1915). What was initially transported by ox team was later moved by rail.

A branch line once crept up the canyon to haul blocks out. Just a little local history.

Storm-Carved Walls, Goats on the Ledges

Granite slabs loom almost immediately as you enter the canyon. On cool spring mornings you can sometimes spot Rocky Mountain goats navigating the lofty ledges on the south side near the canyon mouth.

Those with some time on their hands set up scopes along the route to observe white moving dots against the gray background. They somehow live where humans wouldn’t dare venture.

Timing varies but late winter through early spring often offers your best shot. Because of the watershed (explained below), dogs aren’t allowed in this canyon so encounters between dogs and the mountain goats shouldn’t be an issue.

Along the Mount Timpanogos trail in Utah County, three dogs were killed by mountain goats in 2023. Of course, after observing careless dog owners on other trails, it’s easy to surmise who was at fault.

Watershed Rules You Actually Need to Know

Like Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon is part of Salt Lake City’s protected culinary watershed. The helps keep a huge share of the valley’s drinking water clean.

The rules are simple and enforced: no dogs (even in vehicles), no horses and no swimming or wading in the creek or lakes anywhere in the canyon.

You’ll see the reminders at every trailhead, and rangers do check. Plan accordingly and everyone downstream will be happy.

Snowbird Aerial Tram in Summer or Winter

Near the top of the canyon, Snowbird spreads across the south wall. Even if you’re not skiing, the aerial tram provides an unbelievable bird’s-eye look over the 11,000-foot neighborhood of the central Wasatch Mountains.

On clear days you can pick out the high bowls that feed the canyon’s famous powder in winter and wildflower meadows in July. This is a breathtaking experience especially in summer I think. That’s my favorite time to go to the top.

Snowbird is famous for its steep and advanced ski runs. It is also known for its signature powder and the above-mentioned tram.

I’m not a skier or snowboarder but I’ve been told it is ideal for experts even though it does offer beginner and intermediate runs.

Opened in 1971, Snowbird provides a true resort experience in both summer and winter. Unlike the majority of Utah’s ski resorts, it operates pretty much exclusively on private land.

Alta & Albion Basin
Where Summer Shows Off

A mile beyond Snowbird sits Alta. It has a different aura even though it’s just up the road.

Above the ski town … I use the term “town” loosely … a short, seasonal Summer Road climbs into Albion Basin. Albion is home to arguably Utah’s most photographed wildflower display.

Full bloom typically hits mid-to late July in good snow years. Vehicle access is limited in peak season with a paid amenity fee for the Summer Road to manage crowds and maintain facilities

If you’d rather leave the car behind, shuttles run when the upper lots fill. In winter, Alta also uses parking reservations on busy days.

This is worth checking ahead on as this byway can turn into a bumper-to-bumper mess in winter.

Short Road, Long Day

On paper, Little Cottonwood Canyon is just seven miles from the mouth of the canyon to Alta. Even so, it can be a full day if you let it. If you add a tram ride, photo stops along the way and a stroll among summer flowers.

The lower canyon is all massive, austere walls and a tree-covered valley. Higher up, it opens a little more and light pours in.

The skyline looks like someone tore it with a serrated knife. Winter flips the palette to white and shadow with frequent avalanche paths … clearly signed … and roadside snowbanks taller than your car.

Driving this road in the winter … especially with all the ski traffic … can be a life-threatening experience. Personally, I avoid both of the Cottonwood Canyons in the winter.

Winter Driving And The Traction Law
In Little Cottonwood Canyon

When winter storms roll in, UDOT posts a Traction Law for SR-210. In practice that means you’ll need proper winter tires or chains/snow socks. Requirements differ for AWD vs. 2WD.

Compliance is checked at the canyon mouth. The law applies to SR-210 and SR-190 (Big Cottonwood Canyon).

Check UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons site for real-time status and cameras before you go.   

On powder days, leave early or take transit … your best bet. The road queues quickly when plows and control work are active.

You’ll be sitting in your vehicle for most of the day if you insist on taking it up the canyon on these days.

A Canyon In The News
And What It Means For You)

If you’ve heard chatter about Little Cottonwood Canyon, it’s probably about how to move people up SR-210 on peak ski days. In July 2023, UDOT issued its Record of Decision selecting Gondola Alternative B as the long-term solution.

Yes, building a gondola system to carry people up and down the canyon. Shorter-term phases focused on enhanced bus service and roadway improvements.

The gondola itself remains controversial and is years away. I haven’t studied this issue so I won’t weigh in but it sounds like another over-priced boondoggle.

For now, visitors should expect incremental transit and parking changes … not necessarily improvements … rather than a cable car on the skyline. Whatever your view, you can check current parking and transit details with the resorts and UDOT on their website. 

How We Like To Do It And How You Might

We’ve driven Little Cottonwood in just about every season. The “quick version” is simple. Exit I-215 at 6200 South/Canyons. Roll east to SR-210.

If you’re interested, stop at the Temple Quarry for five minutes of history then let the road climb. If we’ve got a couple hours and it’s not winter, we’ll ride the tram for a panorama and a dose of high-elevation air.

If it’s July, we aim for Albion Basin early when the light is soft and the parking still civilized. Timing the height of the wildflower colors is always a challenge.

In September and October, leave the car at Snowbird and walk the service roads … later to become ski runs … for an eyeful of gold. On a winter storm day, not being skiers, we stay home.

What To Expect, What To Bring

You’re in a high-alpine canyon minutes from a metro area. Weather can pivot fast. A sunny morning can turn to hail at lunchtime. Cell service is spotty in the narrows.

Shoulders are narrow and trailhead lots fill quickly on weekends. Bring layers, water, sun protection, and patience.

Respect closures and the watershed rules. There are plenty of places to dip feet and bring dogs elsewhere, but not here.

Why This Short Byway Still Feels Big

Little Cottonwood Canyon packs a lot into a seemingly short drive. The stone that built a city. A tram that lifts you into the sky.

And a couple of basins that trade powder storms for fields of wildflowers in a matter of months.

Even if you only have an afternoon, the Little Cottonwood Canyon Byway delivers a full-strength Wasatch experience with zero fuss.

Point the SUV up the canyon, let the walls rise and give yourself some time to pull over when you see something you can’t ignore.

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