Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook

Total Miles 2.6
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Summer
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook trail photo

Trail Overview

This trail is a quick 5-mile total out-and-back. It is well-maintained dirt leading to a large parking area that overlooks the main pit of the mine. One can also see the Salt Lake Valley to the east and Tooele Valley to the west and the views of the mountains, valleys, and mine are incredible. The road starts at the summit of Butterfield Canyon, which is closed from November through May annually. The land is owned by the mining company and the road is lined with no trespassing signs, so stay on the trail. The gate at the entrance of the road has been closed for the past 2 summers but has opened back up.

Photos of Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook

Difficulty

This is an easy road and can be done in two-wheel drive, with a few tight cross-backs being the hardest part.

History

The Kennecott Coper Mine, also known as the Bingham Canyon Mine, is one of the largest man-made open-pit excavation sites.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Michael Butson
Jun 21, 2026
Open
Pretty much anything with two wheels or four wheels can make it up here. Cars need to be careful though because ground clearance can be an issue in several places.
Paul
Jun 08, 2026
Open
Most of this trail is a wide dirt road, passable by a passenger car. A few spots are steep, rocky, washboard and rutted. No problem for a dirt bike, side by side or 4x4. Passed a guy in a Subaru trying it. That seemed a bit misguided to me.
Brian
Jun 06, 2026
Open
Adam Hernandez
Jun 03, 2026
Open
No snow any on the trail; and enjoyable ride.
Rysn B
Oct 12, 2025
Open
Samuel Woubshet
Oct 05, 2025
Open
Edgar Terri
Jun 08, 2025
Open
Conditions were good. Almost to the top there is a patch of snow but it doesn’t interfere with the trail much. The trail does have a lot of smaller sharp rocks, but as long as you keep an eye out for the ones sticking out you’ll be okay. I was told it was an easy trip so we decided to come up in the daily driver instead of my overland rig.
Clint Coon
Jun 01, 2025
Open
Gate to overlook closed
Corey Woodcox
Oct 19, 2024
Open
Road is mostly in good shape, a couple of the hairpins are pretty gnarly though. Some snow, slightly muddy. They probably won’t leave it open much longer.
David Phillips
Sep 30, 2024
Open
Tylor Hansen
Jul 24, 2024
Open
There is a sign that says no Trespassing property of Kennecott Mine trespassers will be prosecuted.
Chris Munoz
Jun 30, 2024
Open
No snow, no mud. Nice view of Kennecott Mines at the top.
Joe Pitt
Jun 29, 2024
Open
Tom Payne
Jun 08, 2024
Open
There a snow drift near the top, but is passable with good tires and ground clearance
Morgan W
Jun 04, 2024
Open
about quarter way up the trail snow is blocking the road. Had to turn around

Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Kennecott Copper Mine Overlook Map

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