Willow Heights

Willow Heights is a great trail that goes to a small but pretty lake located near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail is covered in wildflowers and wonderful scenery along the way. I would say it is mostly easy, but there is definitely a tough section near the beginning to climb up the mountain. After that it is smooth sailing. And, if you are feeling more adventurous you can continue on to Dry Lake. We did this trail a little earlier this year, but uh, there was still a lot of snow so we wanted to come back and see it in the summer.

Quick Details:

Length .75 miles to Willow Lake an additional .75 to Dry Lake
Difficulty: DR4. mostly easy, one quick section of up.
Elevation Gain: 600 ft. to Willow Lake. I would guess an additional 600 ft. to Dry Lake.
Pets: No.

We’ve been spending a lot of time up in Big Cottonwood Canyon lately. It really is a big canyon and I realize there is quite a bit we haven’t explored yet.

Driving up the canyon I saw this beaver den. (Drive By Photo)

Trailhead, the trail name is carved into the rock.

The trail information sign which is a little further back on the trail than I am used to.

Wildflowers.

Steep and rocky for the first little bit.

Wild snapdragon.

And then you go through a thick aspen forest.

It’s almost disorientating.

Don’t forget to look up!

This is a completely different trail when there isn’t snow everywhere! So pretty up here.

Indian Paintbrush.

Before long the thick forest will open and and you will see a clearing ahead. This means you are almost there.

We kind of questioned how closely the snow covered trail followed the actual trail, and well I know at least this is different. This murky spot was a smaller pond below the lake, but now its just kind of a gross blech. Anyway, the trail went around the other side last time.

A great view into Silver Fork.

And, I might be mistaken, but those ridges on the right look like the back side of Devils Castle. The other side is best viewed from Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

And we made it to Willow Lake. You know, now that I can actually see it, instead of a field of snow, I think it might actually be smaller than Dog Lake. Well, the more popular Dog Lake between BCC and Millcreek Canyon. It is probably bigger than the lesser known Dog Lake found on the Lake Mary Trail. I should go back and explore that one again.

But uh, check check it out, we have company.

A little closer. When we entered the clearing he stared us down, but after a moment he just went back to doing moosey things and ignored us.

Taking a nice drink of water.

And moving along. Good, cause I was hoping to start making my way around the lake soon and really didn’t want to get to close.

Quick panoramic.

Very pretty.

Flowers along the trail.

Plenty of water coming out of the lake.

Different angle.

Duck on a rock.

I like this one.

The lake with peaks in the background.

This lake is super pretty but I noticed Dry Lake an the trail sign and it didn’t look too much further so I thought we would continue up to check it out.

A little ways back behind the lake the trail splits. I assumed (later confirmed) the trail to the left went to Dry Lake, and the trail to the right continued around the other side of Willow Lake. About here, the trail starts to take you UP this small canyon next to a dry stream bed.

And then REALLY up this smaller side canyon next to another dry stream bed. This part was really tough, and there was one spot I almost decided to stop and turn around as it was really steep and slick.

After the tough climb we made it to the top of the ridge and continued following the thin trail back into the woods.

Not much further we are near the clearing.

And Dry Lake. It’s …. a dry lake bed. I honestly don’t know what I was expecting, it is called Dry Lake for hells sake, but it is a little underwhelming for the work we put in to see it. However, I am still glad we did it.

It’s a pretty little clearing though.

Some plants growing in the cracked mud. Alright, time to head on back.

Field of bluebells.

There is still snow way up here near the top of the canyon.

More wildflowers.

Near the trail split you can see Willow Lake through the trees. Instead of going back the way we came we took the trail split around the east side of the lake.

We heard something crash through the foliage and well…you can see his head here.

Little bit more here, a wild turkey. This is the first time I have seen one up this canyon (though I had heard they exist) and only the 2nd time we have ever even encountered a wild turkey. The other time was the last time we did Stewart Cascades in Provo Canyon.

The woods! Well, the trail on the east side of the lake doesn’t offer much of a view of the lake.

Wildflowers with mountains in the background.

Panoramic. You can see the little depression where the winter pond was to the left here.

I just love the aspen trees.

Almost a solid wall.

Indian Paintbrush.

And it’s very small but you can make out the structure we saw from below on our hike to Lake Solitude. I think it is the top of a ski lift.

I really enjoyed this trail! The aspens, the wildflowers, the lake, and some great wildlife! This was an excellent choice for today! the trail to Willow Lake was mostly easy, with a quick tough section but it isn’t too bad, and it is mostly shaded. We passed quite a few people on the way up, but had the lake, and most of the trail to ourselves.  Definitely a solid 10 squirrels.

So I would rate that a DR3 for difficulty. After 3/4th of a mile, if that wasn’t enough, you have a few options. If you have little ones with you, or don’t want too much more of an adventure, continue around the lake. See if you can spot a wild turkey and enjoy the forest behind the lake. Not sure how much more mileage it adds, but it shouldn’t be much. If you are looking for more of a challenge, go ahead and follow the trail back to Dry Lake and climb up to get some nice views. But that is going to raise the difficulty to a DR4 due to the steepness of the trail and will add another 3/4th of a mile for a total of 3 miles round trip. I would probably rate that a little lower than 10 squirrels though.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is watershed, so dogs are not allowed.