Big Cottonwood Canyon, Natural canyon in Salt Lake County, United States
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a mountain valley in the Wasatch Range with steep granite cliffs, thick forests, and peaks rising above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). The landscape changes from narrow sections to wider areas, with diverse tree cover and rocky overlooks throughout the canyon floor and sides.
The valley served as an important passage for Native American groups and European settlers, then became a mining area during the 1800s. These earlier uses left marks on the landscape that visitors can still notice today.
The canyon is home to two major ski resorts, Brighton and Solitude, which have shaped how people in Utah spend their winters since they opened in the mid-20th century. These places have become gathering spots where locals and visitors return year after year for snow sports.
A scenic road through the valley provides marked trails, camping areas, and picnic spots for different activities. Pets have restrictions to protect the water supply, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The valley grows rare plants like Wasatch shooting star that are found only in this mountain region. At the same time, the watershed here supplies drinking water to many people living below in the valley cities.
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