Fees Now Required at Popular BCC Trailheads

As of December 1, 2024, the Salt Lake Ranger District has implemented TWO new Recreation Fee Areas in Big Cottonwood Canyon (BCC). A fee or REA pass is now required to park a vehicle at designated trailheads (TH). Vehicles must display proof of payment when using a recreation fee site. Individuals using public transportation or not parking a vehicle in these areas are NOT required to pay a fee. Proof of payment will be verified in one of two ways:

  • Pass or Automated Fee Machine receipt displayed on hang tag or dashboard

  • License plate checks to verify online sales through recreation.gov

Trailheads effected as of December 1st, 2024

Spruces / Cardiff Fork Trailhead

Mill D Trailhead

NOTE: White Pine TH in Little Cottonwood fee collections have been postponed UNTIL Summer of 2025

The Salt Lake Ranger District retains 95% of the fees collected, which enables them to operate, maintain, and improve site amenities such as bathrooms, garbage services, picnic tables, kiosks, parking, snow removal, and security. In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), allowing Federal Land Agencies to implement fee programs.

What you need

- Cars need ONE of the following REA passes to park at these locations -

America the Beautiful, Interagency Pass: $80

  • Valid for one year at UWC REA sites, at other federal REA sites, and for entry into National Parks

  • Also called the National Parks Pass, Federal Recreational Lands Pass

  • Types of Interagency passes: Senior, Military, Access, Fourth Grade (prices vary). These passes may be purchased at Forest Service Offices, from other federal land managers

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest 3-day Pass: $10

  • Valid for 1-3 consecutive days at UWC REA sites

  • Suggested for those visiting for less than 3 days

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest 7-day Pass: $20

  • Valid for 7 consecutive days at UWC REA sites

  • Suggested for those visiting for a week or less

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Annual Forest Pass: $60

  • Valid for one year at UWC REA sites

How to obtain a REA Pass

  • At REA fee sites / Trailheads or Recreation.gov

    • Visitors can pay via posted QR Codes for 3 or 7 day pass (credit card only)

    • If site is out of service, rec.gov pass can be used to purchase off-line. Most sites have service.

  • Salt Lake Ranger Disrict (SLRD)

  • Local Venders

    • Visitors can purchase passes at these vendors: Brighton Store, Gear Room, IME, Skimo Co

    • Visitors can purchase all pass types at these vendors.


      A list of current and up coming fee sites within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest can be found HERE.

Photo by @christianwestphotos

Julia Geisler