Visitors Guide
Visitors Guide
Canyon Driving Laws
Be prepared.
Ensuring you’re informed of local laws and prepared to abide by them not only helps keep you safe, but everyone else in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Read on to learn about the Traction Law, road closures, where you can and cannot park in the canyon and more.
The Traction Law
If it’s snowing on SR-210—the road through Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird—UDOT’s Traction Law will almost certainly be in effect. This law requires that all vehicles driving on SR-210 be equipped with traction devices. Drivers are notified when the Traction Law is in effect via UDOT road signs, message boards and social media feeds. You can also check the Mountain Report.
- At a minimum, vehicles with 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive must have approved snow tires on all 4 wheels of the vehicle.
- Approved tires can be identified by an M+S (mud and snow) or a snowflake symbol on the sidewall of the tire. Better yet, participate in UDOT Cottonwoods Sticker Program and have them pre-check and approve your tires, earning you a sticker for the winter (and easier access to the canyon on days law enforcement is inspecting).
- Tires must have sufficient tread to be effective.
- 2-Wheel Drive vehicles must have 3PMSF tires or tire chains properly fitted on all 4 tires of the vehicle before entering the canyon.
- Properly sized tire chains must be in your possession if snow tires are not installed on your vehicle.
UDOT Road Closures
Over 60 avalanche slide paths bisect SR-210, requiring UDOT to occasionally close the road to mitigate avalanche hazards. In the event of a midday road closure, guests will be notified with as much notice as possible through the Snowbird App, the Mountain Report and on digital signage (located at lift bases and Creekside and in Snowbird's lodges, the Snowbird Center and Creekside).
Overnight avalanche mitigation road closures are the most common and are typically from 12:30-8:30 am. When this occurs, UDOT will set up queuing areas at the bottom of Little Cottonwood Canyon for those in vehicles waiting for the road to open and the powder that awaits. While queuing up like this is not encouraged, it is lawful as long as motorists comply with local law enforcement, pull over to the shoulder of the road and leave the travel lane clear for local traffic and emergency vehicles. For the most recent information on queuing areas, check the UDOT Cottonwoods page.
Pro Tip: UTA Ski Buses are moved to the front of the waiting queue. Use public transportation on closure days to get to the mountain faster.
Attempting to travel in Little Cottonwood Canyon during a full road closure is illegal.
Parking in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Snowbird offers a variety of ways to park and enjoy the mountain, including the ability to park in free lots on a first-come, first-served basis, pay for reserved daily parking in advance or purchase a Preferred Parking Pass. In addition, Snowbird Season Passholders will receive 1 free rolling parking reservation for the Upper Gad Valley Lot.
Highway Parking
The ability to park along the highway is determined daily, depending on avalanche conditions, and can be found on the Mountain Report each morning.
When allowed, parking along the south side of SR-210 between Entry 1 and 4 will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember to always park off of the highway and inside the white line. Please be aware of yellow signs on SR-210 marking avalanche zones. You cannot park in avalanche zones between November and April.
Overnight Parking
Overnight parking is not allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon, except for designated spots reserved for lodging guests at Snowbird.
Enforcement
Local law enforcement at the entrance of Little Cottonwood Canyon will make the determination of a vehicle's safety based on known road condition information. 2-Wheel Drive vehicles with 4 mounted snow tires MAY be denied access to the canyon if law enforcement believes they present a hazard to other motorists. Locals can expedite Traction Law screening by participating in UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program.