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Backcountry Shuttle
History
For decades, “studying” transportation solutions in the Central Wasatch has been an endless cycle. Preferred options from ski resorts, developers, and political leaders have consistently leaned toward billion-dollar mega-projects—SkiLink, trains, tunnels, and now a gondola. Each time the public has weighed in, the answer has been simple: “Just run more buses.” And each time, that common-sense solution has been dismissed.
WBA, tired of waiting for practical action, asked a different question: “What would it take to actually demonstrate a transportation solution?” As a small nonprofit, operating a full-scale transit system is far beyond our scope. But beginning in 2016, we partnered with Utah Mountain Shuttles to run a backcountry shuttle one day each winter.
We know one sprinter van isn’t going to solve canyon transportation—and that’s not the point. Our shuttle is a proof of concept meant to show land managers and elected officials that micro-transit solutions can work for winter, dispersed recreation. It demonstrates an approach that is scalable, flexible, and cost-effective, in stark contrast to rigid, billion-dollar infrastructure like the gondola.
As a small nonprofit, we don’t want to be in the business of providing shuttle services long-term. But we do hope decision-makers will look at what we’ve piloted and replicate it at the scale the Wasatch actually needs.
Starting in 2016, Wasatch Backcountry Alliance provided a shuttle one day each winter to demonstrate that micro-transit solutions could work for wintertime dispersed recreation users. Our partner for the shuttle service is Utah Mountain Shuttles.
In 2021, in response to the ever increasing traffic problems in Little Cottonwood Canyon, WBA scaled its annual shuttle day up to a weekly shuttle day running on Saturdays with the goal of maintaining access to backcountry terrain in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon while demonstrating that backcountry users can play a role in helping to reduce traffic congestion and parking conflicts.
During the 2022-2023 season, thanks to funding from a local retailer, we were able to expand our service to Big Cottonwood Canyon as well!
2025-2026 Backcountry Shuttle
The Wasatch Backcountry Shuttle operates thanks to sponsorships and grants—not from community donations unless specifically designated. Due to limited grant funding, the shuttle will look different for the 2025-2026 winter season. Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our email list or following us on Instagram. As a reminder, the purpose of the shuttle is to demonstrate flexible public transit access to public lands using existing infrastructure—not to serve as an ongoing transportation provider.
Thanks to all those who joined us on the shuttle this past season! During the 24-25 season, the WBA Backcountry Shuttle service was provided with the generous support of the Central Wasatch Commission‘s small project grant and the following sponsors:
24-25 SEASON UPDATES
TRAILHEADS: This summer we’ve been working hard to improve our Backcountry Shuttle by collaborating with the Forest Service to permit trailhead drop-offs. We are excited to announce that White Pine, Cardiff, and Spruces are all official Backcountry Shuttle stops!
SKIP THE SNAKE: We’ve also been working with the Central Wasatch Commission to add our shuttle to the Ski Bus Priority Access Program, meaning the Backcountry Shuttle will get to skip the LCC closure snake on mitigation mornings.
WAG BAGS: Each rider will get a WAG bag to help reduce human waste in the backcountry. Thanks to Save Our Canyons for donating the WAG bags! While supplies last.
RESERVATION APP: Plus, we’re partnering with an app developer to make the experience seamless! To manage reservations for the 24-25 season, please download the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance app, developed by Brett Winklesky of MountainMap by Eco Systems.
To make a reservation, download the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance app, developed by Brett Winklesky of MountainMap by Eco Systems.
If you want your donation to go specifically to the shuttle, donate here:
Interested in sponsoring a shuttle? Reach out to dani@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org
