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Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 268 Google reviews · Running trail in Sandy, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Little Cottonwood Creek Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy-going riverfront trail for hiking and mountain biking, also used for family outings.
What runners say about Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
“The road through Little Cottonwood Canyon is absolutely stunning—especially if you’re coming up from the valley.”
“Be sure to take the detour as it leads to a beautiful shaded grove right beside the creek.”
“The trail follows a scenic creek with big boulders, golden aspens, and peaceful mountain views.”
“You can snow bike here or just stretch the legs after a day of skiing on this rather easy hike.”
One of my favorite trails! I would rate this as easy. Not a trail I would take a stroller on but easy to carry a child in a carrier. There is one part that I would say is steep but my 2 and 4 year old at the time could handle it. It ends at a really pretty old power plant.
The best trail. A view of the witch's knuckles. The most beautiful granite peaks in all of Utah. The hike is 3.5 up to the cabin ruins. 3.5 back. Round trip is 7. There is a 1,500 ft elevation gain. Not too steep. A lot of bikers. But take time to take a great look at the Witch’s Knuckles—amazing granite peaks.
Nice apres-ski hike. You can snow bike here or just stretch the legs after a day of skiing on this rather easy hike. Beautiful ice crystals form on the rocks and trees. Good place to bring kids too.
This little area has a great little network of trails and if you're into climbing there are lots of routes around here. Spent a quick evening climbing becky's wall up above this trail head.
Trail conditions & character
“The road through Little Cottonwood Canyon is absolutely stunning—especially if you’re coming up from the valley.”
“The Little Cottonwood Creek Trail is an amazing hike, but what makes it even more special is the drive up to the trailhead.”
“The trail is perfect for those who enjoy a moderate challenge—it has a bit of elevation gain but nothing too overwhelming.”
“The trail follows a scenic creek with big boulders, golden aspens, and peaceful mountain views.”
“Be sure to take the detour as it leads to a beautiful shaded grove right beside the creek.”
“Not a trail I would take a stroller on but easy to carry a child in a carrier.”
Plan your run at Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near Sandy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gloria Falls Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Popular trek through the woods to rocky, pretty waterfalls and views.
Bell Canyon Waterfall
4.8 ★★★★★ 336 reviews
Challenging hiking trail featuring a waterfall, a reservoir and a lake.
Temple Quarry Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
Ecological park featuring a family-friendly hiking trail with scenic canyon views.
Lone Peak
4.7 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Strenuous peak hike to a summit with 360-degree views of the valley.