The Best Way to SHoot at Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of Utah’s most stunning locations for photoshoots because it combines dramatic mountain scenery with incredible seasonal variety. Towering granite cliffs, dense pine forests, and shimmering aspen groves create great backdrops for any portrait shoot.
In spring and summer, wildflowers and lush greenery make for vibrant, lively images; fall brings fiery reds and golden yellows; and winter blankets the canyon in snow, offering a magical, timeless backdrop.
Just 20–30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood feels both accessible and wild—perfect for seniors, families, and couples who want photos that capture the beauty of Utah’s Wasatch mountains.
Timing the Light
Timing is everything when planning a shoot In Big Cottonwood. Because of the high mountains and forest surrounding the canyon, the best light is not always at the normal golden hour times.
This guide will show you the best timing and locations in this classic Utah photo spot!
(note) - this guide focuses on an evening photoshoot, early morning is also beautiful!
Stop 1: Jordan Pines Campground Area - 1.5 hrs before sunset
Google maps link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Md22FtBuL4czwf7u6
This is the most popular photography location in big cottonwood canyon, maybe even in the whole Salt Lake City area, and for good reason!! No matter the season, you can never go wrong with Jordan Pines.
While you will never have this place to yourself, it is big enough that there will always be a beautiful spot you can use as a backdrop for your shoot.
When?
Jordan Pines looks best from about 1.5hrs - 1hr before sunset. At this time the mountains are covered in golden evening light. While this is the best window, the area also looks good all the way up until sunset.
Where?
This whole area is full of good spots for a photo shoot. From the parking lot, you can see a pretty wooden bridge as well as a few streams. There are also multiple meadows to choose from with good views of the mountains.
If you walk along the road through the Jordan Pines area, there are lots of side trails with more secluded spots to take your pictures as well. You are pretty much guaranteed a good backdrop wherever you point your camera.
Images from Jordan Pines
Stop 2: Storm Mountain - 45 minutes before sunset
Google maps link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KwmxtTZhEgDuwSi9A
After you finish up at Jordan Pines, take the 9 minute drive down Big Cottonwood canyon to Storm Mountain. This spot is much more of a hidden gem. Even on busy weekend evenings, I have always been able to find a spot to park at Storm mountain.
This location offers a gorgeous view of storm mountain, which glows at about 45 minutes before sunset! While beautiful, Storm mountain is much smaller than Jordan pines and can only handle a couple groups at a time. Take this into account when planning your shoot.
When you arrive at the small parking lot, you will need to walk a few hundred feet up to the best photo area. It is easy to see where to go, but it is steep and rocky.
When?
Storm mountain looks best at 45 min before sunset when the mountains are glowing a bright golden color. The texture of Storm mountain itself looks especially good at this time.
Where?
There is really only one place to go when at this location and you can’t miss it! Once you are up on the rock pile, there is space to move around and pose your subjects.
Images from Storm Mountain
Itinerary
Arrive and park at Jordan pines at 1.5hrs before sunset.
Shoot for 35-40 minutes here, walking around to get different angles of the mountain backdrop
Drive 9 minutes down the canyon to storm mountain, arriving at 45min before sunset.
Shoot for as long as you’d like… or until you run out of light.
I LOVE shooting in these 2 epic locations! And now you can too!
