Salt Lake Ranger District

Little Cottonwood Canyon

The mountainous Salt Lake Ranger District is the classic "urban" forest where more than a million people reside in the adjacent Salt Lake, Davis and Tooele Counties. The annual snow pack is both an important source of water for local communities and a draw for alpine skiers worldwide seeking the "Greatest Snow on Earth." The District's proximity, scenic beauty, and year-round recreation opportunities means that it is a beloved and busy place. An ongoing challenge for the District is to carefully balance the natural resource capabilities with public needs and desires. The public, in turn, plays a crucial role in keeping the District a vibrant place to visit and play.

Photo of the picnic pavilion with picnic tables at the Altamont Group Campground. Photo of the picnic pavilion with tables and a fire ring in the middle. Photo of the picturesque mountain that can be seen from the campground. This photo shows the Altamont Group Campground entry sign off the side of the road. Old tree in Stansbury Mountains

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Salt Lake Ranger District
6944 South 3000 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(801) 733-2660
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
 
Reservations: The National Recreation Reservation Service takes reservations for most campgrounds up to 240 days in advance at 1-877-444-6777 or on the internet at www.recreation.gov These sites can be reserved no less than 5 days in advance.
Rentals & Guides: Big Water Yurt reservations: 801-483-5473
Yurt:  Located 4.5 miles past the winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon (just above Maple Grove parking area).
Capacity:  Max. 8 people
Rental Fee:  $75.00, includes 4 vehicle passes
Amenities:  wood heating/cooking stove/table and benches
Restroom:  Next to yurt
Big Water Yurt Information
Permit Info: The Salt Lake Ranger District does not issue firewood cutting or Christmas tree cutting permits.  The Salt Lake Ranger District has discontinued the rock permit program.  The Bureau of Land Management, Salt Lake District office does issue rock permits for their area.  Contact them at (801) 977-4300 for information, and directions to the office.
 
Restrictions: Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are watersheds:  NO PETS ALLOWED EVEN IN VEHICLES.
Passes: Mill Creek Canyon user fee is $5.00/per car, $3.00/senior, and $50.00/yearly pass.  Fees are paid when you leave the canyon.
The upper gate (winter gate) in Mill Creek Canyon is always closed on November 1st.

Activities

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Salt Lake Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Salt Lake Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Salt Lake Ranger District

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Salt Lake Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Salt Lake Ranger District

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Salt Lake Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Salt Lake Ranger District

Visitor Programs

Areas for Visitor Programs at Salt Lake Ranger District

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Salt Lake Ranger District

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Salt Lake Ranger District