The Wasatch Mountain Club Lodge construction was started by Wasatch Mountain Club members in 1929, with the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Lodge is located on land leased from the U. S. Forest Service and is adjacent to the Brighton Ski Resort at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon in Brighton, Utah, east of Salt Lake City.
The Lodge is a rustic two story log cabin built in the style of log buildings of the era of the 1920′s. Through the years a number of additions and improvements have been made on the building mostly out of the need for safety and convenience. Additions have included a modern heating system, a treated and filtered potable water system, modern bath and toilet rooms and other convenience and cosmetic improvements. The Wasatch Mountain Club owned and operated the Lodge since it was built and in November 2010, the Wasatch Mountain Club’s membership voted to transfer the ownership and operation of the Lodge to the Wasatch Mountain Club Foundation. This organization is an IRS 501(C)3 charitable corporation which is a separate entity from the Wasatch Mountain Club but closely related to and supported by it.
The main floor of the Lodge contains a large open area, with an adjacent food service area 
and bath and toilet rooms. The main floor area has hardwood floors, a wood burning fireplace and vintage furniture. Folding chairs and wooden tables are available for eating, board games, seminars, presentations, etc. Without the chairs and tables there is sufficient space for dancing and other social functions. The main floor area will accommodate up to 100 people. A food service area adjacent to the main area includes food heating appliances, refrigerators, washing sink and serving table.
In the summer a large patio with a stone barbecue grill and picnic tables is available. There is a covered front porch overlooking the Brighton Ski Resort and giving additional access to the patio. A Lodge caretaker’s quarters is located on the second floor. Off the main area are two bath/toilet rooms, equipped with hot water showers, toilets and sinks. As befitting our rustic facility, there are 2 upstairs dormitory sleeping rooms and a total of 16 single beds with mattresses and mattress covers and 2 double beds with mattresses and matress covers. Sleeping bags with pillows are suggested to be brought by the lodge users if they want to stay overnight. Sleeping bags and pads can be brought by the users and used on the main floor for sleeping.
There are various possibilities for outdoor activities near the Lodge in Big Cottonwood Canyon. During the winter, the Brighton Ski Resort and the Solitude Ski Resort, down the canyon, offer many miles of ski runs of all difficulties. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities around the lodge and at nearby Silver Lake. During the summer there are many hiking trails of all distances, difficulties and scenery that are within close proximity of the Lodge. Mountain bicycling has become a popular activity in the area.
The Lodge is ideal for use of
- Organization Meetings and Seminars
- Family Reunions and Gatherings
- Weddings and Receptions
- Birthday Celebrations and Hosted Open Houses
- Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
- Group Ski or Hiking Trips
The Wasatch Mountain Club Lodge historically has been maintained by volunteer support and donations from the club. With the historical importance of this building, we expect that all guests, visitors and users will treat the Lodge with love and respect to sustain its longevity.
LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE
The Lodge is located approximately 18 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon from its mouth, located at 7200 South Wasatch Blvd in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is adjacent to the Brighton Ski Resort at Brighton, Utah. The Lodge sits just above the Brighton Lodge at the end of the parking lot. In summer a primitive road is available through the Brighton Ski area to the Lodge. In winter the road is closed. There is limited parking at the Lodge so using the parking lot and hiking up the hill to the Lodge may be necessary. (See the map in the Directions/Parking Page)
We ask that you not enter the Lodge without an invitation or a user reservation. If it is not in use it is locked. If it is occupied please do not intrude on the users. It is also the caretaker’s residence, so please do not disturb him. Viewing from a distance can allow you to appreciate this historic structure.
