Conditions Right Now
Why Go
The road into this canyon was cut by the Donner-Reed Party in 1846, the first wagon train to force the route, and it cost them badly: only 47 of the 87 who set out reached California. Mormon pioneers came through a year later and made better time on the brush the Donner group had already cleared. What is left is a small reservoir at 5,700 feet with dark sky certification, so the stars are a real reason to stay the night. You can sleep in a yurt, a cabin, or a Conestoga wagon.
Do this: Boating, fishing, camping, history
Family note: Small and mellow - easy shore fishing
Fees and hours: stateparks.utah.gov
Yes, You Can Fish Here
This park has fishing. Bring the loadout:
Closest waters: East Canyon Reservoir (Fishing, 1 mi) · Echo Reservoir (Fishing, 9 mi) · Rockport Reservoir (Fishing, 14 mi) · Farmington Pond (Fishing, 17 mi)
Build Your Day
Add to the trip: Grandeur Peak (West) (Hike, 17 mi) · Ensign Peak (Hike, 18 mi) · Spruces Campground (Camping, 19 mi) · Adams Canyon (Hike, 20 mi)
Quick Answers
- What is there to do at East Canyon State Park?
- Boating, fishing, camping, history
- Is East Canyon State Park good for kids?
- Small and mellow - easy shore fishing
- Why visit East Canyon State Park?
- East Canyon is close to Salt Lake City but small enough to feel like nobody sent you. It sits at 5,700 feet on the Mormon Pioneer Trail, carries International Dark Sky certification for stargazing, and stays open through winter for ice fishing.