Sandy
"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 Adventures in Sandy
Hike and Fish Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir
This is one of my favorite spots in the state of Utah! It is completely secluded high up on the Wasatch front. You can hike here for a nice relaxing day, an overnight camping trip, or do a little fly fishing and hook some fun little brooke and cut...
9 miles
4182 ft gain
Hike South Thunder Mountain via Bell Canyon
Starting at the Bell's Canyon trailhead, the trail follows a river for most of the way, passing two reservoirs and two waterfalls. This trail is intermediate, depending on your destination. The first and most commonly visited section of the trail ...
13 miles
6300 ft gain
Hike to Bell Canyon's Waterfall
If you keep a steady pace, the hike takes about an hour each way, so allow time when trying to catch the sunset. The hike is pretty easy until right before you reach the falls, where there is a big, steep hill you have to climb.From the parking lo...
4 miles
1500 ft gain
Backpack Lone Peak via the Cherry Creek Logging Trail
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 stee...
15.8 miles
6683 ft gain
Hike to Lone Peak
The main trail to Lone Peak is via Jacobs Ladder. To get to the start of the trailhead you need to drive on a dirt road for a little bit until you get to a little parking area (start of the road indicated on the map).The trail starts just south of...
12 miles
5000 ft gain
Singletrack on the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
The first portion of the trail is smooth, hard-pack dirt with a gentle slope. After a mile, the slope increases. Rocky sections will test your bike handling skills. ("Endos" are common on this trail during the ride back.) Most of the year, you'll ...
7 miles
1300 ft gain
Fish at the East Riverfront Fishing Ponds
These are great little ponds located at 11267 S. River Front Pkwy in South Jordan. It is just off of a section of the Jordan River. Kidney Pond is the one located just by the parking. Midas is just above and you can see it from the parking. You ca...
0 miles
0 ft gain
Camp at Willow Lake
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 h...
2 miles
Hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon's Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a beautiful little waterfall with minimal crowds. When I say minimal, I mean I've only seen another person there 1 of the 5 or 6 times that I have been. Take it in. Stay a while. Scramble around the small canyon for different persp...
Rock Climbing at Dogwood
If you can avoid the crowds, Dogwood is an easy crag to get to with a lot of 5.fun climbs and a legendary 5.13a sport climb. From the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Dogwood picnic area is 1.1 miles up the canyon. Park on the street to avoid h...
Fishing Big Cottonwood Creek
Big Cottonwood Creek is a fun little creek that is often overlooked by the more popular fly-fishing waters of the Provo, Weber, and the Green Rivers of Utah. The fish aren't as big, but make up for it by being less selective with flies and a willi...
Cycle Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon (BCC) is one of the longest rideable canyons in the Salt Lake City area, taking you from the base of the canyon to Brighton Ski Resort. Riders have the option to ride any length of the canyon, all of which will be visually re...
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Dogwood Day Use
Overview Dogwood Day Use Picnic Area is just 2 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, conveniently close to Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and... -
Salt Lake City, Utah
Storm Mountain
Overview Storm Mountain Day Use Area is just 3 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, conveniently close to Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and... -
Sandy, Utah
Tanners Flat
Overview Tanners Flat Campground is located in scenic Little Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of 7,200 feet, just 6 miles from Sandy, Utah. The canyon offers many hiking and biking opportunities.R... -
Sandy, Utah
The Cliff Lodge
Within walking distance to Snowbird’s pedestrian village, The Cliff Lodge offers comfortable lodging for the whole family or group. An on-site ski rental and repair shop and complimentary ski locke...From $300/night
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Provo, Utah
Granite Flat (Utah)
Overview Granite Flat Campground is located a short distance up scenic American Fork Canyon, less than a mile from Tibble Fork Reservoir. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails... -
Salt Lake City, Utah
Jordan Pines
Overview Jordan Pines Campground is located in scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon at an elevation of 7500 feet. Salt Lake City is conveniently close. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking and fishing.Recreation ...
