Hidden Gems

Nestled in the scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Solitude Nordic Center offers 20 kilometers of pristine, daily-groomed trails perfect for both classic and skate-style cross-country skiing. Snowshoers can also explore an additional 10 kilometers of dedicated, winding woodland paths that showcase Utah’s tranquil winter landscape. To round out your experience, the center provides professional on-site lessons, equipment rentals, and magical evening events like torch-lit "Nordic Nights" around Silver Lake.

Big Cottonwood Canyon offers a varied mountain dining scene, ranging from cozy, historic cabin classics at Silver Fork Lodge to the lively, slopeside pub vibe at Molly Green's. For a truly unforgettable evening, visitors can snowshoe through a quiet forest to The Yurt at Solitude for an intimate, multi-course chef's tasting menu. Best of all, whether you are craving craft cocktails, local Utah draft beers, or fine wine pairings, each distinct spot serves up the perfect pour to complement your alpine adventure.

Escape the summer heat and hit the trails with lift-served mountain biking in Big Cottonwood Canyon from mid-June through mid-October. At Solitude, riders of all skill levels can explore newly designed gravity trails daily, featuring extended evening "Twilight Nights" every Tuesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, Brighton welcomes weekend adventurers Friday through Sunday, spinning its lifts for gorgeous alpine laps and late-night Friday sessions under the mountain sun.

Brighton and Solitude offer premier children's ski and snowboard schools designed to spark a lifelong love for the mountains. At Brighton, young riders learn in a vibrant, progression-focused environment where expert coaches make mastering everything from their very first turns to advanced park skills feel like pure play. Meanwhile, Solitude pairs a cozy, family-forward atmosphere with intimate class sizes, ensuring every child receives the personalized guidance they need to build lasting confidence on the slopes.

Serving as the ultimate gateway to Big Cottonwood Canyon’s high-country beauty, the Silver Lake trailhead offers an alpine adventure tailored to every pace. Families can enjoy the flat, accessible boardwalk looping right along the water, while those looking to climb can head up the Brighton Lakes Trail to spectacular alpine gems like Lake Mary and Lake Catherine. For even more variety, a scenic 10-minute drive up Guardsman Pass Road leads to the stunning Blood’s Lake trailhead, a perfect spot for a high-elevation stroll through wildflower meadows.

For a stunning summer detour, the drive over Guardsman Pass offers a breathtaking, winding route through high-alpine meadows and golden aspen groves that connects Brighton to both destinations in just about 25 minutes. Dropping down the northern fork leads you straight into the heart of Park City, where you can explore the historic, boutique-lined Main Street or catch high-speed thrills at the Utah Olympic Park bobsled track. Taking the southern fork instead winds down into the Swiss-themed town of Midway, home to the relaxing, geothermal Homestead Crater hot spring and the rolling green hills of Wasatch Mountain State Park.