Rising from the Salt Lake Valley floor into the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway delivers one of Utah’s most dramatic alpine drives. The route climbs steadily through a narrow granite canyon carved by ancient glaciers, where towering rock walls give way to dense groves of aspen and evergreen forest.

Along the way, travelers pass rushing Big Cottonwood Creek, popular trailheads leading to pristine mountain lakes, and two world-class ski resorts — Brighton and Solitude. In summer, wildflower meadows blanket the higher elevations while hikers explore trails to Lake Blanche, Donut Falls, and Silver Lake. Come autumn, the canyon transforms into a corridor of blazing gold as aspens put on one of the finest fall color displays in the Intermountain West.

Guard Station trailhead and the Spruces Campground offer excellent spots to stop, stretch, and take in the scenery. At the canyon’s upper reaches, the landscape opens into broad alpine bowls with sweeping mountain views.

The best time to drive is late September through early October for peak fall color, or June through August for wildflowers and hiking access. Allow one to two hours to enjoy the full experience.

Explore Nearby

• Yuba State Park — State Park in Utah
• Willard Bay State Park — State Park in Utah
• Fishlake National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Dixie National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Wildcat Hills Designated Routes — Public Land in Utah