About Storm Mountain Day Use Area
Overview Storm Mountain Day Use Area is just 3 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 flows through the area, offering trout fishing. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on canyon trails.Facilities The picnic area contains four group sites and several single sites, most of which are accessible. All contain picnic tables and campfire rings. Some sites have grills and serving tables. A historic stone amphitheater is available for reservations.Flush toilets are provided but picnickers must bring their own drinking water. Horseshoe pits are on-site. Roads, parking spurs and footpaths are paved. This picnic area is located in a watershed area and no pets are allowed. Natural Features The picnic area is set among shady oaks and aspens at the foot of rugged Storm Mountain. Vivid summer wildflowers are abundant and autumn leaves put on quite a show. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100. 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 10 miles up-canyon, offering scenic chairlift rides, hiking, a few dining options and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. Silver Lake is another mile past Solitude. Fishing and canoeing are popular activities. An easy trail loops around the small lake.Charges & Cancellations Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts,
How to Get There
From I-215, take the 6200 South exit and travel a mile east to Wasatch Blvd. Take Wasatch Blvd a mile south to junction with Big Cottonwood Canyon/Highway 190. Make a left at the junction and travel up Big Cottonwood Canyon 2.8 miles to the picnic area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Storm Mountain Day Use Area
Heading to Storm Mountain Day Use Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Storm Mountain Day Use Area?
No central reservation system listed for Storm Mountain Day Use Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232106) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Storm Mountain Day Use Area?
From I-215, take the 6200 South exit and travel a mile east to Wasatch Blvd. Take Wasatch Blvd a mile south to junction with Big Cottonwood Canyon/Highway 190. Make a left at the junction and travel up Big Cottonwood Canyon 2.8 miles to the picnic area.
How do I contact Storm Mountain Day Use Area?
You can reach the park at phone: SALT LAKE RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE 801-733-2660 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100 or email: comments@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
