Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Little Cottonwood Canyon

Conditions at Little Cottonwood Canyon can shift the best route, launch, campsite, or turnaround time within a single day. Conditions may differ between Sandy and Tanners Flat, so use the forecast for the exact part of the destination you plan to visit.

Planning an Outing at Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT

Start with current observations and official access notices; use the forecast to choose distance, exposure, and turnaround time. For this page, the main planning focus is hiking, biking, camping; verify the approach toward Granite rather than assuming the entire region is operating normally.

Weather Tips

• Check canyon roads, lifts, trailheads, snowpack, freeze-thaw conditions, and seasonal closures before climbing.
• Begin exposed high routes early enough to descend before afternoon thunderstorms or a fast cold front.
• Carry layers and traction when appropriate, and expect smoke or strong wind to reduce visibility even without precipitation.
• Near Sandy, elevation and road exposure can produce conditions unlike those in the nearest valley forecast.

Nearby Towns and Areas

Use this forecast as practical context for outdoor plans near:

• Sandy
• Granite
• Snowbird
• Alta
• Albion Basin
• White Pine Trailhead
• Tanners Flat

Adjust the Day to the Forecast

Shorten, relocate, or postpone the plan when observed conditions differ materially from the forecast.

7-Day Forecast for Little Cottonwood Canyon

Weather by Season

Winter

Snow, ice, wind, and road controls can restrict access for days at a time. Winter activities should follow current resort, trail, avalanche-control, and transportation notices. Around Granite, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Spring

Warm valleys can coexist with deep snow, mud, high streams, and closed upper roads. Expect a long transition before summer trail conditions arrive. Around Snowbird, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Summer

The broadest access usually comes in summer, but alpine lightning, cold lakes, mosquitoes, smoke, and sudden wind reward early starts. Around Alta, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Fall

Clear air and cool trails often arrive in fall, followed quickly by hard freezes, shorter daylight, and the first lasting snow. Around Albion Basin, confirm local roads and facilities before committing to the day.

Key Climate Data Points

• Annual average temperature: roughly 38–48°F at high elevations; local elevation and aspect create substantial variation.
• Annual snowfall: substantial at elevation, varying sharply with slope and exposure.
• Warmest months: July is generally warmest, moderated strongly by elevation.
• Coolest months: December and January are usually coolest.
• Wettest season: Winter and early spring bring much of the mountain precipitation, while southern and eastern Utah also receive summer monsoon moisture.
• Driest season: Late spring into early summer is commonly driest before monsoon influence develops.
• Best outdoor window: Late spring through early fall when high roads are open, adjusted for storms and smoke.