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Birches Picnic Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Salt Lake City · Utah · Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest |
| Location | Salt Lake City · Utah · Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest · 40.62301, -111.75694 · Map |
| Sites | 6 public sites counted from the federal listing — 6 picnic |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 6 sites Water hookups at 0 of 6 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 6 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 6 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 18 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | 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. |
| Check-in / out | In 08:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Phone | 385-273-1100 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Salt Lake City UtahFSU.S. Forest ServiceDogwood Day Use
1 mi straight-line · Salt Lake City UtahFSU.S. Forest ServiceStorm Mountain Day Use Area
1 mi straight-line · Salt Lake City UtahFSU.S. Forest ServiceTanners Flat
5 mi straight-line · Sandy UtahFSU.S. Forest ServiceJordan Pines
6 mi straight-line · Salt Lake City Utah
Trip Card — Birches Picnic Area
Salt Lake City · Utah · Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Salt Lake City · Utah · Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest |
| Fees | 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 B… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 18 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 6 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10113994 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.