View colorful mountain blooms at the Wasatch Wildflower Festival

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildflowers are in full bloom, which means it’s time for the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation’s Wasatch Wildflower Festival.

During the events, visitors have the opportunity to explore trails within the four Cottonwood Canyons ski resorts, viewing hundreds of colorful blooms. Visitors will be able to participate in tours or self-guided walks. 

The Wasatch Wildflower Festival will also offer a chance for visitors to learn from trained volunteers at educational booths. 

“The volunteers also offer information on the ecological importance of these canyons, including their significance as the source of 60% of the drinking water for the Salt Lake Valley,” said Liz Anderson, the education director of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation.

According to the event registration page, there will be walks that cater to different ability levels so that everyone can participate. 

It should be noted that the event registration website says that some walks will require lift tickets. 

When and where can I see the blooms?

The Wasatch Wildflower Festival will take place over two weekends. Each event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

For the weekend of July 13 and 14, the Brighton Institute and Solitude Sustainability have collaborated to present two days of nature walks and education in Big Cottonwood Canyon. 

On July 13, the event will take place at Brighton Ski Resort. None of the walks at Brighton will require the purchase of a lift ticket. 

Then, on July 14, Solitude will take a turn hosting the event. 

Some of the walks at Solitude require a ride on the lift. The event registration page said that tickets can be purchased for $10 on the day of the event. Additionally, those who have purchased a 2024/25 Solitude season pass or Ikon Pass can ride the lift for free. 

Then, July 27 and 28 will highlight the wildflower blooms of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Alta Environmental Center and Snowbird Sustainability have teamed up for their days hosting the event. 

July 27 will bring visitors to Snowbird Ski Resort. Some of that day’s walks will also require a lift ticket. Per the event registration website, Snowbird lift tickets can be purchased for $15 on the day of the event. 

The website does not say if Snowbird will be accepting 2024/25 season passes or Ikon Passes for chairlift entry. 

On July 28, the Wasatch Wildflower Festival will wrap up at Alta Ski Area. None of the walks at Alta will require a lift ticket. 

“The annual bloom of over 120 species of wildflowers in the upper reaches of both canyons make this festival an experience not to be missed,” said Joanna Wheelton, the executive director of the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. 

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