24-25 Parking fees, reservations, and updates

Reservations, and fees, and laws, oh my! The Wasatch has no doubt experienced growing pains that have left agencies and businesses grasping for ways to reduce congestion in the canyons, which has resulted in a mix of management methods.

Now that parking reservation season is upon us, here’s what you need to know about getting to the trailheads, including changes for two popular Forest Service lots, changes to the UTA ski bus routes, reminders on best practices for storm parking, how to reserve early morning parking, and more.

But first, here is a postive update…

Spruces Roadside Parking

• You may have noticed last season that “NO PARKING” signs were installed along the south roadside parking near Spruces—a significant loss for our community.
• This summer, we’ve been hard at work with UDOT to revisit these restrictions, and we’re thrilled to share some good news: UDOT has updated the signage, removing all but two “No Parking” signs! Now, only one sign remains on each side of the Spruces lot entrance to maintain visibility and safety, reopening many roadside parking spots.
• This is a big win for the backcountry community, and while there’s more work to be done, we’re celebrating this progress!

Storm Day Parking Reminders

• If you park before the plows have done their sweep, please park in the corners and park near other cars rather than spreading out. If you arrive while the plows are clearing a lot, please give them the extra time to finish the job before parking. Here’s where you should park if you arrive before the plows:
  • White Pine: Northwest corner of the lot by yellow sign so the plows can push the snow to the East end of the lot.  
  • Spruces: Either corners on the West side of the lot. 
  • Cardiff: on the North side of street. 

Backcountry Shuttle:

• We have not yet set a start date for the first shuttle of the 24-25 season. Due to limited shuttle funding, we are waiting until coverage warrants backcountry demand. Stay tuned for an update! 

Little Cottonwood Canyon Parking: Starting December 13, 2024, parking reservations are required from 8 AM – 1 PM, Friday through Sunday and holidays. Note that Christmas Holiday parking reservations are required from December 20 through January 5.

• Grizzly Gulch + Alta Ski Area
  • Reservations are free for Alta pass holders and $25 for others. This includes parking in base area parking lots, as well as on the south side of HWY 210, and Grizzly Gulch.
  • Visit https://reserve.altaparking.com/ to make reservations
    
• Dawn Patrolling near Alta
  • Reservations are required starting at 6 AM on all days of the week (and are valid until 1 PM). Reservations cost $15 Monday – Thursday and $25 Friday – Sunday and during holiday periods. Park in the South Flagstaff lot.
  • Visit https://www.altaearlyparking.com/ to make reservations
    
• Town of Alta Parking: The Town of Alta manages parking on the north side of HWY 210, between Our Lady of the Snows and Grizzly Gulch. A northside permit is always required to park anywhere on the north side.
  
• Snowbird
  • No parking reservations are required. There is a limited number of optional reservations.
  • Visit https://pass.snowbird.com/s/parking/p/daily-paid-parking to make optional reservations

Big Cottonwood Canyon Parking

• Solitude Mountain Resort
  • Starting December 21, 2024, parking reservations are required from 7 AM – 11 AM, Friday through Sunday and holidays. Their fees vary so check out https://www.solitudemountain.com/discover-solitude/getting-here-parking#tab=winter-parking for the full breakdown.
  • Visit https://www.parksolitude.com/reserve-n-ski to make reservations
    
• Brighton Resort
  • Starting December 1, 2024, parking reservations are required from 7 AM – noon, Friday through Sunday and holidays. Their fees vary so check out their website for the full breakdown.
  • Visit https://www.parkbrightonresort.com/ to make reservations
    
• Roadside Parking
  • Beginning December 20th, 2024, roadside parking reservations are required in the Town of Brighton from about ¼ mile above the Willow Heights trailhead to the Guardsman Road intersection. Reservations are required from 7 AM -1 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and cost $10 per day.
  • Visit https://reserve.parkbcc.com/ to make reservations
    
• Dawn Patrolling Roadside Spots
  • 20 parking spaces on the south side of the road are available for early morning “dawn patrol” parking reservations beginning at 6 AM, Friday through Sunday, and holidays. Reservations cost $10 per day. Ten spots are right below Solitude’s Entry 2 (USA Bowl access) and the other ten spots are right below Solitude’s Entry 1 (Silver Fork access). These zones are indicated on the interactive parking map and there is roadside signage. Please adhere to the no parking area signage 50-100 feet from the Solitude Resort entrances.
  • Visit https://parking.honkmobile.com/hourly/zones/UT2301E to make reservations

Forest Service Parking

• Spruces & Cardiff: Starting December 1st, 2024, the U.S. Forest Service will require Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) fees. Fees range from $10 for a 3-day pass, $20 for a 7-day pass, $60 for an annual pass, or a $80 America the Beautiful (National Parks Pass). The fees will help operate, maintain, and improve site amenities. Learn more here: https://wasatchbackcountryalliance.org/new-forest-service-fees/ 
• These fees are required for roadside parking in these areas. 

Traction Law:

• UDOT has leveled up their communications around the Traction Law program, including promises of increased enforcement this winter thanks to funding from the Utah Legislature through HB 488. UDOT + Cottonwood Heights and Sandy Police have been checking tires on a handful of snowy days this season.
• You can help speed up this process by having your tires checked ahead of time and placing the 24-25 UDOT sticker on your windshield.
• The increased Traction Law enforcement this season is a step in the right direction but there are still a lot of opportunities for improvement. For example, the Traction Law should be implemented well before any storm hits, helping ensure drivers are equipped to make the drive down the canyon, not just uphill. Additionally, using a FastPast system could dramatically improve the program’s efficiency. You can learn more about WBA’s thoughts on the Traction Law by reading our official comment on the UDOT BCC Study.

UTA Ski Bus

• The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has announced several updates to its Ski Bus program for the 2024-2025 winter season, enhancing service to meet growing demand. They have restored or expanded the following routes: Route 953 (from Midvale Fort Union Station to LCC), Route 994 (from the Historic Sandy Station LCC), and Route 972 (from Midvale Fort Union Station, stopping at both the 6200 South Wasatch Blvd. and BCC Park & Rides before going up to BCC). They also have two new canyon services:
• CS1 (Canyon Service 1): Starting December 8, this route caters to early birds and resort employees, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It runs from the Midvale Fort Union TRAX Station directly to the Goldminer’s Daughter stop at Alta Ski Area.
• CS2 (Canyon Service 2): Also beginning December 8, CS2 offers service from 8:20 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., starting at the 6200 South/ Wasatch Blvd. Park & Ride, stopping at the BCC Park & Ride and the Cottonwood Heights Park & Ride near 8100 South, before heading to Snowbird and Alta in LCC.
• For more information, visit https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Ski-Service