Little Cottonwood Canyon

Only 25 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, Little Cottonwood Canyon lies along the eastern border of the Salt Lake Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Basin. Visitors enjoy the sheer ruggedness and beauty of the canyon as they drive up this glacially carved corridor.

At the mouth of the canyon is the site where Mormon pioneers quarried massive granite blocks to build the Salt Lake Temple. You can sometimes spot wild mountain goats on the rocky slopes above.

Wilderness Areas are located on both sides of the steep canyon. Summer recreational activities here include rock climbing, camping, picnicking and hiking.

The canyon is home for two of Utah's ski and summer resorts. At world class Snowbird, Utah's only aerial tramway carries visitors to the roof of the Rockies for a panoramic view from 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. One mile further is Alta. Notorious for shootings in its 26 saloons during the mining days of the 1860's and 70's, Alta died quickly, but livened up again in 1938 as the seat of Utah's first ski resort. The Albion Basin at Alta is famous for wild flowers and is one of the most photographed areas in northern Utah.