Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail

The Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not really in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and it’s more a bike path than it is a trail. Honestly, it was a little disappointing in that regard. There was a sign along the way that mentioned Cottonwood Heights Historic Walk. I think they should just call this trail that as it is far more accurate. That is what makes this little walk worth doing though. The historical information you get along the way is really interesting. The trail is also completely paved with very little elevation gain so it is super easy as well.

A few weeks ago I noticed a sign for the Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail at the mouth of the canyon so I obviously was interested in it. I found a little information on it but not much. So, like last weeks adventure it was an exploration! Now, where the Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail starts at the mouth of the canyon and follows the creek up, The Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail starts at the mouth of the canyon and follows the creek down.

Quick Details:

Length: About 1.8 Miles one way, 3.6 round trip.
Difficulty: DR2. Paved, mild elevation.
Elevation Gain: 354 Ft. This will be on the return trip if you start at the mouth of the canyon.
Restroom: There is one in the Park and Ride Lot. (and thank you skiers, it is not only open in winter, but heated as well!) None at either other trail head.
Dogs? No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is watershed.
Other Info: This ‘trail’ goes through neighborhoods, and businesses. Can be regarded as a walk, most of your gear is unnecessary.

There are 3 trailheads:

The one we used (and easiest to locate) is at the SW corner of the Park and Ride lot at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The end of the trail is underneath i215 I’ll give you GPS coordinates: 40.634943, -111.811094 you have to navigate through business parking lots to reach it.

And the Middle trailhead is located at 6708 S. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road 40.629336, -111.802707.

I recommend skipping the bottom altogether, and either starting at the top, going down to the middle, or from the middle going up to the top.

Onto the adventure!

The very busy park and ride lot during ski season.

The trail sign I noticed a few weeks ago. It has to be somewhat new for me not to have noticed it before now, but I’m not sure.

The trail takes you underneath Wasatch Blvd. next to Big Cottonwood Creek.

Looking back towards the mountains above.

So this is what the trail looks like for most of the way. You also never stray too far from a busy road.

The trail is lined with these informational signs describing some of the history of the area.

Sadly, there is little to no evidence of most of the historical buildings mentioned along the way.

At about a half mile the trail comes to Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and appears to just kind of stop. Luckily I read it picks up again after about 1000 yards. Between the points you have to walk along the shoulder of the road, which kind of sucks. I hope they plan on building up this section eventually.

Ah, there it is again.

However now we appear to be in a residential neighborhood.

And, well there is a bar. So if you decide the trail is a dud, you can stop in for a drink.

The creek is now dry. So, somewhere between the upper section and now it must be diverted.

The Old Mill. oddly enough, the most prominent still standing structure didn’t get an information sign. I wonder why that is. As far as I know, the building is not safe and is basically condemned. I believe they leave it up for historical purposes. It looks like they might actually be trying to restore it though, so maybe one day I’ll get to go inside. Also, according to urban legend it is quite haunted, and was even the site of a haunted attraction for a while.

Oh, and you also must cross the street here. There is a crosswalk and not a lot of traffic so it’s pretty safe.

The trail resumes. This is probably the best little section. You stay close to the creek, and a little further from the streets.

It was about this point we recalled we had done this short section some time ago.

The mountains above.

The Old Mill again.

A little closer.

Back to the path. The now dry creek is to the south of us now.

This is the only sign referencing the mill. And only barely.

At the time, I didn’t know what a cedar tree looked like, so I did not locate it. I’m not sure if it still remains.

The creek again.

Nice little covered pedestrian bridge.

From the front.

Empty overflow reservoir.

This is where the middle trailhead is located.

You get a nice view of the mountains from here.

And even a good view of Twin Peaks. You get a pretty exceptional, much closer view of them from the Lake Blanche Trail.

I love the historical information, but it makes me sad that most of the sites have absolutely no evidence of them existing.

The bottom 3/4 of a mile have quarter mile markers. Honestly, I would say go ahead and stop here at the half mile marker. The rest is well… business district. We continued, so you can see.

Trail sign. See, if they just called the whole trail this, I would still be interested in doing it, but my expectations would have been adjusted. It says here the Green House and the Cemetery still exist, but are on Danish and Creek roads. Might have to hunt those down one day.

The trail goes right behind another bar/restaurant’s porch area.

And then you have to cross 3000 east. There is a cross walk with a light to make it safer though.

Crossing under the bridge for Market Street Grill.

And another bridge crossing the creek.

View of the mostly dry creek from the bridge.

Oddly enough, I used to work in this building. I never really noticed the bike path while working there. Also, because I used to work here I know it has been recently vacated. So, when a new tenant arrives, the parking lot may not be as empty as it is now.

Nearing the end of the trail. That would be i215 there.

And the trailhead sign from the bottom of the trail.

It looks like the path might continue a little further down, but this was the expected destination for the day and so we decided to turn back.

Under i215.

Looking back towards Market Street Grill and the mountains.

Waiting for the cross walk.

I like the view of Twin Peaks. They are pretty well hidden from most areas of the valley.

The moon has come out.

Little bit of sunset color.

Back to the covered bridge.

The mountains and Big Cottonwood Creek.

Of course, in Utah you can’t do any historic adventure without running across some Mormon touch.

The mountains above again.

Back to the Old Mill.

Above the Old Mill the trail follows the road.

Moon and mountains. You can see Twin Peaks are hidden again.

The short section of walking along the shoulder of Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. It’s a little more disturbing to do after dark. I knew I was pushing daylight but with this particular trail it was less of a concern, and it really wasn’t except for this section.

The moon above Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Another shot of the path.

Nearing the end again.

View of the valley below, with some headlights from Wasatch Blvd.

Well, that was interesting. Honestly if they kept it named Cottonwood Heights Historic Walk, I would still have done it, with better expectations. I was expecting something closer to the Quail Trail and instead got a neighborhood walk. It’s not horrible, but it’s not a trail either. Going with 5 out of 10 squirrels. Only getting 5 due to easiness, and historical information.

As for difficulty, The trail is mostly paved, and there is little elevation. It is stroller friendly as well. Going with a DR2.

Dogs are allowed! Although they must be leashed. There are several bag stations so be sure to clean up after your furry friends!