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9 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
A short, paved canyon trail following a clear creek with rocky banks, bridges, wildflowers and framed mountain ridges — excellent for intimate landscape, creek/waterscape and wildlife shots (moose, dippers, swallows). Very accessible (paved, stroller-friendly) between Knudsen Park and the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride. Best at golden hour and during spring wildflower bloom or fall color. Weekday mornings reduce crowds; watch for shared bike traffic. Limited parking at ends.
Small historic mill, pond, creek and tree-lined banks framed by the Wasatch — excellent for reflections, seasonal color (fall foliage, winter snow) and intimate landscape/architecture shots. Easy roadside access and free parking off S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd; park is small and walkable. Best light at golden hour (sunrise for quieter, softer east-facing light); weekdays and shoulder seasons reduce visitors. No entry fee; respect picnic areas and trails.
Trailhead gives access to the Houndstooth Ridge and Wasatch foothills—shoot granite outcrops, ridgeline panoramas, valley-to-peak vistas and seasonal wildflowers. Best at golden hour for warm side-light on rock; late spring–early fall for wildflowers, winter for snow-textured scenes. Moderate hike from a small lot on Timberline Dr (limited parking); arrive at sunrise on weekdays to avoid crowds. No entry fee; trails are unpaved and not wheelchair-accessible.
Small hilltop park with sweeping views of the Wasatch Front, seasonal wildflowers and a popular sledding slope in winter. Ideal for landscape and seasonal-shots — golden hour brings warm light on the valley and backlit grasses; winter offers dynamic snow textures and action shots. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee, short trails and accessible viewpoints. Weekday mornings or golden hours reduce crowds; expect families on winter weekends.
Tight rocky canyon with a year-round stream and a waterfall, steep switchbacks and exposed ledges that open to sweeping Salt Lake Valley views. Short (≈1.6–2 mi one-way) but steep — great for waterfall shots, intimate canyon compositions, and panoramic golden-hour vistas. Best in spring for seasonal flow, sunrise/sunset for side-lit canyon walls. Trailhead parking available off Timberline Dr (road to some sections is narrow; high-clearance/4WD helps). No fee; dogs allowed. Expect variable light,
Small suburban park framed by foothills and mountains — great for wide grassy scenes, playground/family candid shots, sports action, and mountain backdrops. Accessible paved paths, picnic pavilions and restrooms. Best at golden hour or late afternoon; weekdays/early mornings avoid crowds. Limited parking; pet- and family-friendly.
Small community park bisected by Little Cottonwood Creek — good for tranquil creek reflections, flat gravel loop shots of joggers/dog walkers, playground and pool details, and early-morning light. Easy street parking on Siesta Dr, public restrooms, and mostly flat, accessible paths. Best at sunrise or late golden hour to avoid crowds; weekdays are quieter. Watch for local leash rules and occasional wildlife (foxes).
Small community park with a clean pavilion, new playground, mature shade trees and open lawns — great for candid family portraits, playful kid action, shaded portraits, and intimate landscaping details. Easy street parking off 7200 S, free entry, paved paths and accessible facilities. Visit weekday mornings or golden hour for softer light and fewer crowds; spring/fall offer best foliage and pleasant temperatures.
Compact family park with playgrounds, splash pad, sports fields and paved trails against the Wasatch foothills. Great for candid family and action shots, splash motion, and wide scenes of kids at play. Accessible parking, restrooms, and paved paths; limited shade and busy weekends in summer—visit weekday mornings or golden hour for softer light and fewer crowds. Note occasional dog waste; respect privacy when photographing children and ask permission.