The Big Cottonwood Canyon Hikes Guide: The Best Hikes

Big Cottonwood Canyon hikes are a favorite whether you’re just visiting or live locally. It’s really no surprise because this area has so many trails to offer. Since Big Cottonwood is located roughly only 20 minutes from Salt lake City, it provides a wide variety of hiking trails without wasting precious time on travel. The diversity of hikes and the great views keep people coming back time and time again. In this post, we’ll go over some of the top hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon, so you can know all your options and be ready for your next outing.

Best Big Cottonwood Canyon Hikes 

1. Donut Falls 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 9 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Look for the Mill D Trailhead parking area on the right side of the road. The trailhead for Donut Falls is just past the Jordan Pines Picnic Area. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 180 feet 

Distance: About 1.35 Miles roundtrip 

What Makes Donut Falls Unique: Donut Falls is such a popular trail because of its distinctive waterfall that flows through a circular hole in the rock. This fun and rare feature makes it a must-see spot in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The hike itself is relatively easy, making it accessible for families and beginner hikers. 

2. Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine 

How to Get There: Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 14.2 miles to the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. The trailhead begins near the base of the resort. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Elevation Gain: -700 Feet to Lake Mary 

-880 Feet to Lake Martha 

-1170 Feet to Lake Catherine 

Distance One Way From Brighton Parking Lot 

-1 Mile to Lake Mary

-1.5 Miles to Lake Martha 

-2 Miles to Lake Catherine 

Why Combine These Lakes: The trail to Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine is a great way to see several beautiful alpine lakes in one go. Most people stop at Lake Mary since it’s the most popular, but if you keep going a little further to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine, you’ll get an even better experience. 

3. Lake Blanche 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 4.4 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Look for the Mill B South Fork Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,700 feet 

Distance: About 6.5 miles roundtrip 

Why Hike to Lake Blanche: The hike to Lake Blanche is a challenging one, but it’s worth every step. This trail is popular for its stunning views and the rewarding sight of Lake Blanche nestled beneath Sundial Peak. The trail is steep and rocky, so be prepared for a workout, but the payoff is a picturesque alpine lake. 

4. Kesler Peak 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 5.4 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Look for the Mineral Fork Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. 

Difficulty Level: Difficult 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,000 feet 

Distance: About 5 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: The hike to Kesler Peak is a tough one, known for its steep and rugged terrain. This trail is not for the faint of heart and requires good physical condition and proper preparation. The path can be a bit tricky to follow at times, so having a map or GPS can be very helpful. 

5. Dog Lake

How to Get There: Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 14.2 miles to the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. The trailhead begins near the base of the resort. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 620 feet 

Distance: About 1.9 Miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: There are two Dog Lakes in Big Cottonwood Canyon, but this one is up by Brighton, not the one lower in the canyon. It’s a small lake, but it’s definitely worth the short detour if you’re on your way to Lake Mary or Clayton Peak. This lake is a really peaceful spot, perfect for a quick break or a picnic. 

Keep in mind that dogs are NOT allowed on the Big Cottonwood Canyon trail to the lake. However, they ARE allowed on the Mill Creek Canyon trail leading to the same lake.

6. Bloods Lake 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and take a right onto Guardsman Pass Road. Continue for about 6.7 miles to the Bloods Lake Trailhead parking area. 

Difficulty Level: Easy 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 360 feet 

Distance: About 2.8 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: Before you go, make sure to check that Guardsman Pass is open, as it can be closed during the winter months. The hike to Bloods Lake is relatively easy and perfect for a quick outing. We highly recommend hiking this trail in the fall when the colors are absolutely stunning. Once you get to Bloods Lake, you can continue on Clayton Peak or Lake Lackawaxen for a longer hike. 

7. Broads Fork Trail 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 4.5 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Look for the Mill B South Fork Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. Keep in mind the trail starts from the same parking lot as Lake Blanche. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,150 feet 

Distance: About 4.7 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: The Broads Fork Trail is an awesome hike that has a little bit of everything – peaceful meadows, rugged mountain views, you name it. This trail is much less crowded than Lake Blanche with a bit 

more solitude. It is quite a workout, especially towards the end, so get ready to break a sweat. This trail is beautiful in the summer with all the wildflowers or in the fall when the leaves are showing off their colors. It can get pretty rocky and steep, so make sure you come prepared with sturdy hiking boots. Once you hit the basin, you’ll get some amazing views of the Twin Peaks and the whole area. 

8. Hidden Falls 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 4.5 miles. The trailhead is located just past the “S Curve” in the canyon, with parking available nearby. 

Difficulty Level: Very Easy 

Elevation Gain: Minimal 

Distance: About 0.2 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: Hidden Falls is one of those short and sweet hikes that packs a lot of beauty into a tiny package. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or hiking with the kids. The trail is super easy and only takes a few minutes to reach the falls. Be careful, though, as the rocks around the waterfall can be slippery. 

9. Moss Ledge Waterfall 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 4.2 miles from the mouth of the canyon. The trailhead is located at the Mill B South Fork Trailhead parking area on the left side of the road.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 530 Feet 

Distance: About .5 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: This trail is relatively easy, with a gentle incline, making it great for families and casual hikers. One thing to keep in mind is that the path can get pretty muddy, especially after rain, so good traction on your shoes is a plus. The waterfall itself is beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery that gives it a serene and magical feel. It’s a fantastic spot for some cool photos or just to sit and enjoy the calming sound of the water. 

10. Gobblers Knob 

How to Get There: Millcreek Canyon is located on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley, just south of I-80 and Parleys Canyon. To reach it, take I-215 South from I-80. Use exit 4 off I-215 and turn left (east) onto 3900 South. After crossing under the highway, turn left onto Wasatch Blvd, then take the next right onto Millcreek Canyon Road. 

The entrance to Millcreek Canyon is roughly 0.7 miles from the junction of Wasatch Blvd and Millcreek Canyon Road. 

Difficulty Level: Difficult 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 3400 feet 

Distance: About 7.6 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: Gobblers Knob is a challenging hike to say the least. The most important thing to remember when on this trail is to pack plenty of water because there isn’t any available after the first mile. There are two ways to tackle this hike: you can start from the Butler Fork Trailhead and make your way to Baker Pass before heading onward, or you can start from Millcreek Canyon. 

Most people don’t know it, but Gobblers Knob is the highest peak on the ridge separating Mill Creek Canyon from Big Cottonwood Canyon. Standing at 10,246 feet, Gobblers Knob beats out Mount Raymond by just 5 feet. Expect a busy trail, especially on summer weekends. 

11. Circle All Peak 

How to Get There: Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road to the Butler Fork Trailhead, located about 8.7 miles from the mouth of the canyon. There’s a parking area right at the trailhead. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,440 feet 

Distance: About 3.35 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: Circle All Peak is a local favorite because, even though it’s a bit steep, it’s short and the views are absolutely worth it. The trail starts off in the forest and steadily climbs, giving you amazing scenery the whole way up. When you reach the top, you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the surrounding peaks. It’s a perfect spot to kick back and have a picnic, so don’t forget to pack some snacks. 

12. Mount Raymond 

How to Get There: Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7000 South Wasatch Blvd.) and continue for approximately 8.2 miles into the canyon. The location is roughly 0.6 miles west of the Jordan Pines Campground area. 

Difficulty Level: Difficult 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,300 feet 

Distance: About 7.6 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: This trail is steep and demanding, so make sure you’re ready for a workout. Also be sure to bring plenty of water and healthy snacks, as this hike can take a while. Keep in mind there’s some steep terrain with big rocks when you reach the top. If you’re up for the challenge, Mount Raymond offers one of the best hiking experiences in Big Cottonwood Canyon. 

13. Desolation Lake 

How to Get There: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road to the Mill D North Fork Trailhead, which is about 8.4 miles from the mouth of the canyon. There’s parking available at the trailhead. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,000 feet 

Distance: About 8 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: Desolation Lake is a great hike if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge but nothing too extreme. The trail starts off with a steady climb eventually opening up to beautiful alpine meadows. The lake itself is perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The hike is especially popular in the summer and fall. Bring plenty of water as the trail can take a few hours to complete. 

14. Willow Lake

How to Get There: Once you’re headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, drive for about 11.5 miles. Look for a small, unmarked parking area on the left side of the road, just past the Willow Heights turnoff. 

Difficulty Level: Easy 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 feet 

Distance: About 0.8 miles roundtrip 

Special Considerations: This trail is only 0.8 miles round trip, making it nice for families with young kids or anyone looking for a quick outdoor escape. The path is fairly steep for a short distance, but it’s manageable and well worth it. It’s also a great spot for spotting wildlife, especially moose, so keep your eyes peeled. The best time to hike Willow Lake is in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is just right for photos and the trail is less crowded. 

15. Clayton Peak 

How to Get There: You can start this hike at either the Brighton Lakes Trail or the Bloods Lake Trailhead. The most common and shorter route begins at the Bloods Lake Trailhead on Guardsman Pass Road.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 feet when starting at the Brighton Lakes Trailhead. Approximately 1722 feet if starting at the Bloods Lake Trailhead. 

Distance: About 6 miles roundtrip from Brighton Lakes Trail and 5.5 miles roundtrip from Bloods Lake Trailhead. 

Special Considerations: Clayton Peak is an awesome hike that’s all about the views. The go-to starting point is the Bloods Lake Trailhead, which keeps things shorter and more accessible if you’re up for a quick but tough trek. Once you hit the top, you’re in for a treat with stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and the Heber Valley. If you’re into hikes that challenge you a bit and reward you with some of the best vistas around, Clayton Peak is a must-do. 

16. Brighton Lakes Loop

How to Get There: Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 14.2 miles to the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. The trailhead begins near the base of the resort. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet 

Distance: About 3.8 mile loop 

Special Considerations: The Brighton Lakes Loop is an awesome trail if you prefer hiking a loop instead of an out-and-back. This loop connects Twin Lakes Reservoir with Lake Mary, giving you a chance to explore multiple lakes in one hike. Starting from the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot, you’ll make your way up to Twin Lakes Reservoir, then continue to Lake Mary. Once at Lake Mary, you can take a short detour to visit Lake Martha and Lake Catherine. Follow the Brighton Lakes Trail back down to the parking lot to complete the loop. 

The Big Cottonwood Canyon Hikes Guide Conclusion

Big Cottonwood Canyon hikes are awesome for their versatility and amazing views. It’s important to know that swimming is not allowed in the canyon, and dogs are prohibited due to watershed protection regulations. Also, there isn’t a fee to drive into Big Cottonwood Canyon, but be prepared for fees at picnic areas and for day and camping use. 

Before you head out on any Utah hikes, stop by General Army Navy Outdoor or visit our store online. We’ll outfit you with all the gear you need for an excellent adventure.