5 Best Canyons to Explore near Salt Lake City, Utah
Mount Timpanogos in the distance on a wintery drive in American Fork Canyon.
Utah is a state that is full of surprises. Most people visit the state to spend time in one of its five awe-inspiring national parks or to ski at the many world-class resorts. A lesser known itinerary is to explore some of the great canyon and valley drives within an hour from Salt Lake City. In a recent trip, we spent time exploring in the Salt Lake City and Park City area, and here are our top five canyons (or valleys) to explore.
#5 Provo Canyon (See Map)
One of the main routes from the Salt Lake Valley into Park City, this route is the busiest on our list and is open year-round. Although highly trafficked, the valley is stunning and has many sights to explore. The route through Provo Canyon winds past Bridal Veil Falls, a 607 foot, two-tiered waterfall located right next to the highway. Take time to hike to the base of the falls for a spectacular view of the cascade.
Driving along Provo Canyon Highway
Further down the highway, you drive along the Deer Creek Reservoir and pass Deer Creek State Park. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with sailing, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. In the winter, a great activity in the valley is to visit the Ice Castles: this award-winning frozen attraction consists of castles made by using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists and illuminated by LED lighting.
The Provo Canyon drive ends in the gorgeous Heber Valley where you can marvel at the scenery and beautiful homes on this route or stop and enjoy a meal on a patio in Heber City or Midway (we love the Midway Mercantile Restaurant in downtown Midway).
#4 Little Cottonwood Canyon (see map)
A seven mile scenic byway is an out and back road that is open year-round. This canyon is prime location for bouldering and rock climbing. Hiking, camping, picnicking, and skiing are also popular in this area.
Wildlife along Little Cottonwood Canyon
Two resorts are located within the valley for skiing and summer activities. Snowbird offers Utah’s only aerial tramway that takes guests up 11,000 feet to a vista point on Hidden Peak. Alta is the second resort in the canyon with a history that goes back to early miners in Utah. At the end of the canyon, hikers can enjoy Albion Basin, a perfect spot for summer walks and nature viewing.
#3 Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (see map)
The Mirror Lake Highway is a must-experience drive for nature lovers. This road heads east from Kamas into the Uinta Mountain range, the highest in Utah. The highway follows the Provo River on it’s meandering journey through the mountains, and there are many picnicking and camping spots along the route (note that there is a fee to use the area - click HERE for more info).
Provo Falls and Mirror Lake are two of the main sights along the highway, and they can be accessed in warmer months. Visitors can also hike, camp, fish, and ride ATVs in the area. In the winter, the road closes at Soapstone Basin Road limiting access to Provo Falls and Mirror Lake by car, but there are still many activities along the stretch that is open in the snowy season. Snowmobiling and Nordic skiing are popular outdoor activities in the area in winter. We loved stopping at Soapstone Basin Road and playing in the snow and watching the Provo River.
Soapstone Basin Road crossing the Provo River
#2 Big Cottonwood Canyon (see map)
Big Cottonwood Canyon is open year-round, but Guardsman Pass closes in the winter. When Guardsman Pass is closed, access from Salt Lake City to Park City by the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway is restricted; however, it is worth exploring at all times of the year.
Guardsman Pass offers some of the best views in the canyon, and driving down the pass towards the ski areas of Brighton and Solitude gives you panoramas of the slopes and the canyon floor. Stop along E. Skyline View Lane to take photos as you drive down the pass into ski territory.
Scenic view from E. Skyline View Lane near Brighton
Silver Lake is a wonderful hiking area with boardwalks and beautiful views of the mountains near Solitude. In the winter, the lake is turned into a Nordic center for cross-country skiing. Moose are often seen near Silver Lake and in the marshy areas of the canyon.
Two of our favorite spots are Reynolds Flat near S. Cardiff Fork Rd. and the Mill B South Trailhead. Reynolds Flat is a great nature viewing area where you can see beaver, moose, and deer. From this area, you can hike to Donut Falls or in the winter, you can bring a tube and slide down a popular hill for tubing or sledding. The Mill B South Trailhead is located on the side of the road in a bend in the canyon. This trail follows along Big Cottonwood Creek and is a starting point to hike to Lake Blanche.
Big Cottonwood Creek as viewed from the Mill B South Trail
#1 American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop (see map)
Our favorite canyon near Salt Lake City is the American Fork Canyon. This 20 mile loop has everything and outdoor enthusiast would enjoy. Note that the entire Alpine Loop cannot be driven in the winter months, but many of the amazing sights can still be accessed. Starting from the west, there are spots next to the river for hammocking and caves to explore at Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
Take a jaunt off of the Alpine Loop to visit the Tibble Fork Reservoir. This is a sunbathing spot in the summer and a serene photo location in the winter. You can continue down the American Fork Canyon for more picnicking and hiking spots, or get back onto the Alpine Loop to head toward Sundance.
Winter at the Tibble Fork Reservoir
Along the way, you will see some of the most beautiful groves of Aspen trees as you wind along the loop road (this section closes in winter). A great place to stop is Sundance Resort. The restaurants are wonderful here, and the gift shop and photo gallery are fun to explore. If you have more time in the winter - ski at Sundance. The loop joins with Hwy 189 (Provo Canyon) east of Sundance. In the winter, you can access Sundance from the east since the highest part of the Alpine Loop is closed.
Sunset near Sundance Resort
Explore A Canyon on Your Next Trip to the Salt Lake Area
Next time you visit the Salt Lake Valley or go to one of Utah’s many ski resorts, check out one of these five canyons for a half or full day of exploring. Connect with Utah in a different and intimate way by taking a scenic route, and let us know how your trip went by tagging us with #pinesandcoastlines or emailing us at pinesandcoastlines00@gmail.com. Safe travels… adventure awaits!