Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Utah Highway 210, more commonly known as Little Cottonwood Canyon Drive, is a major year-round access route for outdoor adventure tourists and locals alike. Whether you are headed to Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts in the winter or the many hikes in the summer, there is always a steady stream of cars headed up and down.

One aspect of this area that is commonly overlooked is the amazing colors that come alive in the autumn. The canyon is loaded with aspen, maple, and oak that all burst into color in September or October. There are restaurants, lodging, and activities at the top of the canyon in the town of Alta and at Snowbird. There are also campsites and many hikes within the canyon to keep everyone happy if they want to get out of the car. Moose, hummingbirds, and red-tailed hawks can be spotted in the summer and fall. During the winter, mountain goats graze on the steppes of the canyon mouth. This is a great drive that can be about the destination or just simply the journey.

Please be careful when driving in the canyon. The views are great, but remember to keep your eyes on the road. There are not many guard rails, and there are a large number of road bikers in the warm seasons. Winter conditions often lead to traction requirements such as four-wheel drive or chains, so be sure to check conditions on Highway 210 before you head out.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Wildflowers in summer. Amazing autumn colors. Lots of wildlife. Many trails along the road.

Cons

Not many view areas. Falling rocks. Crowded at times. Closures due to avalanches.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Wildflowers
Big vistas
Mine
Geologically significant
Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Adventures

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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