Enjoy A Summer Picnic In The Woods In Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon

It gets pretty hot during the dog days of summer in the Beehive State. Utahns love to tell each other that it's a dry heat, and sure, it's better than heat and humidity. But when the temps are in the triple digits, it's tempting to just blast the air conditioner, curl up on the couch with a popsicle and watch Netflix all weekend long. Don't while away your summer in front of the TV. Instead, find a shady spot for a summer picnic. Big Cottonwood Canyon has picnic areas that are scenic and cool. Let's take a look:

Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of Utah's most beautiful places, and it's just minutes from the Salt Lake Valley. This alpine wonderland is full of shady trees, and features a pretty river and several lakes.

You don't have to drive very far up the canyon to reach Dogwood Picnic Area, but you're already surrounded by scenic beauty. It never fails to amaze us how quickly we can go from the noise and pollution of the city to the lush, green canyon!

Dogwood has seven picnic sites that accommodate between 16 and 32 people. You'll need advanced reservations for these group sites, which include several picnic tables and a fire ring.

Ledgemere Picnic Area is a large area with 11 single picnic sites and 2 double.

Some of the sites are nestled right on the banks of Big Cottonwood Creek, so you can wade and splash to cool off a bit.

Double sites offer two picnic tables for a larger group.

Big Cottonwood Canyon's first come, first served picnic areas have small fees. You'll pay $8 for a single site, and $11 for a double site.

Birches Picnic Area is perfect for small groups. It offers six shady picnic sites...

...and plenty of fresh mountain air and scenic river views.

You'll find Storm Mountain Day Use Area three miles up the canyon, and it's situated right at the base of Storm Mountain, which is particularly scenic.

Picknickers will find 14 single sites that are first come, first served. Larger groups of up to 50 people can reserve one of three picnic areas in advance.

Storm Mountain Picnic Area has a restroom with flush toilets, and a small amphitheater.

When visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon for a picnic, remember that the canyon is a watershed area, so no pets are allowed. These shady, scenic picnic spots fill up fast on the weekends. For a quiet, relaxing lunch, try to arrive early on a weekday.

As always, practice Leave No Trace Principles when you visit this canyon. Pack out everything you pack in, stay on paths and trails, and be considerate to those around you - leave your loud music at home. Consider bringing a trash bag along with you to clean up the area and leave it even better than you found it, and teach your children to respect this incredible wilderness space so that their children will enjoy it in decades to come.

Of course, Big Cottonwood Canyon is just one of dozens of canyons in Utah that are perfect for a picnic. What's your favorite picnic spot when it's hot outside? Tell us in the comments!