View east along the lower canyonLittle Cottonwood Creek Trail
This is a lower-altitude alpine ride that starts right at the mouth of Salt Lake City's Little Cottonwood Canyon. (Some bikers incorrectly call this the "Quarry Trail." The real Quarry Trail does start here, but it's a paved nature tour on which bikes are banned.) The trail is a fairly wide single-track with some rocky sections. It's usually open by mid-April and can be ridden until November. (Patches of snow may be encountered in early or late season.) Out-and-back, the trail covers 7 miles. Elevation gain is 1300 feet. Note: dogs are not allowed on the Cottonwood Canyon trails.

The ride starts on the dirt trail that parallels the paved Quarry Trail. As it intersects the electric plant road, follow the trail sign uphill (L) to the end of the pavement, where dirt continues.
After three and a half miles (and 1300 feet vertical), the trail ends across the creek from an old ruin (GPS N 40° 34.231' W 111° 43.024').

Ruin on Little Cottonwood Creek

Little Cottonwood Creek Trail Map

Getting there: From the south, take the 90th South I-15 exit, which turns into 94th South. Continue east to the mouth of Little Cottonwood. Just before the stop sign (where you turn right onto the road up the canyon), you'll see a paved turnoff to your right taking you to the Temple Quarry Trail parking area. Park, and head up the canyon on the dirt trail that parallels the paved Temple Quarry Trail at the end of the parking lot. From the north, take Wasatch Blvd. When you see the illuminated road condition sign at the mouth of Little Cottonwood, turn right then immediately left again into the Temple Quarry parking. The trailhead GPS is N 40° 34.310' W 111° 46.441'.

Copyright 2002 Mad Scientist Software Inc
Trail conditions change, and the layout of a trail may change without notice. Use this trail guide at your own risk.