Birches Picnic Area
Campground · Utah · 6 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Wasatch National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 6
- Bookable sites
- 18 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 5,378 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Birches Picnic Area is 15 miles from Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Vistors enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking.
Recreation
Big Cottonwood Creek is stocked for trout fishing and is a favorite among local fly-fisherman. Additionally, many hiking and mountain biking trailheads are located in the canyon.
Facilities
Birches has 6 picnic sites, all with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills. Pathways within the area are paved.
Natural Features
Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Summer wildflowers paint the canyon with vivid color beginning in late July. Autumn leaves put on quite a show in late September.
Nearby Attractions
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful area known for its soaring peaks, pristine hidden lakes and cascading streams. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails are in the area. Rock climbing is a popular activity as well. Solitude Mountain Resort is 11.5 miles up-canyon, offering scenic chairlift rides, hiking, a few dining options and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course.
The facts
- 6 bookable sites
- 6 sites for day use only
- Vehicles up to 18 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Birches
Site types
- 6 Picnic
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Water hookups — not available
- Pets allowed — not available
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, shade.
6 campsites at Birches Picnic Area
Check-in 08:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Access | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | Riverfront | 18 ft | 8 | |
| 02 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | — | 18 ft | 8 | |
| 03 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | — | 18 ft | 8 | |
| 04 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | — | 18 ft | 8 | |
| 05 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | — | 18 ft | 8 | |
| 06 | Birches | Picnic | — | Gravel | Hike In | — | 18 ft | 8 |
Getting there
Take exit 301 off I-15. Turn east and travel 6 miles on 7200 South to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Travel 1.9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon to picnic area.
40.62301, -111.75694 · 40°37'22.8"N 111°45'25.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 91°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 44 | 54 | 61 | 71 | 82 | 91 | 89 | 79 | 64 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 23 | 27 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 66 | 56 | 43 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip in | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay Day Use - $10.00 Extra Vehicle - $10.00 Big Cottonwood Canyon Season Day Use Pass - $95.00* *This pass includes entrance to Mueller Park and Big Cottonwood Canyon day-use areas (Strom Mtn., Dogwood, Birches, Ledgemere). Pass does not include access to group sites, amphitheaters, or glamping sites.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Birches Picnic Area
- Can you reserve a site at Birches Picnic Area?
- Yes, Birches Picnic Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Birches Picnic Area have?
- 6 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Birches Picnic Area?
- 18 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Birches Picnic Area?
- No, pets are not allowed at Birches Picnic Area.
- Does Birches Picnic Area have hookups?
- No hookups are recorded here.
- Are campfires allowed at Birches Picnic Area?
- Campfires are allowed at Birches Picnic Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Birches Picnic Area
- Ledgemere Picnic Area 0.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dogwood Day Use 0.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Storm Mountain Day Use Area 0.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Tanners Flat 4.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Jordan Pines 6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Spruces - Big Cottonwood 6.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Albion Basin 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Redman Campground 8.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Granite Flat (Utah) 10.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Mill 12.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Spruces Campground 6.4 mi · Campground
- Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center 12.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 385-273-1100
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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