This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Directions • From the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, drive 9.8 miles east up the canyon. Turn right into the Spruces Campground, or, to avoid parking fees, park on the shoulder and walk into the campground. The Days Fork trail head is next to the Area 1 group camping site.
Days Fork offers all the best of Big Cottonwood Canyon. There's trees and streams, meadows with wildflowers in the summer and chances to see wildlife from bees to moose. After the trailhead, the elevation gain begins with steep switchbacks. It's .6 miles before the trail begins to level. At .8 miles is the first clearing where you can see some of those wildflowers if the season is right. There's another meadow at 1.8 miles followed by another steep ascent over the next four-tenths of a mile. The elevation gains remain gradual but significant until reaching the basin about the 4-mile mark. This trail is also popular with snowshoe hikers.
Destination Basin
Hiking time 4 hours
Round trip miles 8.12 miles
Elevation gain 2,303
Difficulty Moderate
Trailhead restrooms Yes
Dogs allowed No
Bikes allowed No
Fees No (If you park on the road)
Nate Carlisle Destination Basin
Hiking time 4 hours
Round trip miles 8.12 miles
Elevation gain 2,303
Difficulty Moderate
Trailhead restrooms Yes
Dogs allowed No
Bikes allowed No
Fees No (If you park on the road)