The Alta-Brighton Trail does not have a marked trailhead, but the trail begins on the east side of the Forest Service garage. Follow the dirt road several feet then take the right fork at the junction. This hiking, biking and backcountry skiing trail enters the Old Michigan City area which held a large population during the peak of Alta's mining period. Tailing piles and old buildings, as well as old stone roads that were for mining purposes, serve as reminders of the era. The trail forks one mile up the trail. The trail continues along the right fork, but a short hike along the left fork leads to an overlook of Silver Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail ends at the meeting of the Brighton Lakes Trail near Twin Lakes Dam.

Directions: From Salt Lake City, Follow Little Cottonwood Canyon road approximately 7.9 miles from the mouth of the canyon to the Alta Guard Station. The trail begins on the east side of the Forest Service garage.