A Hidden Gem in Little Cottonwood Canyon
When you get to this quaint bridge, you’re almost there!!!
Follow the Signs!
There’s something deeply satisfying about a hike that doesn’t require an entire day’s commitment but still rewards you with a jaw-dropping view—and Gloria Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon delivers exactly that. Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, this lesser-known trail is perfect for weekend warriors, visiting nature lovers, or anyone craving a short alpine escape with a scenic waterfall payoff.
To reach the trailhead, head up Little Cottonwood Canyon Road from the Salt Lake Valley. Roughly five miles from the canyon entrance, you’ll see the well-marked White Pine Trailhead on the south (right) side of the road. The parking lot is decently sized, but trust us—on weekends, it fills up quickly with hikers heading to White Pine, Red Pine, and Maybird Gulch. Your best bet is to arrive early in the morning or opt for a weekday hike to avoid the rush.
There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no water fountains—so be sure to fill your bottles beforehand.
The hike begins on the wide, well-maintained White Pine Trail, which gently climbs through a shady forest of pines, firs, and quaking aspens. About half a mile in, you’ll cross a sturdy wooden bridge over Little Cottonwood Creek. Just past the bridge, watch closely for a narrow but well-trodden path branching off to the left—this is the spur that leads to Gloria Falls.
From here, the trail gets a little more rugged and natural, meandering through alpine groves, rocky patches, and seasonal wildflowers. You may need to step over tree roots or navigate a bit of mud after spring rains, but it’s never too tricky. It’s a “Goldilocks” kind of trail—just enough challenge to feel rewarding, but totally manageable for families, casual hikers, or anyone acclimated to the elevation.
Represent the Brand!!
We thought this was the end of the hike, it’s not, keep going!
After about 1.1 miles from the trailhead, you’ll hear the sound of water before you see it. The falls appear suddenly, cascading gracefully over smooth granite rocks into a shady glen. While not massive, Gloria Falls is undeniably beautiful—a tranquil, photogenic spot that feels like it belongs in a storybook.
There’s plenty of space to sit on the surrounding rocks and enjoy the view. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can climb up the left side of the falls (with caution) for an even better vantage point, where the water fans out and sparkles in the sunlight. It’s a great place for a mid-hike snack, meditation break, or just soaking in the peace and quiet.
We went in May, so the temperature was perfect. By the falls, it was actually cold!
Gloria Falls isn’t the biggest or most famous waterfall in Utah—but that’s exactly what makes it special. It feels like a secret, a quiet place tucked just off the main trail, waiting for you to stumble upon it. The hike is short, sweet, and bursting with natural beauty—perfect for beginners looking for a satisfying trail or experienced hikers needing a quick dose of nature.
Whether you’re escaping the summer heat, chasing fall colors, or stretching your legs on a sunny spring morning, Gloria Falls is the kind of trail that keeps you coming back.
#GloriaFalls #LittleCottonwoodCanyon #BanditOutdoors #StealAdventure
Location
- Utah, USA
- Little Cottonwood Canyon
- White Pine Parking Lot
Hike Details
- 2.5 Miles Round Trip
- 600 feet
- Out and Back Trail
- Took a young family 2 hours
What to See / Hints
- We packed our Bandit Pack with some snacks and had a mini-picnic at the falls.
- Trail running shoes were perfect for the hike
- Don’t get fooled with the “lower” falls, keep pushing over the wooden bridge to find the main falls.