Butterfield Canyon

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4/5 (17 reviews)
Herriman, Utah (Salt Lake County)
Last Updated: 11/07/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Forest Category Icon Forest
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
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

Trail Navigation

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.

Trail Reviews

4/5 (17)
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Official Crew
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51900
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 11/01/2023

Trail is closed for the season!
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

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.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

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.
Trail Review: Butterfield Canyon - Mark Curtis
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/10/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Beautiful short drive. This year everything is soooo green!
Trail Review: Butterfield Canyon - Laura Heaphy
Trail Review: Butterfield Canyon - Laura Heaphy
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Official Crew
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51900
Open
Visited: 06/01/2023

Gate is open.

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