Another monument to mans insatiable appetite for metal ore, and an indomitable will to dominate the earth. This view is the Bingham Canyon overlook, reachable by traversing the Butterfield Canyon Road from Herriman up to the saddle, then turning north for a further short distance.Butterfield Canyon is a lovely glen in the sprawl and squalor of cities that have sprung up across the west of the Salt Lake Valley in the last thirty years. After many years of decrepitude, the canyon was the recipient of extensive reclamation efforts by its principal property owner, the Kennecot Corporation. The area is now a show place and a delight to the eye year-round.
Bikers and peddlers love the harsh grades and switchbacks. It makes a nice picnic drive for a weekend afternoon too.
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4 comments:
We took this drive into Toole one time_before_ the reclamation project and I was sure we were going to die or wreck our vehicle! The road on the west side of the mountain was all dirt with plenty of ruts that I felt sure would swallow us up! The cool thing about it is that it only takes moments to get to incredible mountain beauty and serenity away from the bustle of city life! Generally not too much traffic either.
Beth,
Some of us feel strongly that smoothing a bumpy mountain trail is close to blasphemy or an act of sacrilege. I am not one to groan and gripe about progress, but I think the crude old road was more fun! I enjoy bouncing over potholes and ruts on primitive trails.
Admittedly, the canyon serves more and serves them better now, but it means those looking for a thrill from a rough jeep ride must now go elsewhere. Maybe we do not cre so much, but there should be something to make everyone happy.
Took this drive again on Sunday. The road is paved all the way to the summit, then dirt into Toole. Gotta go slow around those curves, just about ran into a big truck barreling down the mountain! Sheesh! So much for Sunday drivers!
Beth,
I am happy to hear that the road is improved. It is a beautiful drive, and more can enjoy it. I especially love the old grove of tall firs that are around the first big hill. They are shady and cool, dark and inviting, when the rest of the area swelters in dust and heat.
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