Cottonwood Heights

Living in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Cottonwood Heights sits on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, right at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with Little Cottonwood Canyon just to the south. Solitude and Brighton ski resorts are a short drive up the canyon, so on a powder day you can be on the lift before most of the valley has finished breakfast. It's a city of about 33,000 people with established neighborhoods, mountain views from almost every street, and a real hometown feel.

Trails, Parks and the Outdoors

The Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail follows Big Cottonwood Creek past Old Mill Park and the historic Old Mill, a stone paper mill from the 1880s and one of the city's best-known landmarks. Ferguson Park has an off-leash dog area and is the trailhead for Ferguson Canyon, a shady hike with rock climbing and views over the valley. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs along the foothills. Golfers have Old Mill Golf Course on Wasatch Boulevard at the city's north edge, and Crestwood Park adds 58 acres of green space. The Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center has an indoor ice rink, indoor and outdoor pools with waterslides, pickleball, tennis and fitness classes year-round.

Community Events

Every July the city celebrates Pioneer Day with Butlerville Days at Butler Park: a parade, carnival, car show, live entertainment and fireworks. The holidays start with Light the Heights, the city's tree lighting at City Hall. Through the year there's also a community summer musical, an Easter egg hunt, the Monster Mash at Halloween, and Arts Council paint nights and concerts.

Schools

Cottonwood Heights is part of Canyons School District. Brighton High School and Butler Middle School are both in the city, and the elementary schools include Bella Vista, Butler, Canyon View and Ridgecrest. Check the boundaries for any specific address.

Shopping, Dining and Getting Around

Fort Union Boulevard is the city's main street, lined with restaurants, grocery stores and everyday shopping, and Old Mill Village sits near the canyon. I-215 runs along the city's edge, so it's easy to get to downtown Salt Lake, Sandy and the rest of the valley. Intermountain Medical Center in Murray is a quick drive. The city is also planning a new town center called The Heights at 2300 East and Fort Union, with local dining, shopping and gathering space.

Buying or Selling in Cottonwood Heights

I'm Michelle Schmidt, a Realtor with Ivie Avenue Real Estate. I live in Sandy, just south of Cottonwood Heights, and I spend my free time hiking, biking and skiing in these canyons. I help sellers list and market their homes and represent buyers, including medical professionals relocating to Utah. Call or text 801-674-6554 to talk about your move.