Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that the Mormon pioneers settled in Utah in July of 1847, and the Salt Lake Temple is certainly an icon for the Beehive State. Here’s a quick, easy trail that takes you to a place that’s full of early Utah history, and it’s the perfect afternoon hike.
You'll find the Temple Quarry Trailhead at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south side of the road. There's a small parking lot at the trailhead. If it's full, you'll find more parking across the street in the UTA Park and Ride Lot.
Catherine Armstrong
The trail starts with a historical marker and makes a half-mile loop.
Catherine Armstrong
Advertisement
This is a paved, level trail that's ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly. It's really more of an easy stroll than a hike, and it's a chance to get a taste of Utah history while enjoying the beauty of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Catherine Armstrong
Advertisement
Not far down the trail, you'll find a little area with large blocks of granite. Mormon pioneers cut big slabs of rock from this area to build their temple, starting in 1862.
Catherine Armstrong
You can see several rocks in this pile that still have the chisel marks made by pioneers more than 150 years ago.
Interpretive signs along the trail tell you more about the granite quarry and how the granite was cut and hauled to the temple's building site downtown.
Catherine Armstrong
While the trail is just fifty feet or so from Little Cottonwood Road, it's surrounded by trees. Take a little bit of time to sit, relax and enjoy the canyon atmosphere.
Catherine Armstrong
You'll also be treated to some gorgeous canyon views along this trail.
Catherine Armstrong
Advertisement
There's a large area overlooking the creek bed below. Check out the mountainside across the creek - you can often see mountain goats on rocky perches.
Catherine Armstrong
Little Cottonwood Creek branches off Temple Quarry Trail, and you can continue on another 6.5 miles if you'd like to explore more of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Catherine Armstrong
If you continue on down Little Cottonwood Trail be aware that it’s heavily used by mountain bikers. Make sure to follow trail etiquette and stay to the right to allow cyclists to pass, and teach kids to be aware of how to share the trail. Dog are not allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon, so leave your pup home for this one.
