One of Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway's trademarks is its easily accessible beauty. Just 25 miles from Salt Lake City, pristine backcountry adventures, ranging from skiing and hiking to mountain biking and bouldering, await. During the summer and fall wild flowers add additional flair, delicious scenery, to the outing.
The byway leads to Utah's first ski area, Alta. Established in 1938, for skiers only, the resort still boasts an old-fashioned, down-home feel. Alternately, try Snowbird, the byway's other ski resort. At Snowbird, ride Utah's only aerial tramway to the roof of the Rockies and enjoy the descent on skis or a snowboard.
In the summer, the ski metropolis becomes a lush, green getaway. Try hiking the pleasant Red Pine Trail to beautiful mountain lakes. The Maybird Lakes Trail leads to three tiny alpine lakes and offering views of peaks that rise to nearly 12,000 feet. For the more adventurous, the Pfeifferhorn Trail tops out at 11,326 feet. Dozens of trails in the area lure you on to hike some more.
Little Cottonwood Canyon entices climbers not only with its multi-pitch slab routes on fine white granite, but with the bouldering it offers among massive boulders scattered among cool, shady woods. The two attract climbers from all over the world. Alternately, if you prefer mountain biking, ride in Albion Valley -- a trail suitable for the entire family. Just past Alta Ski Area at the end of Little Cottonwood Canyon the road turns to dirt and climbs gently up to Albion Campground. The route has nice views down canyon and in late summer, beautiful wildflowers fill the basin.
Beginning at the eastern border of the Salt Lake Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Basin floor, the Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway leads to a glacially carved natural oasis, a respite from the hubbub of city life. Winter or summer, a myriad of activities await, from the valley floor to the surrounding peaks that rise to nearly 12,000 feet.
