A ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 31 opened the newest trailhead in the southwest corner of Salt Lake County. Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park is open and available for mountain bikers, trail runners, equestrians and hikers.

While the celebration opened 14 miles of trails at the park (including a trail that connects to Yellow Fork Canyon), by the end of the year, there will be 16 miles of trails. It’s part of the Southwest Canyon Trails Network, which includes Rose, Yellow Fork and Butterfield canyons.

The regional park was formed through a partnership between Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Rio Tinto Kennecott and the Bureau of Land Management.

“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,” Martin Jensen said, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation director. “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.” 

Attendees at the event included Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and several county council members, plus mayors from nearby cities and representatives from Rio Tinto Kennecott and the BLM. Local law enforcement was also represented by Unified Police Department’s Canyon Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse, Herriman Police Department and Unified Fire Authority.

Those attending the ribbon cutting had the opportunity to explore the new trail which 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,” Rio Tinto Copper COO Clayton Walker said. “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, riders from Wasatch Adaptive Sports explored the trails 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. Additionally, the trails were designed to host National Interscholastic Cycling Association mountain bike events for student athletes from across the state and country.

“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,” Wilson said.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited at Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park. Two dedicated full-time open space technicians will be onsite to manage the trails and work closely with BLM, Rio Tinto, Herriman City and first responders. 

In addition to multi-user trails, the regional park will have a trailhead and parking lot, scheduled for completion this fall. For more information, visit slco.to/southwest-canyons. 

“This space will enrich the lives of all our residents and guests by providing accessible trails for outdoor recreation,” Wilson said, “and it reaffirms our county’s pledge to open space and preserving the natural beauty of places like this in our valley.” λ