Harkers Canyon (Salt Lake County, Utah) facts for kids
Harkers Canyon is a cool natural valley located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Salt Lake City in Utah, USA. This canyon starts high up in the Oquirrh Mountains and opens into the Salt Lake Valley. It mostly runs from the southwest to the northeast.
For a long time, the land around Harkers Canyon has been owned and managed by the Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation. They have mined for copper here, though most of their mining happened in a bigger canyon nearby.
Exploring Harkers Canyon
Harkers Canyon is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long. The very top of the canyon is quite high, at about 2,550 meters (8,360 feet) above sea level. This spot is right on the border between Salt Lake County and Tooele County. It also marks the watershed divide, which means water on one side flows to the Salt Lake Valley, and water on the other side flows to Rush Valley.
Natural Features
Near the top of the canyon, you can find a natural spring called Crystal Spring. It's located at an elevation of about 2,365 meters (7,760 feet). This is where fresh water naturally comes out of the ground.
Broadcasting Towers
On a ridge between Harkers Canyon and Barneys Canyon, there's a tall transmission tower. This tower, at 2,580 meters (8,465 feet) high, helps broadcast the radio station KDYL 1060 AM.
Where the Canyon Ends
Harkers Canyon eventually opens up from the Oquirrh Mountains at a lower elevation of about 1,490 meters (4,890 feet). This area is close to a small community called Bacchus and State Route 111. This is on the far western edge of the larger Salt Lake City area. The canyon is also part of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Wildlife Management Unit 18, which helps protect local wildlife.
Future Plans for Access
Even though mining has been a big part of Harkers Canyon's past, there are plans to make it more accessible to the public. A part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is planned to cross Harkers Canyon. This trail is a popular path that follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, offering great views and outdoor activities.
