Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon are part of the protected watershed of Salt Lake City. The Canyons provide a significant portion of the drinking water for Salt Lake Valley. As such, regulations are in place to keep the water pure.

Dogs and other domesticated animals are not permitted in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons by city ordinance (this includes dogs in vehicles).
Swimming or wading in any lake or stream in the Canyons is also prohibited.

Note: Mill Creek Canyon is not part of the protected watershed, and is a great place to take your dog.
The presentation below provides more information on the history of this protected watershed and how you can help “Keep it Pure”.