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Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Looking for the best backpacking in Cottonwood Heights? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Cottonwood Heights. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Cottonwood Heights

  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Broads Fork Basin and Beaver Pond

    4.0
    5.1 mi / 2083 ft gain
    The Broads Fork trailhead starts in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the same parking lot as the Lake Blanche trailhead, this trailhead is on the west side of the parking lot. The trail is very easy to follow and is well marked. Follow the trail until you come to a great big basin. Here you will be able...
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  • Salt Lake County, Utah

    Lake Blanche & Sundial Peak

    5.0
    9.52 mi / 4098 ft gain
    This is a popular hike all year round, but less popular in the winter. If you’re backpacking you’ll most likely be alone. In winter, the lake is covered in snow, but Sundial Peak is one of the most picturesque mountains in the Wasatch. Especially when it is dusted with snow. You’ll also be far en...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Summit the Pfeifferhorn

    5.0
    9 mi / 3700 ft gain
    Starting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline

    Begin at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the trail up toward Red Pine Lake. The trail gets a little hard to follow after the lake, but find your way up to the ridge between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy. Set up camp and enjoy a night in the high mountains. Morning will...
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  • Draper, Utah

    Lone Peak via the Cherry Creek Logging Trail

    14.8 mi / 6378 ft gain
    You start this trail at the Orson Smith Park in Draper.  It joins with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail briefly before turning off onto the cherry creek logging trail.  It switchbacks for a long ways exposed on towards the valley.  It is fairly steep in places, but doable.  I had tennis shoes with ...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    White Pine Lake

    4.5
    9.97 mi / 2917 ft gain
    Just about 5 miles (2-2.5 hrs) from the trailhead, you will find the beautiful White Pine Lake where the water is an intense blue color. It's an amazing place for photos and just hanging out on a summer or fall afternoon. Along the way you will have great views of mountains of all colors, beautif...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Red Pine Lake Trail

    5.0
    6.94 mi / 1995 ft gain
    Red Pine Lake, located in Red Pine Fork of the Wasatch Mountains, is one of the premier hiking and backpacking destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Red Pine Fork is sandwiched in between White Pine Fork and Maybird Gulch to the east and west, respectively. All three are accessed via the Whit...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Climbing in the Lone Peak Cirque

    4.0
    Lone Peak reaches 11,253 feet at its summit. It's alpine feel is unique as it stands above the busy city below. While this gem is one of the highlights in the Wasatch range, it must be earned. A long steep approach, best done at night in the summer months, deposits you in the high meadow surround...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Winter Backpack to Dog Lake and Backcountry Ski Reynolds Peak

    4.5
    5 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The hike is considered moderate, but the 1500ft. elevation gain (2100ft. to Reynolds Peak) will definitely get your heart rate up. Snowshoes/skins are recommended but the trail is often packed enough to do without them.After crossing the street from the Spruces parking lot, follow the trail past...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Backpack Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak

    3.5
    3 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Any chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lak...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Camp at Willow Lake

    4.6
    2.41 mi / 659 ft gain
    The trailhead to Willow Lake is about 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and is on the north side of the road right after the passing lane begins. It can be easy to miss, and is only marked with a plaque on a rock (40.630302, -111.604639). As you hike a little in from the road you will see the tra...
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  • Salt Lake County, Utah

    Willow Lake

    4.5
    2.41 mi / 659 ft gain
    The Trail: Follow the marked trail and you'll hike less than a mile up to the edge of Willow Lake. Moose like to hang out in the thick willows there, so make lots of noise to warn them that you're coming and you won't startle any. Standing on the shoreline, you'll have a great view of Solitude ...
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  • Provo, Utah

    Backpack to Silver Lake

    4.4
    4.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The trail is 4.1 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun.When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed ...
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  • Provo, Utah

    Camp at Silver Lake

    4.5
    4.4 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Silver Lake is a wonderful place to go if you're in need of a quick adventure in the woods.  Located in the the Uinta National Forest, Silver Lake is relatively easy to get to via American Fork Canyon in Utah, however I do recommend driving a car with 4WD and can handle steep dirt roads with shar...
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  • 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...
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  • Pleasant Grove, Utah

    Rock Climbing American Fork Canyon

    4.7
    American Fork Canyon, UT has a rich history in outdoor activity. Little do most people know that American Fork was the birth place of steep, overhanging, sport climbing. Developed by locals, now legends, in the climbing world like Boone Speed and Jeff Pedersen amongst others. This canyon came ...
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