The Butterfield Canyon off-road (well, somewhat paved) trail is a quick and fun way to get away from the bustle of the surrounding cities and is accessible both from the Salt Lake and Tooele sides of the Oquirrh (Oak-er) Mountain Range. The Oquirrh Mountain Range is a string of 10,000-foot peaks that divides the Salt Lake and Tooele valleys. Most known for its copper mining, the beauty of this range is usually overlooked. Butterfield Canyon is only open 5 months of the year so you can bet on running into plenty of other people along the way. This trail is perfect for anybody who wants to experience some beautiful forest and great views with the best being at the top where you can overlook the Salt Lake and Tooele Valley's, as well as looking down into the largest open-pit copper mine in the world - Kennecott Copper Mine!
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
The trail is a maintained dirt road the entire way.
Community Consensus
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Mandatory
1 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that you
cannot bypass - you have to drive it.
Optional
1 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that is
purely optional - you can bypass it.
Dirt and/or rocky road. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 5" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 5" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 6" inches. Good tire placement likely. Can be steep, but with good traction.Read More about our Rating System
From the trailhead, this is a very easy trail. It is a paved road that winds through the beautiful canyon with some sharp hairpin turns. The speed limit starts at 25mph but once you get about 2.5 miles into the canyon it changes to 10mph. Be very cautious on the hairpin turns as this trail can get pretty busy, especially on weekends and holidays. The paved road will take you 6.9 miles all the way up to the saddle where Butterfield Canyon connects with Middle Canyon on the west side of the Oquirrh Mountains.
1. Trailhead (0
mi)
The trailhead is a turnoff to the west off of Herriman Highway labeled as Butterfield Canyon Road.
2. Seasonal Gate (0.3
mi)
This is the gate that is closed from November 1st to June 1st every year.
3. Seasonal Stream Pullout (3.3
mi)
Here is a little pullout with a small seasonal stream flowing down the mountain.
4. Rope Swing Pullout (4.1
mi)
At this pullout, there is a little spur trail that meets back up shortly, as well as a random rope swing. Sadly, there is no lake for jumping in.
5. Saddle (6.9
mi)
This is the saddle of the Oquirrh Mountains. Continue to the right to reach the Bingham Mine Overlook at the end of the trail.
6. Second Gate (7.1
mi)
This gate usually remains closed a week or two after the canyon opens up due to one very shaded spot that tends to hold snow. Continue up the trail.
7. Rough Road (8.5
mi)
Here is a rough patch in the road. Nothing that a vehicle with decent clearance should have any issues with, but lower cars will need to be careful.
8. End/Bingham Mine Overlook (9.4
mi)
At the overlook, you get views of both the Tooele Valley and the Salt Lake Valley. However, the main reason that this trail is run is for the overlook into Bingham Mine, also known as Kennecott Copper Mine; The largest open face copper mine in the world. You can even see it from space!
Not allowed
No camping is allowed in Butterfield Canyon. Once you reach the end, you can head west at the saddle down Middle Canyon where there are multiple campsites along the trail. Or you can head back into Herriman and find one of a number of hotels in the Salt Lake Valley.
Starting Point
Herriman, Utah
Travel west until you get to Bacchus Highway (Utah Highway 111). Once you come to Bacchus Highway head south until you reach Herriman Highway (13100 south) and turn right/west. You will know you are there because you will see fences on both sides of the road with no trespassing signs from Kennecott Copper. Don't let the signs scare you, the road is a Salt Lake County public road, Kennecott does not own the road up Butterfield Canyon! The land down Middle Canyon Road is all BLM land. If you are south of Herriman City travel north on Bangerter Highway and turn left/west at 12600 south. Follow 12600 southwest for 1.4 miles and turn left onto Herriman Main Street (5040 West). Stay on Herriman Main Street for approximately 4.6 miles until it intersects with Bacchus Highway. Turn left/west where they intersect. Once you have turned left you will be at the trailhead. You will know you have gone too far if you pass the Bingham Canyon Mine entrance roads on your left.
Easy little trail (dirt road). Worth it for the views though. Great spot at the top. If the road was any more difficult it would be frustrating with so many people driving it without any trail etiquette at all.
Great view from the top, as well and scenery galore on the way there. I recommend it at least once. Amazing copper mine view liking down into it, but otherwise pretty basic dirt road up there.
Easy trail with a few fun rockier sections, but mostly a dirt road to the top. The views from the top are worth the drive up. Sections on the paved road on the way up are not wide enough for 2 cars - be prepared to pull off or back up.
This a fun easy trail and it was mostly pavement, my family loved driving thru the trees on the lower part of the trail this time of year. There are plenty of places to pull off for some hiking or just to relax and enjoy the scenery. I only made it to the Saddle (5) since the gate shortly after that was closed, I will say once you turn past the Saddle (5) the road turns into gravel and gets a little rough however there is no vehicle that could not pass on this road its just a rough gravel road. Still enjoyed this trip for a short drive in the mountains.
Started from the Salt Lake City side and drove up to the overlook. The road was a little washed out in places higher up near the overlook where it was really windy and a little rainy. Went back down the Tooele through Middle canyon. Overall a nice evening drive.
Took a drive up the canyon to check out the mine, but the gate was closed just as you turn onto Copper Pit Overlook Rd. Went down Middle Canyon Road and the toll kiosk couldn't give any further details as to if/when the gate would be open this summer. Not too bad for a Sunday cruise though.
Unfortunately, it looks like this trail is closed above the second gate. It looks permanent as there is new “no trespassing” signage and heavy duty locks, but maybe I just tried too early in the season. Summit had a great view but was really crowded with people trying to turn around while ATVs and side-by-sides went flying by. Without the second part, this makes a nice scenic drive but this trail is basically pavement until Middle Canyon Road.
Took an afternoon ride on my bike up the canyon to make sure it was all open. It was a perfect day and there was hardly anybody on the road. It looks like they are going to be doing some small construction soon. There a few signs up, but no trucks or workers. I doubt its going to be anything major. The dirt road up towards the top was a little muddy due to the large snow drifts that were still melting on the side of the road. That only made it more fun though! Once at the top I met a man who was up there showing his friend the mine. He mainly wanted to ask about my bike. I saw a few more people as I headed back down the canyon. I even spotted a turkey on the road! It was cool to see and a fun trip!
From the Community
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TJ Bosworth
Mapping Crew - Utah
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, he's only been off-roading since he was 16 but fell in love immediately. He attended college in Denver for Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and wheeled in Colorado for 4 years, but ended up moving back home to Salt Lake City. He currently works in an off-road shop and spends his free time doing anything he can to stay busy, which is usually working on his jeep or playing music. Outside of off-roading, he is an avid whitewater rafter and outdoor cook. Camping at least every other weekend in any season is a normal year. The further from civilization, the better. Bring on the memories!
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