Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

Plant Stewardship Day 10/2/2025
2025-10-02 | UT
Help identify, track, and/or remove invasive plant species, collect native plant seeds, and participate in native plant restoration in the Tri-Canyons.
Taking direction from CCF’s Plants Crew and in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service, PSVs further CCF’s mission to continuously improve the environments of Big and Little Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons. Volunteers use tools or pull weeds by hand, depending on the type of invasive species being targeted. Work is completed between 8 am and 2 pm, usually on Thursdays (as well as some select Saturdays and other days).

Trail Stewardship Day 10/9/2025
2025-10-09 | UT
The trail system of the Salt Lake Ranger District sees upwards of 5 million visitors each year. Without volunteers, maintaining this trail system would be nearly impossible. Volunteers improve our trails, help protect the environment of the canyons, assist the CCF’s Trail Crew in their professional role, and generally further our collective mission to steward the watersheds of Big, Little, and Millcreek Canyons.
The work is physical and can include long hikes, moving heavy objects, carrying equipment, and repetitive tool use. The work will be directed by the CCF Trail Crew in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service. A typical volunteer day begins at 8am and lasts until noon.

Moonlight Snowshoe Tour
2026-01-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon, 400 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road,, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121, United States
Join us at Spruces Campground
for a Moonlight Snowshoe Tour!
A volunteer naturalist will take you on a 2 hour interpretive hike, and will discuss winter ecology and the nocturnal adaptations of some of the canyon’s most elusive residents. Spruces Campground features gentle, rolling terrain that makes this tour ideal for any participant, whether you are a beginner or an experienced snowshoer. Participants must bring their own snowshoes. Red headlamps are recommended and some are available to borrow. Not recommended for children under 7 years of age. Please meet at the Spruces campground parking lot at 5:45 pm. Please allow extra time for traffic. Spruces Campground is located 13 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, and you will see a sign on the right to take the right turn. We will meet you there.
Registration for this event is free, but required.
Note: We have a limited number of spots available for this event.

Ski with a Ranger
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:00 and 2 more dates | UT
In partnership with the US Forest Service, the Ski with a Ranger program is based at Alta, Brighton, and Solitude resorts.
Participants join Volunteer Naturalist Rangers on the ski slopes
to learn about the Cottonwood Canyons’ geology, history,
winter ecology, watershed, wildlife, and more.
These free, guided tours frequent only easy or intermediate ski runs and last approximately 45 minutes. A lift ticket or pass at the respective ski area is required. Participants must be able to ski beginner and intermediate terrain proficiently. Tours are offered at 1 pm. No registration is required, just meet us at the respective meeting spot.

At Alta Ski Area, please meet at the top of Sunnyside Lift
At Solitude Mountain Resort, please meet at the top of Moonbeam Lift
At Brighton Resort, please meet at the bottom of Snake Creek Express Lift

Ski with a Ranger - Snowbird
2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:00 and 2 more dates | Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, 9385 South Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, UT, 84092, United States
Participants join Volunteer Naturalist Rangers on the ski slopes
to learn about the Cottonwood Canyons’ geology, history,
winter ecology, watershed, wildlife, and more.
These free, guided tours frequent only easy or intermediate ski runs and last approximately 45 minutes. A lift ticket or pass is required. Participants must be able to ski beginner and intermediate terrain proficiently.
Tours are offered at 1 pm.
Please meet at the lift-level back patio of the Creekside Lodge at Snowbird Resort.

Snowshoe with a Naturalist
2026-01-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Alta Ski Area, 10010 Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, Alta, UT, 84092, United States
The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation is proud to partner with Alta
to offer naturalist-led snowshoe tours through Alta’s famous powder!
Join us for a 2-hour tour to learn about the unique history of Alta and about the flora and fauna of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The tour route goes up the Alta Summer Road, so please be prepared for an uphill hike with moderate elevation gain. Participants must bring their own snowshoes.
Registration for this event is free, but required.
Note: We have a limited number of spots available for this event.
