When 500 inches of Utah's legendary powder finally surrenders to summer, the Wasatch mountains don't miss a beat. They just swap white for wildly colorful. Those same slopes where you carved powder turns in February? By July, they're nature's own gallery of Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine. And here's the kicker – the Wasatch Wildflower Festival puts you smack in the middle of it all, just 45 minutes from downtown Salt Lake. Morning mountain blooms, evening city bites – that's what makes a Salt Lake summer sweet.
What to Expect at the Festival
Think guided wildflower walks led by locals who can spot a rare Sego Lily from 50 paces – and actually make botany fun. The Wasatch Wildflower Festival isn't just walks, though. It's families crafting flower crowns, live music echoing between canyon walls, and – oh yeah – it's completely free. Choose your own adventure based on your hiking comfort level, from "barely breaking a sweat" to "earned these mountain views." Best part? You're learning about the watershed that keeps Salt Lake thriving, all while surrounded by Cottonwood Canyons' ridiculous beauty.
Where to See the Wildflowers
The festival spreads the love of flowers across four days and four mountain resorts, all within an easy drive from downtown Salt Lake. Kick things off at Brighton Resort (July 12) or Solitude Mountain Resort (July 13) in Big Cottonwood Canyon, where Brighton Days adds extra community buzz. The following weekend, the bloom party moves to Little Cottonwood Canyon with Snowbird (July 19) and wraps at Alta Ski Area (July 20). Can't make all four? No sweat – each resort has its own personality and flower specialties, but they're all spectacular.
Take a Hike to See More Wildflowers
The festival weekend is prime time, but Salt Lake's mountain blooms don't punch a timecard. If you're traveling with kids, check out our family-friendly hikes in Salt Lake with trails that deliver big views without big tantrums. For more serious trekkers, our guide to the best hiking trails near Salt Lake has you covered with options from mild to wild. Meanwhile, here are the trails that locals hit when they need a serious flower fix:
Red Pine Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This trail doesn't mess around – seven miles round-trip with enough elevation gain to make your calves introduce themselves. But that moment when you crest the final ridge and that alpine lake appears? Worth every labored breath. The American Bellflowers along the way are like little cheerleaders urging you higher. Pro tip: Start early and bring twice the water you think you need – Utah's mountain sun doesn't play fair.
Lake Mary
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The crowd-pleaser for good reason. Two and a half miles of manageable hiking rewards you with a pristine alpine lake and lupines that seem almost artificially vibrant against the rocky backdrop. Perfect if you're bringing kids or flower enthusiasts who aren't looking to summit Everest on their vacation.
Butler Fork Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Seven miles of loop-the-loop goodness with a moderate challenge rating. The payoff view of Circle All Peak alone is worth the climb - it's where locals take their "I live here" selfies that make their out-of-state friends jealous. The sunflowers here practically high-five you along the trail edges come mid-summer. Bonus: You'll see birders with telephoto lenses that cost more than your car, spotting some feathered friend you didn't even know existed.
Lake Blanche
Difficulty: Challenging (this one earns its views)
Another seven-miler that puts in work (read: steep), but delivers major payoff. The Colorado Columbines here don't just grow – they show off. If you're hunting that perfect wildflower photo for social bragging rights, this is your spot.
Lake Catherine
Difficulty: Moderate to Catherine
The goldilocks trail – not too hard, not too easy, but just right at four and a half miles. The perfect mix of scenery-per-effort, with Indian paintbrushes and daisies that look like they've been strategically placed for your Instagram. It's the trail locals take their out-of-town friends on when they want to impress without exhausting.
Fall in Love with the Wasatch
Think the wildflowers are the Wasatch's only color show? Just wait until September hits and those same trails explode in crimson, gold, and orange. For the inside scoop on where to see Salt Lake's best fall colors, bookmark our guide to peak leaf-peeping spots – from easy roadside viewpoints to hikes worth the extra effort. The aspens up Little Cottonwood Canyon quite literally shimmer in the breeze – not being poetic here, they actually do.
Time it right and you can pair your leaf adventure with Snowbird's Oktoberfest, a Utah tradition that's been bringing authentic German vibes to the mountains since 1973. Grab a pretzel, catch some polka, then be back downtown for dinner – all in the same day. Salt Lake's seasons don't make you choose between mountain majesty and city energy – they're just different flavors that make Salt Lake so sweet.
Visitor Information
All four resorts sit within an hour's drive from downtown Salt Lake City – that's right, you can go from boutique hotel to wildflower walk in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom. Flying in? Salt Lake International Airport offers ridiculously convenient ground transportation options that make the journey from terminal to mountain trail smoother than a freshly groomed ski run.
Whether you prefer to stay downtown in one of Salt Lake's stylish hotels (think walkable access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife) or opt for mountain resorts where the wildflowers are practically your neighbors, you'll find accommodations that fit your vibe. The beauty of Salt Lake? No matter where you stay, you're never far from either mountains or a metropolis.
Free parking is available at all resort base areas, but if you're visiting during peak weekend hours, arriving earlier is always recommended. The mountains might be cool, but don't be fooled – the sun at 8,000+ feet plays for keeps. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat that doesn't blow off when you gasp at the views.
Apres Wildflower Festival: Top 5 Bites near the Canyons
Before (or after) an exciting day of hiking and smelling the flowers, you’ll want to catch a quick bite to eat. Luckily, you’ll be able to grab a variety of delicious food and beverages right at the mouth of the canyon.
Porcupine Pub and Grille
3698 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights | Open Monday - Sunday (hours vary)
Where hungry hikers and downtown foodies find common ground. Their Wahoo Fish Tacos have a cult following for good reason, and after a day of alpine adventures, their 24 rotating beer taps feel like a well-earned reward. Grab a patio seat – you've earned the view with your hiking efforts.
7321 Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights | Open Monday - Sunday (hours vary)
Old West vibes meet modern craft spirits in a space that feels like the mountain town saloon of your dreams. The Exotic Burger (featuring Wagyu beef in a four-meat blend) might be the perfect recovery meal after flower hunting. Reservations recommended – locals know a good thing when they taste it.
3200 E Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Cottonwood Heights | Open Monday - Sunday (hours vary)
When the live music hits five nights a week and the house-smoked wings arrive at your table, you'll understand why this spot has been a canyon tradition for decades. Cool the wing heat with a Ghost Rider IPA from local brewing heroes Wasatch – perfect chemistry.
2820 E 6200 S, Holladay | Open Monday - Sunday (hours vary)
Look for the Bugs Bunny sign – seriously. Then prepare for garlic burgers that have reached mythical status in Salt Lake. Plant-based friends, fear not: their Impossible Burger with pickles and pepperoncini doesn't mess around either. Pair with a local brew and stories from your day's adventure.
3947 S Wasatch Blvd, Millcreek | Open Monday - Sunday (hours vary)
Fresh-rolled sushi and soul-warming Tonkotsu Ramen await just minutes from your flower excursion. Their Peach Jelly Sake is both delicious and dangerous – consider yourself warned. Every roll is made fresh in-house, meaning you're getting alpine-to-table freshness that's hard to beat.
Leave No Trace
The flowers may be ridiculously photogenic, but they need to stay right where they are. No picking allowed – these blooms are the mountain's art installation, not your souvenir. Look for designated photo spots along trail edges if you want that perfect close-up without trampling delicate habitats. It's all part of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation's efforts to keep these mountains spectacular for generations to come.
Wasatch Wildflower Schedule
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Brighton
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Solitude
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Snowbird
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Alta
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July 12
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July 13
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July 19
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July 20
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To reserve your free tickets, go to cottonwoodcanyons.org and follow the link to register. The website will take you through a 13-step process to log the days you’ll be attending and the type of walking tours you’ll be participating in. Tickets might be free, but registration is required to reserve a spot in guided tours.
The Wasatch Wildflower Festival showcases what Salt Lake summers do best – blending breathtaking natural beauty with easy accessibility. After spotting rare blooms with your morning mountain guides, you're just a quick drive from downtown's summer concert series, outdoor dining patios, and the Salt Lake City Farmers Market buzzing with local energy. Register for the festival at cottonwoodcanyons.org, but don't stop your planning there!
Mid-July in Salt Lake means peak everything: wildflowers in full bloom, mountain lakes perfect for dipping tired hiking feet, and city neighborhoods alive with summer events. Come for the festival's floral display, stay for Salt Lake's perfect balance of alpine adventure and urban exploration – all without ever having to choose between them.
