Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake, is one of the great alpine canyons of the American West. The narrow road climbs through granite cliffs and lodgepole pine forest to two of North America's most respected ski resorts — Snowbird at 8,100 feet and Alta at 8,500 feet, both legendary for their snow quality.
Outside ski season, the canyon offers world-class hiking and climbing. The granite walls are major rock-climbing destinations, particularly the Pentapitch area near the canyon entrance. Hiking trails climb to Cecret Lake (a 2-mile family-friendly walk in summer), Sunset Peak, and the spectacular Devil's Castle ridge. Winter avalanche control sometimes closes the canyon entirely; check road conditions before driving up.