When you live in Utah, you don’t have to travel far to find a great hiking trail. There’s a beautiful hike that takes you through an enchanting forest, and it’s just a few miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore.
You’ll find the trailhead for the Willow Heights Trail just past the Silver Fork Lodge, about 11 miles up the canyon. Watch for it on your left.
Javier Núñez/Google
This pretty trail is just 2.2 miles long, round-trip, and it’s got all the classic beauty of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provides plenty of shade on a hot, summer day.
Alyson Smith/Alltrails
This trail is easy for most hikers, gaining an elevation of only about 500 feet. Enjoy the scenery while you stroll.
Marc Chance/Alltrails
In July and August, you’ll get an eyeful of color right alongside the trail.
Christa Woodall/Alltrails
Vibrant wildflowers blanket the forest and fields in the canyon. Bring your camera to capture their beauty, but make sure to leave them where they grow so that others can see their splendor, too.
Ramo Mano/Alltrails
As you emerge from the forest, you’ll be treated to beautiful mountain views.
Kelsey Ott/Alltrails
Your destination is Willow Lake, and you’ll reach it quickly. You’ll see Solitude Ski Resort in the distance.
Sue Heiser/Alltrails
Say hello to the local residents! You’ll almost always find a few ducks hanging out on the little lake, and in warm months, you might even see some darling ducklings.
Brad Ackerson/Alltrails
The other residents you’re likely to see are moose, which are plentiful in the canyon. Don’t get too close to these massive forest creatures - just admire them from afar.
Rick Saunders/Alltrais
The Willow Heights Trail is a great adventure, and it’s often quite busy, especially on weekends. If possible, hike early on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Emma Casper/Alltrails
As always, please be a good steward when you visit this place. Remember to pack out everything you bring in, and be mindful that others are enjoying this wilderness. Stay on the trail to protect the vegetation surrounding it, and leave no trace.
Coralee/Google Because Big Cottonwood Canyon serves as a watershed area, dogs aren’t allowed here, so leave your pup home for this one.
Have you hiked the Willow Heights Trail? We’d love to hear about your adventure! If you’re looking for another easy trail, check out this pretty parkway trail that’s perfect for almost everyone.
Javier Núñez/Google
Alyson Smith/Alltrails
Marc Chance/Alltrails
Christa Woodall/Alltrails
Ramo Mano/Alltrails
Kelsey Ott/Alltrails
Sue Heiser/Alltrails
Brad Ackerson/Alltrails
Rick Saunders/Alltrais
Emma Casper/Alltrails
Coralee/Google
Because Big Cottonwood Canyon serves as a watershed area, dogs aren’t allowed here, so leave your pup home for this one.
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