Jordan Pines Campground
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Travel Fee: $50
Located up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Also referred to as Donut Falls.
Features: mountain backdrops, pine trees, outdoorsy, rocks, meadows, open valley, wildflowers
Winter: Winter at Jordan Pines Campground can be equally picturesque as the summer, but it's important to note that higher altitudes can get quite cold. Ensure you bundle up in exceptionally warm clothing to stay comfortable. I also suggest wearing snow boots during the winter.
Address: FR019 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 Put this into Google Maps 40°38’59.3″N 111°38’56.6″W)
Wildflowers: You can discover small wildflower patches in this area between July 15 and July 30. The timing may change from one season to another.
Travel up the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for approximately 9 miles to Cardiff Fork (Mill D South Fork). Do not drive all the way to the campground. There is a parking area right off Big Cottonwood Canyon road at the Donut Falls trailhead. You will see a cross walk here with a cross walk crossing light.
Video links on YouTube showcasing location: One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Additional Notes: The prime season for this location is when the fall leaves our out (October 1 – 15th). The fall leaves will shed earlier than down in the valley since it is a higher altitude. The pictured photos below with fall colors were taken on October 11th. Try to avoid photos at this location Friday-Sunday. It can tend to get overcrowded with people on the weekends. I highly recommend bringing a warm jacket even during the summer months. Dogs are not allowed.
Jordan Pines Campground is situated at an elevation of around 8,000 feet, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a tranquil winter wonderland during colder months. The crisp mountain air and the gentle rustling of leaves create a soothing ambiance, encouraging visitors to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. As part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Jordan Pines Campground is a natural habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Deer, elk, moose, and a variety of bird species call this mountainous region home. Observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat adds to the allure of the camping experience and provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography. This campground provides a plethora of photography opportunities that will inspire and delight. Each season at Jordan Pines Campground brings its own unique photographic opportunities. Spring heralds the return of wildflowers, adding pops of color to the landscape. Summer invites photographers to capture the lush greenery and the vibrant life of the forest. Fall offers a tapestry of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change color, providing a stunning backdrop for autumn-themed photos. In winter, the campground is blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, creating a magical winter wonderland perfect for snowscape photography.