July has arrived, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures, and, for many of us, a migration into the higher elevations in the mountains. This time of year, my weekends officially shift upwards to finding cool air and shady forests.
Living in Salt Lake County means having world-class outdoor recreation within reach at any time. Within minutes, you can leave the heat of the city behind and find yourself hiking through stunning mountains and hills.
To celebrate the season, I wanted to share what I think are some of the best hikes in Salt Lake County, along with some important information about the new parking fees at certain lots in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Where can I Bring my Dog Hiking in Salt Lake County?
A friendly reminder that since the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are protected watersheds, no dogs are allowed. Learn more about why this is the case here. You can also visit our last Canyons blog on our watershed and how it can get to your faucet in less than 17 hours!
Mill Creek Canyon allows dogs (on-leash for EVEN numbered days, and off-leash on ODD numbered days). Dogs are also allowed on leash in recreation areas in the Southwest region of the County, including the Butterfield, Yellow Fork, and Rose Canyons.
My Favorite Summer Hikes in Salt Lake County
Butterfield Trail System
If you've never explored the Oquirrh Mountains, the Butterfield Trail System is one of the best places to start. Located on the southwest side of the County, this recreation area offers an extensive trail network you can use to create the perfect loop for your needs. It is suitable for trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and dogs (on-leash)!
Having spent so much time looking west at the Oquirrhs from the Wasatch Mountains, it still takes my breath away to stand in the Oquirrhs themselves and look back across the valley.
Bonus? Free and often plentiful parking!
Lake Blanche Trail
Lake Blanche is one of those hikes I come back to year after year. There is something magical about this hike as it climbs through the aspen forests and slowly reveals the lake sitting beneath Sundial Peak. Even after several visits, that view never gets old.
It is a bit of a workout, but the reward is well worth it.
One thing to remember is that the Lake Blanche Trailhead is within one of the new Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) fee areas in Big Cottonwood Canyon, so be sure to have the appropriate parking pass before you head out. (Tip: you might already have the necessary pass, check out the information below to check)
Pipeline Trail
Running along Millcreek Canyon, Pipeline offers a wonderful hike that can be tailored to your own adventure. You can make it as long or as short as you'd like, while avoiding major elevation changes. Personally, I find it ideal for a gentle mountain bike ride (on EVEN numbered days) or an after-work stroll. The best part? You're in the shade for almost the entire time, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
New Parking Fees in the Cottonwood Canyons
If you're planning to hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon this summer, please be aware of some important parking changes.
To help fund trail maintenance, parking improvements, sanitation services, visitor safety, and resource protection, while also encouraging carpooling, the U.S. Forest Service implemented Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) fee areas at two popular trailheads.
I encourage you to read this blog to learn more about REA areas in the Central Wasatch.
One important detail that may surprise visitors is that the fees apply to the entire designated fee area, not just the official parking lots. This approach is intended to help mitigate significant increases in roadside parking. That means roadside parking within a posted boundary also requires a valid pass.
Current REA fee areas include:
Big Cottonwood Canyon
· Mill B / S-Curves (summer)
· Cardiff Fork (year-round)
· Donut Falls (summer)
· Spruces Winter Trailhead (winter)
· Silver Lake Recreation Complex (year-round)
Little Cottonwood Canyon
· Grit Mill Trailhead (year-round)
· White Pine Trailhead (year-round)
If you regularly enjoy hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon, purchasing an annual pass may be the easiest option.
Current pass options include:
· $10 three-day pass
· $20 seven-day pass
· $60 Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Annual Pass
· $80 America the Beautiful Pass
Visitors can purchase passes at select trailhead kiosks, from participating local vendors, or at the Salt Lake Ranger District office. You can also buy the passes online here. However, we encourage purchasing locally whenever possible as a greater portion of that investment stays in our canyon system, and it gives you the opportunity to connect with local staff, ask questions, and learn more about these incredible places.
My recommendation? Every year for my birthday, I buy an annual pass from the Salt Lake Ranger District. I keep it on my dashboard year-round (secured with a piece of tape), and then I never have to think twice when I decide on a last-minute trip to the mountains.
Enjoy the Trails, Leave Them Better Than You Found Them
Our mountains provide cooler temperatures, clean water, incredible wildlife habitat, and endless opportunities for adventure. Wherever you go to explore, trails offer a chance to disconnect from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with our natural world.
However, before any outing, a little planning goes a long way. Have a plan before setting out, be prepared for changing conditions, and remember that the small actions we take such as packing out trash, respecting trail closures, and understanding parking requirements, help ensure these places remain special for everyone.
Happy trails, and I'll see you out there.