Butterfield Canyon

I took the kids for an adventure up Butterfield Canyon today. It was SO gorgeous and peaceful, we almost didn't want to come down off the mountain! We started out in Herriman, drove all the way to the top and looked down on Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire Salt Lake Valley, and Tooele on the other side, and then drove down the other side of the mountain into Tooele. We saw a deer right next to the road eating leaves, a few mountain bikers and motorcyclists, and a few other vehicles. I loved that there were many places to stop for a picnic, let the kids play in the very shallow stream, and just enjoy the cool shade! I liked the Tooele side of the mountain much better for stopping, picnicing, camping, etc.

DIRECTIONS: There are two different ways to get to the top of Butterfield Canyon:

FROM SALT LAKE: (If you are scared of heights, or not used to driving up steep mountains, this route is NOT for you! Instead, read below the directions from Tooele.) Take the Bacchus Highway (about 8400 West) all the way Southbound out to the Kennecott Copper Pit in Herriman. Keep going until you see a wild horse ranch sign. Turn up that road (heading Westbound). This is Butterfield Canyon Road. This road will take you to the top. Drive very slowly around the sharp turns, and watch out for bikers and other vehicles! When you reach the top, you will see a road to your right going up higher, some hiking trails to your left, and in front of you a road that leads down. Take the road to your right to go up even more. Drive on that road for a while until it dead ends, and you've reached the top. You will be able to see over Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire valley. When finished, head back down to the road that leads down, and you will take that road all the way to Tooele, and come out on Vine Street. In Tooele on Vine Street you will find many museums on your right hand side.

FROM TOOELE: Take the main road in Tooele to Vine Street, and turn Eastbound. This road will lead you all the way to the top. When you reach the top, you will see a road to your left going up higher, some hiking trails to your right, and in front of you a road that leads down the other side of the mountain. Take the road to your left to go up even more. Drive on that road for a while until it dead ends, and you've reached the top. You will be able to see over Kennecott Copper Pit and the entire valley. When finished, head back down to the road that leads down, and you will take that road all the way to Herriman, and come out on the Bacchus Highway.