Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon are part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest along the southeast side of Salt Lake City. Both canyons provide beautiful backdrops for an elopement destination. The mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon is met with gray granodiorite rock, as a visitor drives through the canyon they can see shales, sandstones, silt, and clay from an ancient beach. The mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon reveals a quarry site where granite was removed to build the Salt Lake LDS Temple and Conference Center. Both canyons contain dramatic alpine scenery, lakes, wildflowers, and opportunities to observe wildlife. Some common activities in these areas include:
Big Cottonwood Canyon Activities
● Visiting Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Blanche, or Silver Lake. All of these lakes are situated next to the mountainside and range from novice to more difficult hiking levels. Each lake is unique with offering exquisite views of rocky spires, alpine trees, and mountain ridgelines.
● Visiting Solitude and Brighton ski resorts is a great option for the avid skier/snowboarder. Additionally, Solitude is home to Sunday Live Music Series every Sunday during the summer from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, disc golf on the summer weekends, and free Saturday morning yoga classes.
● Visiting Silver Fork Lodge for Brunch, a historic lodge overlooks the rugged cliffs of Honeycomb Canyon. Breakfast and lunch are served every day while dinner is only available Wednesday through Sunday. Their menu features huevos rancheros, sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, steak, and salmon.
● Hiking to the Willow Fork Beaver Pond is a short but steep hike revealing groves of aspen trees, meadows, wildlife – birds, marmots, deer, and moose, and the pond itself. This is a perfect destination for an afternoon picnic.
● Attending the Wasatch Wildflower Festival during the month of July. On the weekends experts will hold guided walking tours and more advanced hikes at no cost.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Activities
● Visiting Oktoberfest at Snowbird every August through October is a great way to spend the day. Held on the weekend, this family-friendly fest has a full bier garten, live music, food, and local vendors’ booths of unique items. The best part is, entry is free!
● Attending the Wasatch Wildflower Festival during the month of July. On the weekends experts will hold guided walking tours and more advanced hikes at no cost.
● Attending the Cool Air Concert Series at Snowbird every Saturday afternoon. The concerts are free and attendees can bring their own food or purchase from the deckside eateries.
● Visiting Cecret Lake encompassed by nearby rock fields and alpine trees. The 1-mile hike from the road makes it a very easy walk for families to complete together.
Venues offering wedding services in Big Cottonwood Canyon include Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant, Wasatch Mountain Lodge, and Solitude Mountain Resort. Wedding venues in Little Cottonwood Canyon include Alta Peruvian Lodge and Snowbird. La Caille is another option for a wedding venue that sits right outside the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.