Campsite AtlasBirches Picnic Area
Birches Picnic Area is 15 miles from Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Vistors enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking. Big Cottonwood Creek is stocked for trout fishing and is a favorite among local fly-fisherman. Additionally, many hiking and mountain biking trailheads are located in the canyon. Birches has 6 picnic sites, all with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills. Pathways within the area are paved. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Summer wildflowers paint the canyon with vivid color beginning in late July. Autumn leaves put on quite a show in late September.
Campsites
| picnic | 6 |
| Total | 6 |
Amenities & rules
Fees: Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay. Day Use - $10.00 . Extra Vehicle - $10.00 . Big Cottonwood Canyon Season Day Use Pass - $95.00 *. *This pass includes entrance to Mueller Park and Big Cottonwood Canyon day-use areas (Strom Mtn., Dogwood, Birches, Ledgemere).
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
Take exit 301 off I-15. Turn east and travel 6 miles on 7200 South to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Travel 1.9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon to picnic area.
Campgrounds nearby
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.