Self-Guided Wildflower Walk: Solitude

Location: Solitude, Utah

Located near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude provides amazing wildflower scenery, especially near Lake Solitude. The best access is to ride the Sunrise or Moonbeam lifts and then walk down (ski lift tickets can be purchased from Solitude Mountain Resort). Please consult Solitude Mountain Resort’s maps for the most accurate information (available at solitudemountain.com).

GPS Coordinates: 40°37’08.0″N 111°35’34.9″W
Click here to see the exact location

Credits: U.S. Geological Survey – National Geospatial Program

When and Where to Observe Wildflowers?

Wildflowers in the Cottonwood Canyons can be observed from May to September, although peak wildflower season is typically during July. Individual species of wildflowers bloom at different times, making the wildflower landscape different every few weeks.

Self-Guided Walks

█ EASY WALK

Shady Lower Mountain Trail,
out and back
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 100 feet

█ MODERATE WALK

Lake Solitude:
Sunrise Lift*,
hike down to Lake Solitude,
out and back
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet

█ ADVANCED WALK

Lake Solitude:
Raptor Loop, Moonbeam Express*,
Raptor Road, Lake Solitude Trail
to U-turn above Lake Solitude
Length: 4.3 miles approx.
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

*Sunrise Lift / Moonbeam Express require tickets

Self-Guided Map Download

Please CLICK HERE (or on the image) to download a printable PDF Self-guided map. The document contains a QR code to open a page with a selection of wildflowers which might be observed (also provided below).

Trail Etiquette During Your Walk

Stay on designated trails

Observe all posted guidelines

Use only bathroom facilities

Do not litter

Keep domestic animals / dogs out of the watershed area

Stay out of the water

Credits: Salt Lake City Public Utilities Watershed Division

Wildflowers to Observe

Here are a few flowers to keep an eye out for while on your hike today.
Click on a color-coded toggle to see the wildflowers’ pictures and information.
Please remember to stay on the trails, practice Leave No Trace, and please don’t pick the wildflowers.

RED Wildflowers (1)