Plan a family day at Storm Mountain Picnic Area—cool canyon shade, creek-side strolls, and scenic tables—arrive in a roomy Tara Roadster 2+2 and make the drive part of the fun.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 5685 E Big Cottonwood Cyn Rd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 |
| Phone | (385) 273-1100 |
| Hours | Monday–Sunday, 06:00–22:00 |
| Facilities | Picnic Tables, Campfire Rings, Grills & Serving Tables, Flush Toilets / Restrooms, parking |
| Recreation Features | Group Sites, historic stone amphitheater, Horseshoe pits |
Storm Mountain Picnic Area sits deep in Big Cottonwood Canyon, where steep granite walls, shady cottonwoods, and a lively creek create a close-to-town escape with a true mountain feel. It’s purpose-built for unhurried family time: spread out a blanket, fire up a grill, watch kids skip stones, and listen to water over rocks while climbers inch across nearby crags. Group shelters and a classic stone amphitheater make this site as good for reunions and birthdays as it is for low-key weekends.
Plan ahead the night before—prep sandwiches, marinate veggies, portion snacks—and remember there is no drinking water supply on site, so pack plenty. In the morning, load food and water into the Tara Roadster 2+2 fridge and storage bins, double-check sunscreen and layers, and enjoy the scenic canyon drive. Parking is close to the tables, so you won’t haul gear far.
Arrive early to choose a picnic table and orient your group to restrooms, grills, and trail access. Then wander: stroll shaded paths along the creek, pause under big trees for photos, and keep ears tuned to the soft rush of water. You can meander toward Cannon Creek or hop onto adjacent easy trails for a gentle taste of canyon terrain. The broader Big Cottonwood area offers countless hiking options and rock-climbing routes if your crew wants to add a quick out-and-back before lunch.
Storm Mountain’s grills and serving tables make mid-day prep simple. Pack charcoal or fuel as appropriate, follow all posted fire rules, and keep a spray bottle and water nearby for safety. Bring a tablecloth for comfort, plus extra bags for trash—pack out everything, including food scraps. Please do not rinse cookware or dump liquids into the creek; use the sinks/restrooms and dispose of wastewater as posted.
As temperatures soften, drift back toward the water and shady groves. Kids can sketch leaves or track insects while adults sip tea and chat. Photographers will love the way evening light warms the canyon walls. Before you pack up, do one last sweep for micro-trash—twist ties, bottle caps, straw sleeves—and leave the site spotless for the next family.
Storm Mountain lies along Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, with signed access and convenient parking near tables and restrooms. The comfortable seating and flexible cargo of a Tara Roadster 2+2 make it easy to shuttle coolers, games, and grill supplies from car to table in a single trip.
Group sites are available in the Storm Mountain area. Check current booking procedures and arrive early during peak seasons.
Yes—flush toilets/restrooms are on site, close to the picnic grounds.
Creekside strolls, easy canyon walks, horseshoes, quick photo stops, and simple interpretive moments at the amphitheater.
Storm Mountain Picnic Area delivers a classic Wasatch picnic: tall trees, cool water, sturdy tables, and kid-friendly space to roam. Pack a thoughtful lunch, bring ample water, and build a day around short walks, shared meals, and simple games. With the comfort and cargo flexibility of a Tara Roadster 2+2, the journey is smooth, setup is easy, and your family can focus on conversations that last beyond the canyon.
