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Willow Heights hiking area in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Yang Song
View of Willow Heights in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Bella F
View of Willow Heights in Cottonwood Heights, UT
Photo: Chad Hunsaker

Willow Heights

4.7(225 reviews)FreePark
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the playground structures designed for smaller children, while elementary-aged kids can explore the walking trails and have plenty of space to run and play active games on the grass areas.

About

Willow Heights in Cottonwood Heights offers families a peaceful escape with excellent playground equipment, scenic walking trails, and open green spaces perfect for picnics and games. Located near Big Cottonwood Canyon, this highly-rated neighborhood park provides a relaxed atmosphere where kids can play freely while parents enjoy the beautiful Utah mountain views.

Highlights

  • Well-maintained playground structures suitable for various age groups
  • Scenic walking trails with mountain views
  • Large open grass areas ideal for sports and picnics
  • Peaceful, safe neighborhood setting
  • Beautiful natural surroundings near Big Cottonwood Canyon

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early morning or late afternoon for the best mountain shade and cooler temperatures during summer months
  2. 2.Bring a frisbee, soccer ball, or kite to take advantage of the spacious grass areas perfect for active play
  3. 3.Pack extra layers as temperatures can drop quickly due to the proximity to Big Cottonwood Canyon
  4. 4.The walking trails are stroller-friendly, making this an excellent spot for families with multiple age groups
  5. 5.Street parking is available in the residential area, but spaces fill up on weekends during peak times

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall on weekday mornings (9-11am) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Weekends can get busy with local families, especially Saturday mornings. Avoid midday summer visits when shade is limited and temperatures peak.

What to Know

This is a free public park with street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood. There are no restroom facilities or food vendors on-site, so plan accordingly and be respectful of the quiet residential area.

Seasonal Notes

Best visited April through October when weather is mild. Winter months can bring snow and ice, making playground equipment and trails slippery. Fall offers stunning foliage views with the changing leaves and cooler, comfortable temperatures for active play.

Nearby Eats

Head to Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse (about 10 minutes away) for kid-friendly chicken fingers and burgers, or stop by Cafe Rio for quick, casual Mexican fare that kids enjoy.

More Activities Near Cottonwood Heights

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Butler Elementary School

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Butler Elementary School features a community park that's a hidden gem for local families in Cottonwood Heights. The park offers well-maintained playground equipment, open grassy areas perfect for picnics and free play, and sports facilities that make it ideal for active kids looking to burn energy after school or on weekends.

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Cottonwood Country Club

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Cottonwood Country Club offers families an accessible gateway to Utah's stunning foothills with easy trails perfect for little legs and open green spaces for picnics and play. The combination of maintained paths and natural mountain terrain makes it an ideal spot for introducing kids to hiking while keeping the adventure manageable and close to home.

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Mountview Park

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Mountview Park is a well-loved neighborhood gem in Cottonwood Heights that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With modern playground equipment, basketball courts, wide-open grassy areas for running around, and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains as your backdrop, it's an ideal spot for both active play and relaxed family picnics.

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Big Cottonwood Regional Park - Big Cottonwood Area

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Big Cottonwood Regional Park is a spacious community gem that offers everything families need for a full day of outdoor fun. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, expansive sports fields, shaded picnic pavilions, and wide walking paths perfect for strollers and bikes, this park delivers on its promise of being a true family gathering spot in the heart of Cottonwood Heights.