Utah / Salt Lake County / Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Dogwood Day Use

Closed — Closed for the season. The 2025 season closed October 12. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during operating season.

About

Dogwood Day Use Picnic Area is a seasonal group picnic facility located just 2 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, conveniently close to Salt Lake City. The area features several group picnic sites with tables, campfire rings, and grills, all accessed by paved parking spurs and pathways. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the picnic area, providing opportunities for trout fishing. In late spring, dogwoods and lilacs bloom throughout the area, creating a spectacular display among the pines, aspens, and scrub oak. Summer wildflowers paint the canyon with vivid color beginning in late July, and autumn foliage puts on a show in late September. The creek is stocked for trout fishing and is popular among local fly-fishermen. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed, so pets are strictly prohibited, and wading or swimming in the creek is not allowed. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily during the operating season. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trailheads are located throughout the canyon, and Solitude Mountain Resort is 11.5 miles up-canyon.

Directions

Take exit 301 off I-15. Turn east and travel 6 miles on 7200 South to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Travel 1.1 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon to picnic area.

Nearby Campgrounds