Big Cottonwood Canyon guided hiking tour near Salt Lake City

Hike Big Cottonwood Canyon with a guide who adjusts the route to match your group

A 3-hour guided hiking tour in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City starts at the park and ride 15 minutes from downtown, with a live English-speaking guide who customizes the trail based on group preferences and current conditions. Lemonade, trail mix, water and snacks are provided. Children from age 10 are welcome. You bring warm layers and sturdy shoes with good traction.

The experience

Big Cottonwood Canyon sits just 15 minutes from Salt Lake City, and the tour meets at the park and ride at the canyon's base. From there, you hike trails that climb between 6,000 and 12,000 feet depending on which route the guide chooses. The guide adjusts the pace and difficulty based on what your group wants and what the day's conditions allow, so a hike with mixed fitness levels stays together without anyone struggling or bored.

The 3-hour outing includes snack and water breaks along the way, with lemonade, trail mix, granola bars and bottled water provided. You'll have time to stop for photos, spot wildlife if it appears, and let the elevation and the mountain air do their work. The guide leads in English and keeps the group connected to the landscape rather than rushing through it.

You'll need to bring warm layers, weather changes fast at elevation, and sturdy shoes with good traction. The tour welcomes children from age 10 up, and service animals are allowed. If you don't have your own transportation to the canyon, the guide can help coordinate carpooling with other guests in the group, though the guide cannot provide transport directly.

What’s included

• Lemonade, trail mix, granola bars and bottled water.
• snack and water breaks along the route.
• a live English-speaking guide who customizes the hike to your group's pace and fitness level.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Sep 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Salt Lake City's Top Guided Hiking Tour - Hiking in the Rockies

Is this one for you?A shared guided hike suits groups of mixed ages and fitness levels who want a guide adjusting the route in real time rather than following a fixed itinerary. If you're hiking solo or with one other person and prefer a private guide, look for a private option instead.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Big Cottonwood Canyon from downtown Salt Lake City?

The park and ride where the tour starts sits about 15 minutes from Salt Lake City, at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

What elevation will I be hiking at?

The trails range between 6,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation. The guide picks the specific route based on your group's preferences and the day's conditions.

What's included in the tour?

Lemonade, trail mix, granola bars, bottled water and snacks are provided. The guide leads the group and adjusts the pace to match everyone's fitness level.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation?

You're encouraged to drive yourself to the park and ride at the canyon's base, but the guide can help coordinate carpooling with other guests if you need it.