Hiking Moss Ledge Waterfall
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Overview
Tue 42 | 27 |
Wed 30 | 28 |
Thu 30 | 21 |
Fri 30 | 24 |
Sat 35 | 24 |
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Tue 42 | 27 |
Wed 30 | 28 |
Thu 30 | 21 |
Fri 30 | 24 |
Sat 35 | 24 |
View Full Weather Details |
A true hidden gem! Tucked just a short distance from the Big Cottonwood road, the waterfall feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of many other areas in Big Cottonwood. The falls are, surprisingly, not well known or frequently visited, making them a great short outing when you want to get away from the crowds a bit. The trailhead area used to be a picnic area but was reclaimed a few years ago. Few remnants remain from when it was a picnic area, aside from the parking area.
Though hike to Moss Ledge is short, it is rocky with some scrambling in spots. This is not a hike for everyone, but if you like a few minor route finding obstacles and rock hopping, you are likely to enjoy this one. I may have thought it a bit harder than it is, having a 30lb pack with a toddler on your back can do that!
Getting There
Big Cottonwood Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake City Valley. Get there by taking I-215 to the east, taking exit 6 off the interstate and heading east.
Follow 6200 South which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stop light and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Turn left at the light and reset your odometer.
Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon about 5.7 miles to mile post 7. A parking area at mile post 7 on the left is the trailhead. This used to be the site of the Moss Ledge Picnic Area that has since been reclaimed.
Route
From the parking area, follow the trail that angles up to the old picnic area. It is well defined at first. Once upon the bench, the trail meanders next to the stream, on the right side of the stream.
Working upstream, it becomes rockier and narrower. A small steep section can be passed on the right, or up the stream bed proper. Above this obstacle, stay on the right side of the stream bed, as the social trail and evidence of constructed steps make the going easier on that side.
The falls don't come into view until you are almost at them. The two-tiered falls make an excellent place to hang out at on a hot day. Return the same way.
Trailhead |
12T 439831mE 4498395mN N40° 38' 03" W111° 42' 41" |
Falls |
12T 439795mE 4498664mN N40° 38' 12" W111° 42' 43" |