Hiking Willow Lake, Utah – A Big Cottonwood Canyon Easy Hike

Willow Lake is a popular and family friendly small lake hike that features gorgeous aspen groves, and views of Solitude Ski Resort. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this hike.

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Weather | Directions | Pictures

Difficulty – Easy
Distance – 2.31 miles round trip (3.72 km)
Height – 8,508 feet (2593.24 m)
Elevation gain – 662 feet (201.78 m)
Duration – 1.5 – 2 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – “Willow Heights” On Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7,933 Feet)
Dogs – Not allowed on this trail

Need To Know Information

• Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
• Parking is located along the road, and not in a parking lot. It can fill up during foliage season.
• Swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes in this area.
• This is a popular hike, and you will encounter people.
• This lake appears to be too shallow to hold fish as it completely freezes each year.

Trail Map

Click to enlarge map

Download GPX File For This HIke

Routes

Willow Lake Via Big Cottonwood Canyon Road – 2.31 miles round trip (3.72 km) – 662 feet (201.78 m) Elevation Gain

Directions to the parking area on the road are below.

Hikers begin at the path that leads up from the road right next to the yellow speed limit sign. Immediately the hike begins with a solid but reasonable incline into the forest. The trail is very easy to follow. 0.1 miles in, hikers reach a junction that isn’t marked, here they can go in either direction as they both go to the lake. They are similar distances and similar steepness, so it doesn’t matter much which direction hikers take. We recommend going up, and down the other simply for variation.

If hikers start by going left at the first junction, they will reach another unmarked junction. At this junction they should continue to the right (the more uphill looking direction.)

The entire trail remains with a steady incline until it begins flattening out slightly near an open field just before the lake. Here there are fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Hikers at the end of this field will have the option to do a loop to go around the lake. Our recommendation is to do a counterclockwise loop around the lake which takes hikers through a stunning aspen grove before looping all the way around Willow Lake. For this hike, it is worth doing the entire loop as it is quick, flat, and the aspen groves are beautiful.

Hiking in Winter

This is a fantastic winter hike. Microspikes are recommended in winter months, and snowshoes may be required depending upon snow levels.

Camping Information

Because of the ease of access and common moose sightings, many people camp in this area. As you hike around the lake, on the western side, you’ll find dispersed campsites that are often used. No permits are required.

Fishing Willow Lake

This lake appears to be too shallow to hold fish as it likely freezes completely in winter.

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Alta, UT

Overnight
Mostly clear. Low around 20, with temperatures rising to around 22 overnight. West wind around 3 mph.

Sunday
Sunny. High near 31, with temperatures falling to around 27 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 3 mph.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear. Low around 25, with temperatures rising to around 27 overnight. East wind around 3 mph.

Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. West northwest wind around 3 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 24. East northeast wind around 3 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 32.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Directions

Willow Heights Trailhead:

Additional Pictures

Views of Solitude Ski Resort

Willow Lake, Utah

Willow Lake Trailhead

Aspen groves near the trailhead