Is Big Cottonwood Canyon the most beautiful place in America?

Mother Nature isn't always the humblest lady, and nowhere does her display get showier than in Utah's Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Utah isn't exactly hurting for rugged beauty and breathtaking natural landscapes either, but Big Cottonwood Canyon "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." takes it to the next level, offering a range of amazing natural wonders that morph and change throughout the year. From the snows of winter, to the wildflowers of spring and summer, and the spectacular colors of fall, there's no off-season when it comes to beautiful sights in this part of the US. To really answer the question of whether Big Cottonwood Canyon is the most beautiful place in America, you'll have to pay a visit and decide for yourself.

Snowy peaks

Though the lower elevations in Big Cottonwood Canyon may not always see large amounts of snow, the high peaks and ridges along the sides consistently get plenty of precipitation in late fall and wintertime. This translates to breathtakingly beautiful views from any point in the canyon, but especially from higher elevations, where you can get a firsthand view of the snow and peaks in the canyon and the mountains of the Wasatch Range beyond. The snow adds drama and a quiet beauty to the canyon's already sensational scenery.

Aside from the Solitude "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." and Brighton "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." ski resorts within the canyon itself, there are other opportunities for winter recreation in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The highest elevation point in Big Cottonwood Canyon is near the Guardsman Pass "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." area, which, though closed to cars in winter, makes for a great snowshoeing route. The Guardsman Pass Trail offers incredible panoramic views of the canyon under its blanket of winter snow.

Rainbow wildflower carpets

On the other end of the color spectrum, Big Cottonwood Canyon erupts into a symphony of colors thanks to the multiple wildflower species that bloom in spring and summer. Wildflower species such as fireweed, Indian paintbrush, wild roses, columbine, sticky geranium, bluebells, and other Western classics are easily spotted throughout the canyon, though the roses tend to favor the west-facing slopes of the canyon. Visitors can also spot some endemic wildflowers such as the Wasatch penstemon, a beautiful blue-purple flower that shares its name with the mountain range surrounding the canyon. The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." even publishes a field guide to flowers in the area so you can identify the beautiful blooms in view as you take a tour.

Flowers are easy to see from the scenic byway while they're in season, but if you want to really judge Big Cottonwood Canyon by its looks, you need to get out of the car and hike through the wildflower fields. The Broads Fork "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." and Silver Lake Loop "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." trails are two great choices for wildflower hikes that are sure to showcase the canyon in its floral finery.

Pristine acres of forests

Not to be outdone by the rocky peaks and gorgeous flowers, the trees in Big Cottonwood Canyon are a sight to behold at any time of year, but especially in fall. Several deciduous species, including aspen and scrub oak trees, create a firestorm of autumnal color as the days shorten and temperatures drop in the canyon. There's a color for every season in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and in the fall, that color is bright yellow; many of the trees here turn a golden shade as their leaves lose their chlorophyll pigmentation. There are plenty of evergreens on display as well, adding green contrast to the fiery fall color.

Stunning water features

There really is an abundance of natural beauty in this 15-mile canyon, which was itself formed by an ancient river that's since dwindled in size to become Big Cottonwood Creek. In addition to the creek, there are multiple lakes in the canyon, including Silver Lake, Willow Heights Lake, Dog Lake, Desolation Lake, and the sisterly trio of Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine. There are also several waterfalls, including Donut Falls "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." and the ironically named Hidden Falls "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.", which is actually a short walk from the scenic byway.

Big Cottonwood Creek isn't the biggest waterway in Utah, but it is quite pretty. It offers recreational opportunities as well, including seasonal trout fishing. However, because the canyon is in a watershed area that provides drinking water for nearby communities, there are some restrictions on use, including wading and swimming. It's also important to note that, due to the watershed status of this area, domesticated animals of all sorts are prohibited in all parts of the canyon, including the creekside campsites. That means your pooch will have to stay put in the car until you're all the way through the canyon.

How to experience it all yourself

One of the most amazing things about this beautiful area is that it doesn't take much effort to get there. It's about 12 miles away from Salt Lake City "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." and is accessible by State Route 190, which is also known as the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway. That means you can easily drive through en route to another part of the state and enjoy the natural beauty of the canyon from the comfort of your car.

However, it's well worth your while to stop and spend some time in the canyon. There are multiple ski resorts here where you can stay overnight and enjoy the scenic beauty at any time of year. Whether you're skiing, going on wildflower hikes, rock climbing, or picnicking on Storm Mountain "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.", there's no shortage of opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Big Cottonwood Canyon.