Butterfield Canyon (Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Butterfield Canyon |
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Fall in Butterfield Canyon, October 2011
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 Butterfield Canyon
Location in Utah
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| Floor elevation | 9,180 ft (2,800 m) |
| Geology | |
| Type | Canyon |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
Butterfield Canyon is a beautiful valley located in the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, United States. It's found in the southwest part of Salt Lake County, right next to the city of Herriman. Many local people use this canyon to travel between Herriman and Tooele. It's also a popular spot for fun and outdoor activities. The canyon was named after Thomas Jefferson Butterfield, who founded the nearby city of Herriman.
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What is Butterfield Canyon Like?
Butterfield Canyon has a paved road called Butterfield Canyon Road. This road is owned by a company called Kennecott Utah Copper. It's usually closed during winter, from November 1st to June 1st. The road climbs up to a high point of about 9,180 feet (2,798 meters) above sea level.
Driving Through the Canyon
After you pass the highest point, the road changes name to Middle Canyon Road. This part is on the Tooele County side of the mountain. About 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of this section is a well-kept dirt road. When both sides of the mountain roads are open, they connect the city of Tooele with Herriman. This makes it a useful route for people traveling between the two cities.
How Butterfield Canyon Got Its Name
The canyon was discovered in 1851 by two men named Thomas Butterfield and Samuel Egbert. They were from a place called West Jordan. They were looking for a good area to raise their animals and families. They found a stream of water flowing from this canyon, which was perfect for their needs. This canyon was later named Butterfield Canyon. The settlement they started there was called the Butterfield Settlement, which is now known as Herriman.
Local Connections
You can find Butterfield Canyon Elementary School located close to the canyon. This shows how important the canyon is to the local community.
Wildlife and Nature
At night, the entrance of the canyon is a wonderful place to visit. Large groups of deer often come down into the nearby farmlands to find food. It's a great spot to observe nature and see these animals in their natural habitat.
