Within easy reach of Salt Lake City, there are several excellent short hikes, suitable for the entire family. Little Cottonwood Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, and Big Cottonwood Canyon. Little Cottonwood Canyon Little Cottonwood canyon was carved by massive ancient glaciers. Little Cottonwood Canyon is part of the Wasatch National Forest and the road passing through its scarred rock walls is a Scenic Byway.
Hiking trails draw visitors to the canyon, as do two large ski resorts.
This is a watershed area and no animals are allowed. Cecret Lake from Albion Basin Glacial Albion Basin, near Alta Ski Resort at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, is one of Utah's premier spots for wildflowers in season. Albion Basin is the end of the road, 11.3 miles from the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The 2.5 miles of road past Alta Ski Resort are unpaved but suitable for passenger cars. Hikers may park at the Albion Basin Campground.