Sandy, Utah

"If you're in Utah for the mountains, Sandy is the place to be. You're only minutes from all the fun that Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons have to offer: Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude resorts; dozens of trailheads for mountain biking and hiking; incredible limestone and granite for rock climbing. "

Top Spots in and near Sandy

  • Brighton, Utah

    Photograph Star Trails at Silver Lake

    1 mi
    Silver Lake is one of the easiest, most accessible hikes in the Wasatch, located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, close to the ski resorts of Brighton and Solitude.The lake is accessible all year; with a boardwalk or a well-signed path circling the lake through spring to fall. In the wi...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Backcountry Ski USA Bowl

    1.6 mi / 1700 ft gain
    To get the the trailhead, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon until you reach the upper entrance into Solitude Ski Resort. You can park on the road just below the entrance to the resort. Across the street is a road called Old Stage Road, this is where the trail head begins. The road is covered in snow...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Hike or Run Mount Wire

    3.7
    4.5 mi / 2082 ft gain
    This 4.5 out-and-back trail starts just south of the Natural History Museum at the University of Utah. Park in the museum parking lot and walk up the stairs to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Then head south along the BST for a few minutes until you reach a big yellow sign with 174 on it. Turn le...
    Read more
  • Brighton, Utah

    Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine (Brighton Lakes)

    4.6
    4.41 mi / 1253 ft gain
    This trail is a local favorite because you can make it as hard or as easy as you want it to be! You can stop at the first lake which is only 1 mile from the parkinglot, or you can go to the top of one or more of the 5 peaks that are surrounding the lakes for an added challenge. It is 3.5 miles ro...
    Read more
  • Brighton, Utah

    Hike and Camp at the Twin Lakes Reservoir

    5 mi / 650 ft gain
    The trailhead begins at the Solitude Nordic Center. Walking around Silver Lake, you get a chance to observe the ducks and lovely wetlands area. This trail then leads you into the lower aspens, and if you are hiking just as fall colors have begun to emerge, they create a glowing effect in the wood...
    Read more
  • Brighton, Utah

    Cross-Country Ski at the Solitude Nordic Center

    Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude Mountain Resort is known for it's quaint atmosphere and great downhill skiing. But for those who want to get away from the crowds, try something different, and get a great workout in the process, it also offers 20 Kilometers of groomed cross-...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Silver Lake

    3.8
    0.94 mi / 49 ft gain
    This quick hike to a beautiful lake in the Wasatch Mountains is perfect for the whole family. Park at the visitor center at the Silver Lake Recreation Area near Brighton Ski Resort, pick up a trail map and walk behind the building to find the trailhead. You can also pick up a wildflower guide at ...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Night Photography at Brighton

    4.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    Park at the main parking lot at Brighton Ski Resort and head up the hill (under the Majestic Lift is a good place to start). Hiking is generally easy, even with snow on the ground, due to compaction of the snowpack during the daytime. However, snowshoeing and skinning with skis can be a good alte...
    Read more
  • Herriman, Utah

    Drive Butterfield Canyon

    4.5
    Butterfield Canyon is a little-known canyon on the west side of Utah Valley. Beautiful any time of the year, it is especially beautiful in the fall—all the leaves changing colors! When you reach the marked location, turn onto Butterfield Canyon Road. Drive until you reach the end of the road (it...
    Read more
  • Provo, Utah

    Camp at Timpooneke Campground

    5.0
    The Timpooneke Campground sits at 7,400 ft. elevation with views of Mount Timpanogos and campsites surrounded by beautiful aspen, fir and spruce trees. The leaves in the fall put on a show you will not want to miss. Within the campground there are 9 equestrian sites, 1 large group site and 20 sta...
    Read more
  • Provo, Utah

    Mount Timpanogos via Timpanogos Trail #053

    4.8
    15.72 mi / 4970 ft gain
    The Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke Campground. There is a $6 fee to enter the canyon, unless you have a National Park Pass with which you get in free. On the weekends, it may be difficult to find parking at the Timpooneke Campground, so arrive earl...
    Read more
  • Provo, Utah

    Timpanogos Basin via Timpooneke Trail

    5.0
    9.78 mi / 3015 ft gain
    The wildflowers are normally at their peak from mid to end of July or the beginning of August. Depending on the amount of snow that year and how wet of a spring we had it could vary a little bit.  But anytime during the mid summer you will encounter amazing Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and other co...
    Read more
  • Provo, Utah

    Scout Falls

    2.95 mi / 938 ft gain
    Starting at a little over 7,300 feet, the Timpooneke Trailhead offers a beautiful alpine setting for starting your hike. Several trails originate from the same parking lot so you will want to make sure you get on the correct trail. The parking lot can also get quite full on summer days as people ...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Hike or Trail Run Mount Van Cott

    4.0
    3 mi / 1400 ft gain
    There are many different trailheads that will take you to the top of Mount Van Cott, but the main trailhead is up Red Butte Canyon. Drive up the canyon until you reach the parking lot where the canyon gate is blocking the road. After parking your car here, head up the dirt road on foot until you ...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Photograph Guardsman Pass & The Alpine Loop

    5.0
    Since this is a loop you can start at either end, but this is the way we did it. Start driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Enjoy the views and take in the impressive peaks on either side of the road. See the changes in vegetation as you gain elevation in the canyon. As you near the top and pass Sol...
    Read more
  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Snowboard or Ski Guardsman Pass

    4.0
    If you want to escape the crowds and get in some nice powder, then a hike up Guardsman Pass is well worth the effort. To reach the trail, park on the side streets just below the gates to avoid the no parking signs and keep your tires just on the road to avoid getting stuck.When you pack up your g...
    Read more