Rising from the Salt Lake Valley floor into the towering granite walls of the Wasatch Range, the Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway delivers one of Utah’s most dramatic mountain drives. The route climbs steadily through a glacially carved canyon, passing sheer cliff faces, cascading streams, and dense groves of aspen and evergreen that blaze gold each autumn.

Along the way, travelers encounter world-class destinations. Snowbird and Alta ski resorts anchor the upper canyon, offering summer hiking, wildflower meadows, and aerial tram rides with panoramic views stretching across the Great Salt Lake basin. Lower in the canyon, historic granite quarries reveal where stone was cut for the Salt Lake Temple. Pullouts along the creek invite picnicking, rock climbing, and quiet moments beside rushing water.

The byway is spectacular in every season — powder-draped winters draw skiers from around the globe, while summer and early fall reward visitors with alpine wildflowers and brilliant foliage. Spring brings snowmelt waterfalls thundering down the canyon walls. Allow one to two hours for the drive with stops, longer if you plan to hike or ride the tram.

Few drives pack this much alpine grandeur into such a short, accessible route.

Explore Nearby

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• Timpanogos Cave National Monument — Dark Sky Site in Utah
• Birch Hollow — Public Land in Utah
• Flight Park State Recreation Area — State Park in Utah
• This Is the Place Heritage Park — State Park in Utah