Backcountry Shuttle

NEW 24-25 SEASON UPDATES

The first shuttle of the season is Saturday, January 11. The shuttle will run every Saturday unless otherwise noted.

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.

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.

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.

Shuttle Sponsors

The WBA Backcountry Shuttle service is provided with the generous support of the Central Wasatch Commission‘s small project grant.

SCOTT USA: Sponsoring the first shuttle of the season!

History

We support access to backcountry terrain and believe everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty of our public lands. Our Backcountry Shuttle Program helps make this possible by providing an affordable grassroots transportation alternative that services community members who wish to recreate on public lands. Existing winter transit options in the Cottonwood Canyons focus on servicing ski resort patrons. The Backcountry Shuttle fills the void by servicing the general public of those wishing to recreate on public lands. By offering an economical alternative to reach cherished backcountry zones, we aim to create equitable access to the backcountry. 

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.

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!

Donations are greatly appreciated and will contribute to the program’s success.

About the Shuttle

• Runs every Saturday in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons
• Our partner for the shuttle service is Utah Mountain Shuttle. Service is provided in vans labeled UTAH MOUNTAIN SHUTTLE.
• Reservations are required and accepted until 5:00 PM Friday evening.
• Please carpool to pick up locations as parking is not guaranteed.
• Cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for WBA members. Once you’ve created an account in the app please email info@wasatchbackcountryalliance.org so we can update your membership status in the app backend.

Parking, Pick Up and Drop Off Locations

• Parking and Pick Up: Butler Elementary School (7000 S 2700 E, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121)
• LCC Dropoff: Alta Lodge, White Pine
• BCC Dropoff: Solitude Entry 1 and Entry 2, Brighton, Cardiff, and Spruces`

When riding shuttle…

• Arrive 10 minutes early for pick up.
• If not returning with shuttle, please inform driver.
• Return to trailhead 15 minutes before designated return time.
• Your driver will provide contact info so you may keep in touch to coordinate end of day pick up.

The schedule and parking locations may be adapted as the season progresses and conditions change.

When there is a forecast storm that we anticipate will result in an upper canyon road closure on the day of service we will only operate to White Pine in LCC. When such a situation arises we will contact you the evening before and refund your reservation if your plans were set on an upper LCC drop-off.

Schedule

Donations are greatly appreciated and will contribute to the program’s success.

We need your help

Support our mission to advocate for and protect backcountry terrain and access in the Central Wasatch. Your membership will fund current and future projects, while connecting you with fellow community members at social gatherings.