A Day in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a long curving canyon.  Today it is home to two ski resorts, a few hundred people, and thousands of animals.

A Little History

Big Cottonwood Canyon was quickly discovered by the Mormon Pioneers, and by 1853, three saw mills were operating in the area.  One family found their way to the eastern end of the canyon and left a legacy that continues to this day.

William Stuart and Catherine Brighton came to the Salt Lake Valley from Scotland. They were Mormon converts.  They would find their way up to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, first to mine silver, and then to run a hotel and store.  As miners would find their way over the pass from Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon, they would stop to spend the night with the Brightons before going up Guardsman Pass into Park City.  Catherine Brighton was an excellent cook and hostess, and her reputation as both soon had her husband running a small hotel.  Catherine's name would be given to a lake, a mountain pass, and a section of Alta ski area in the next canyon.  The name Brighton is now the name of the small village and ski area near where the original Brighton's lived.  Brighton Ski Resort is the oldest ski resort in Utah, and the first to allow snowboarding.

Brighton Today

Unlike the posh village of Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Village is more rustic.

This high mountain marsh is home to many animals.  Unfortunately, some frogs, and salamanders are now close to extinction.

Catherine Brighton named Silver Lake, where she would catch the fish she would serve her guests.  Fishing is still allowed.  The area is a protected area.

To the left is the way to the Salt Lake Valley.  To the right is Guardsman Pass.  The majority of the pass is a gravel road and is only open when the snow has melted.

The original entrance to Solitude Ski Area.

The swankier alpine village at Solitude.

A Tradition of Camping

Mormon congregations are known as wards, or in smaller versions, branches. My ward has a 60-year tradition of camping in Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Spruces Campground. Families can either camp for the three days reserved, or come up for the big dinner. I came up for a day to play in the wilderness and to be with friends. Enjoy the photos.

Yes!  I found the Skittles and Cheetos!

Life would be so much easier if my parents would just let me touch the fire!  (And she was determined to touch!)

Watermelon is my best friend!

Father and son.

When adults play with marshmellows!

Evening Picnic

And a good time was had by all.