Willow Heights Lake is a popular destination year-round in Big Cottonwood Canyon for families looking for a short hike with the kids, for backcountry skiers in Winter, and for me, what I call a “bonus hike”. A bonus hike is a super short hike that I will do after another longer hike in the area. In this case I just hiked the Mt. Wolverine Cirque to Brighton Lakes (8 miles), and wanted to see Willow Heights at the height of Fall.

About

Willow Heights is nestled on the north side of Big Cottonwood Canyon, just below the Wasatch Crest Trail and across from Solitude Ski Resort. The trail features a series of long switchbacks that open into a stunning meadow filled with aspen trees. Fast hikers can reach the lake in under 30 minutes, while families or casual hikers may take around 1–1.5 hours one way.

Once you reach Willow Heights Lake, you can hike around its entire perimeter for an extra half mile. For an easier climb and the best views of Mt. Raymond to the west, take the loop counterclockwise.

Note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail or anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon due to watershed regulations.

Directions

From SLC, head south on I-215 and take exit 6 for Wasatch Blvd. Turn left into BCC. Reset your odometer to 0. Drive 11.6 miles up the canyon road. The trail starts on your left (North), right by a 35 MPH signs, though you can’t see the sign unless you are driving back down the canyon. The trail is just past the Silver Fork Lodge. You will most likely see other cars at the TH, if starting after 10am on weekends. Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 2.6 miles RT

Elevation gain: 617 ft

Time: 1-2 hours

Dog friendly? No, dogs are not allowed in BCC

Kid friendly? Yes, very

Fees/Permits? None

 This is where the trail begins, right by the 35 MPH sign, on the north side of the road, and by these rocks.

 You won’t see the official TH sign until a few feet up the trail. It says the trail is .75 miles one way, witth the new switchbacks added it is now 1.2 one way.

When you come to the first trail split, I prefer to stay right hiking the loop counterclockwise. You will get a nice view of Solitdue to the South.

First switchback! Hiking this way is also a bit more gradual uphill.

 Fall is in the air!

I also love hiking this way to have a great view of Mt.Raymond to the West!

Yes the lake is pretty, but my favorite view is looking across to the BCC ridgeline and over to Solitude right before reaching Willow Heights Lake.

Willow Heights Lake! You can walk around the entire lake, in either direction. This adds on 1/2 mile RT (for a total of 2.6 miles RT).

Northern end of Willow Heights Lake, looking South.

What a perfect bluebird day!

If hiking down counterclockwise, make sure not to miss the trail split arrow to stay left. Going straight will take you into a neighborhood.

Thanks for following along!

June

This is taken from the same spot as above but in early Summer. This is another great time to go, when everything is super green and lush.

 

Trail Map

My tracks via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount. I like doing this loop counterclockwise (up the yellow, down the purple).

Save me on Pinterest!