Dogwood Day Use

Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov

Book Now

About Dogwood Day Use

Overview

Dogwood Day Use Picnic Area is just 2 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, conveniently close to Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and biking.

Recreation

Big Cottonwood Creek is stocked for trout fishing and is a favorite among local fly-fisherman. Additionally, many hiking and mountain biking trailheads are located in the canyon.

Facilities

Dogwood offers several group picnic sites, all with tables, campfire rings and grills. Parking spurs and pathways within the area are paved.

Natural Features

In late spring, dogwoods and lilacs bloom throughout the day-use area, creating a spectacular show among the greenery and shade of the pines, aspens and scrub oak. Summer wildflowers paint the canyon with vivid color beginning in late July. Autumn leaves put on quite a show in late September.

Nearby Attractions

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful area known for its soaring peaks, pristine hidden lakes and cascading streams. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails are in the area. Rock climbing is a popular activity as well.

Solitude Mountain Resort is 11.5 miles up-canyon, offering scenic chairlift rides, hiking, a few dining options and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course.

+ More

Dogwood Day Use Reviews

Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!

Top Spots in or near Cottonwood Heights

Cycle Big Cottonwood Canyon

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

5.0

Big Cottonwood Canyon (BCC) is one of the longest rideable canyons in the Salt Lake City area, taking you from the base of the canyon to Brighton Ski Resort. Riders have the option to ride any length of the canyon, all of which will be visually rewarding.There are 3 relatively steep sections in BCC. First, two miles up the canyon, you will climb to the Storm Mountain Camp Area. The ascent is on...

Rock Climbing at Dogwood

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

4.4

If you can avoid the crowds, Dogwood is an easy crag to get to with a lot of 5.fun climbs and a legendary 5.13a sport climb. From the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Dogwood picnic area is 1.1 miles up the canyon. Park on the street to avoid having to pay $8 and walk into the picnic area. Follow the trail that parallels the river and you'll end up right at the base of the crag. If you want ...

Fishing Big Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

4.0

Big Cottonwood Creek is a fun little creek that is often overlooked by the more popular fly-fishing waters of the Provo, Weber, and the Green Rivers of Utah. The fish aren't as big, but make up for it by being less selective with flies and a willingness to go after dry flies any time of the year.I have fished this creek from the mouth of the canyon up to just below Solitude Resort with good luc...

Hike Stairs Gulch

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.2

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for around 2.8 miles, parking will be along the road and there will be a large rock waterfall on the right hand side of the road. The trailhead is just a short distance from that rock fall (40.623824, -111.743208)Stairs Gulch is an easy, short hike, unless you're looking for more. After reaching what is deemed the trail end, continue up the gulch all the way up un...

Hike Heughs Canyon (Olympus Waterfall)

Holladay, Utah

4.5

2 mi / 1000 ft gain

Heughs Canyon starts right on the edge of Salt Lake City, but within minutes, you’re in a shady forest next to a gurgling stream. This is the prefect after-work hike that can be enjoyed year-round. Two miles round-trip and just over 1,000 feet, the path takes you to a beautiful waterfall that flows throughout the year. The trail is dog-friendly and a bit of a local “secret” so you won’t be inu...

Winter Hike to Mt. Olympus

Holladay, Utah

5.0

7 mi / 4200 ft gain

Approach: You can access the well traveled Mount Olympus Trail the same as you would any other season. Park in the trailhead lot or along Wasatch Blvd. The trail starts on the south side of the parking lot.Route Description: Even in the winter the Mount Olympus trail should be pretty straightforward to follow. The trail maintains a packed snow/ice surface even at lower elevations through most o...

More Adventures