Guided Hiking Trips
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are exceptional places for the ultimate day hike, with sparkling alpine lakes, spectacular peaks and tall, old forests. Leave the car and go deeper. Revel in the pines, aspens and wildflowers for a half-day, full-day or overnight adventure with one of UMA’s professional, fun, friendly guides!
Benefit from the knowledge and leadership of a guide for a non-technical mountain hike or overnight backpacking adventure. The Wasatch Mountains typically provide ideal hiking and camping conditions from early June through September.
- Add a semi-technical scramble to a nearby summit
- Learn flora and fauna from a knowledgeable guide
- All hiking and camping is arranged on a private or custom basis
- Porters can be arranged, if desired, to help carry gear
Common day hikes/scrambles
- Mt. Raymond
- Cardiff Peak
- Devil’s Castle
Popular camping destinations
- Lake Blanche
- Red Pine Lake
- Bells Canyon
- Brighton Lakes
Have Questions or Concerns?
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
Course Prerequisites
- No hiking experience is required.
Required Fitness Level
- You should be comfortable hiking on variable terrain (rocky, scree fields, dirt trails) for 2+ miles at 7,000′-9,000′ elevation (with higher elevations and hikes possible).
Guided hikes take place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (plan to be in the field for 6-8 hrs for full-day trips and 3-4 hrs for half-day trips). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation.
SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION
The usual meeting time and place are 8 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change.
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to discuss your goals and experience, and to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided. Most trailheads now require a parking fee.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
Hiking EQUIPMENT LIST
- Comfortable and flexible pants (no jeans) and top
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Light fleece jacket or sweatshirt in early and late summer
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 1-2 liters of water
- Snacks
- Lunch for a full-day hike
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Day backpack
Please see our Hiking, Backpacking & Snowshoeing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Private guiding is customized to your personal needs and requests.
Full Day (6-8 hours)
| 1 person | $550 / person |
| 2 people | $350 / person |
| 3 people | $300 / person |
| 4 people | $250 / person |
| 5 people | $225 / person |
| 6 people | $200 / person |
Half Day (3-4 hours)
| 1 person | $330 / person |
| 2 people | $210 / person |
| 3 people | $180 / person |
| 4 people | $150 / person |
| 5 people | $135 / person |
| 6 people | $120 / person |
- Rates above are per guide and may vary accordingly.
- State and local taxes will be added.
- Gratuity is not included.
Please see our main FAQ page for answers to common questions.
