Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park Adds 16 miles of multi-use trails
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Rio Tinto Kennecott, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hosted a ribbon cutting at Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park on August 31. By year’s end, this newest trailhead in the southwest corner of Salt Lake County will offer 16 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and mountain bikers of all abilities.
“I had the opportunity to hike Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park several weeks ago. It was exhilarating to connect with the land and take in these breathtaking views,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “This space will enrich the lives of all our residents and guests by providing accessible trails for outdoor recreation and it reaffirms our county’s pledge to open space and preserving the natural beauty of places like this in our valley.”
Attendees had the opportunity to explore this new section of the Southwest Canyon Trails Network, which is composed of 2,500 acres in Rose, Yellow Fork, and Butterfield canyons. The most recent addition, 17 acres in Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park, is the result of a 2022 lease agreement between Salt Lake County and Rio Tinto Kennecott.
“The community has long asked for access to this beautiful area, and this collaboration with Salt Lake County is our way of finding better ways to offer a safe and fun way for the public to enjoy Butterfield Canyon,” said Rio Tinto Copper COO, Clayton Walker. “We’re so proud to see what’s possible through our environmentally focused reclamation efforts on what was once a mining site. I’m personally excited to get out and enjoy these trails with my family and friends.”
To ensure the trails are accessible to all, Wasatch Adaptive Sports tested out the trails twice on adaptive bikes prior to the ribbon cutting. First responders were also invited to navigate the trails and assess evacuation routes in the event of an emergency. Representatives from Unified Police Department’s Canyon Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse, Herriman Police Department, and Unified Fire Authority were all in attendance at the ribbon cutting.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation’s outdoor program coordinators offered a guided hike to familiarize people with the trails and native plants. Outreach booths were hosted by Wasatch Adaptive Sports, Rio Tinto, and Parks and Recreation.
“It is beyond exciting to officially open these multi-use trails to the public. Residents in the southwest part of the valley, who have been yearning for mountainous trails near their homes, now have a new, close-to-home space to recreate,” said Martin Jensen, director of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. “Collaborating with the Mayor and County Council, as well as with city and community partners, we remain committed to preserving natural, open spaces and improving the public’s access to them.”
Use of Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park is specific to trails only and can accommodate adaptive bikes. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Two dedicated full-time open space technicians will be onsite to manage the trails and will work closely with BLM, Rio Tinto, Herriman City, and first responders. Trail construction for Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park began in the summer of 2022. In addition to multi-user trails, the regional park will have a trailhead and parking lot, scheduled for a Fall 2023 completion date. More info: slco.to/southwest-canyons.
About Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation
Established in 1946, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is committed to "Improving Lives Through People, Parks, and Play." Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parks, trails and open space, golf courses, recreation centers, swimming pools, ice centers, and Wheeler Historic Farm. Visit slco.org/parks-recreation for more information.
About Rio Tinto Kennecott
Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated mining operation just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. For 120 years, Kennecott has been mining and processing copper and other minerals including gold, silver, molybdenum and tellurium from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine. In addition to Bingham Canyon, Rio Tinto Kennecott possesses other facilities at South Jordan in the Salt Lake Valley including a refinery, a concentrator and one of only two operating copper smelters in the U.S.