Utah Trails

Butterfield Canyon

3.7/5 (12 reviews)

Herriman, Utah (Salt Lake County)

Last Updated: 08/26/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude

Forest

Iconic

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

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TJ Bosworth

Official Crew

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.

This road is narrow and heavily trafficked. Please use caution around corners.

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 1: Trailhead

The trailhead is a turnoff to the west off of Herriman Highway labeled as Butterfield Canyon Road.

2. Seasonal Gate (0.3 mi)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 2: Seasonal Gate

This is the gate that is closed from November 1st to June 1st every year.

3. Seasonal Stream Pullout (3.3 mi)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 3: Seasonal Stream Pullout

Here is a little pullout with a small seasonal stream flowing down the mountain.

4. Rope Swing Pullout (4.1 mi)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 4: Rope Swing Pullout

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)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 6: Second Gate

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)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 7: Rough Road

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)

Butterfield Canyon - Waypoint 8: End/Bingham Mine Overlook

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!

Trail Reviews

3.7/5 (12)

Lonnie

300

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 07/02/2021

Easy trail. Well worth the view at the top.

Brandon Maughan

100

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 06/25/2021

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.

Ashley Storer

200

Seasonal Closure

Visited: 11/04/2020

Trail is closed. We were excited to try it. The sign says it reopens june 1.

Tim H

100

Seasonal Closure

Visited: 10/30/2020

Trail is closed and blocked off at the bottom.

Matt Dimmitt

100

Partially Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 09/30/2020

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.

Butterfield Canyon

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Seasonal Gate (0.3 mi)

3. Seasonal Stream Pullout (3.3 mi)

4. Rope Swing Pullout (4.1 mi)

5. Saddle (6.9 mi)

6. Second Gate (7.1 mi)

7. Rough Road (8.5 mi)

8. End/Bingham Mine Overlook (9.4 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

TJ Bosworth

Butterfield Canyon

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

Mandatory

Optional

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Seasonal Gate (0.3 mi)

3. Seasonal Stream Pullout (3.3 mi)

4. Rope Swing Pullout (4.1 mi)

5. Saddle (6.9 mi)

6. Second Gate (7.1 mi)

7. Rough Road (8.5 mi)

8. End/Bingham Mine Overlook (9.4 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

TJ Bosworth

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