If you’re looking for a beautiful Utah family photography location with towering pine trees, mountain views, and plenty of variety, Jordan Pines in Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of my absolute favorites.
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah, Jordan Pines is one of those locations that feels completely different depending on where you turn. The tall, towering pine trees create a beautiful, peaceful mountain backdrop, while the surrounding trails, open spaces, bridge, and boardwalk give us so many options for a full family photography session.
It’s one of the reasons I love photographing families here so much — you can get a huge variety of images without needing to drive from location to location.
Why I Love Jordan Pines for Family Photography
There are so many reasons Jordan Pines has become one of my favorite Utah family photography locations.
The biggest reason? Variety.
When you book a family photography session, I want your gallery to feel like more than 30 photos taken in the exact same spot. Jordan Pines makes that easy. We can move around the area and create completely different looks while staying within the same general location.
Towering Pine Trees
The pine trees at Jordan Pines are incredible. They are tall, dense, and create that classic Utah mountain photography look that so many families love.
The trees also provide beautiful depth in photos. I love using the rows of pines to frame families, create leading lines, and give images that cozy, tucked-away-in-the-mountains feeling. Whether you’re looking for classic family portraits or more candid, playful photographs of your kids exploring, the pine trees give us plenty to work with.
A Beautiful Boardwalk
The boardwalk is another feature that makes Jordan Pines so unique.
It gives us an opportunity to incorporate a different texture and setting into your gallery while still maintaining that gorgeous mountain atmosphere. It’s especially fun for kids because they can walk, explore, and interact with their surroundings rather than standing still for every photograph.
Some of my favorite family photographs are the ones where everyone is simply moving and interacting naturally, and Jordan Pines gives us plenty of opportunities for that.
Open Spaces & Mountain Views
While the towering trees are one of the main attractions at Jordan Pines, the location isn't all forest.
There are also open spaces and gorgeous mountain views, which give us the opportunity to create images that feel brighter and more expansive.
This combination of forest, open space, and mountain scenery is what makes Jordan Pines such a versatile family photography location near Salt Lake City.
When Is the Best Time for Photos at Jordan Pines?
One of my favorite things about Jordan Pines is that it can work beautifully for photography for much of the year. I recommend Jordan Pines from approximately June through January, depending on the look you're hoping for and current weather and road conditions.
Summer brings lush greenery and beautiful mountain scenery, while fall can bring gorgeous seasonal color throughout the canyon. Winter at Jordan Pines can be absolutely magical as well. When snow is present, the towering pine trees create that classic snowy Utah mountain setting.
Because Big Cottonwood Canyon is a high-elevation mountain location, weather can change quickly, especially later in the year. Always check current conditions before heading up the canyon for your session.
Is Jordan Pines Easy to Get To?
This is another reason I recommend Jordan Pines to families. Parking is relatively easy, which is a huge bonus when you're arriving with multiple family members, little kids, and everything you need for a photography session.
There are also bathrooms on site, which can be incredibly helpful during family sessions — especially when you're photographing young children. And yes, there is cell service, so you don't have to worry about completely losing connection while you're up in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
These little conveniences might not seem important when you're looking at photos online, but they can make a big difference when you're actually bringing your family to a mountain location.
Things to Know Before Your Jordan Pines Photography Session
There are a few important things to know before planning your family photography session at Jordan Pines. There is a $10 parking fee. Be prepared to pay the required parking fee when visiting the area.
Dogs are not allowed. If you're hoping to include your dog in your family photos, Jordan Pines unfortunately isn't the right location.
Planning a family photography session in Utah? Jordan Pines is one of my favorite places to photograph families, and Big Cottonwood Canyon has so many beautiful options beyond this one location. From towering evergreens to mountain views and seasonal color, Utah truly has some of the most beautiful settings for family photos.
