Emigration Canyon, Utah | |
|---|---|
City | |
 | |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Given Township Status | 8 January 1997 |
| Incorporated as a Metro Township | 2017 |
| Incorporated as a City | 2024 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Joe Smolka |
| Area | |
• Total | 18.22 sq mi (47.19 km2) |
| • Land | 18.22 sq mi (47.19 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 1,466 |
| • Density | 80/sq mi (31/km2) |
| ZIP code | 84108[1] |
| Area code(s) | 385 and 801 |
| FIPS code | 49-22875 |
| Website | https://www.ecmetro.org/ |
Emigration Canyon | |
 Emigration Canyon 2020 | |
   | |
| Location | Salt Lake County, Utah,USA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°46′N111°46′W / 40.767°N 111.767°W /40.767; -111.767 |
| Area | 25 acres (10 ha) (landmarked area) |
| Built | 1847 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000737 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966[3] |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961[4] |
Emigration Canyon is acity and canyon inSalt Lake County,Utah, United States, located east ofSalt Lake City in theWasatch Range. Beginning at the southern end of theUniversity of Utah, the canyon itself heads east and northeast between Salt Lake City andMorgan County. Its boundaries do not extend to the county line, nor do they encompass all of Emigration Canyon, as parts of it are within Salt Lake City. As of the2020 census, the population was 1,466.
A portion of Emigration Canyon, located inThis Is the Place Heritage Park, was declared aNational Historic Landmark in 1961 for the canyon's significance in the Mormon migration of the 19th century.[5]
![[icon]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aWiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This sectionneeds expansion. You can help byadding to it.(May 2021) |
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,567 | — | |
| 2020 | 1,466 | −6.4% |
Emigration Canyon was significant in early Utah history as the original route used by pioneers entering the area. It was part of theHastings Cutoff route used by theDonner Party in 1846 (not affiliated with the Mormon Pioneers) and where theMormon Pioneers entered theSalt Lake Valley in 1847. AsBrigham Young looked over the canyon, he declared, "This is the right place. Drive on." These words have become famous in Utah history. The event is commemorated withThis Is The Place Heritage Park at the mouth of the canyon. Throughout Emigration Canyon, there are several historic markers designating camps, trail markers, and milestones where the Mormon Pioneers passed while on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. One example of these milestones is called Lost Creek Camp.
The township of Emigration Canyon was formed on January 8, 1997.
In 2015, the township's residents voted to incorporate and become ametro township.
In May 2024, Emigration Canyon and all other metro townships were incorporated as cities.[6]
Hogle Zoo, the main zoo in the Salt Lake City area, also lies at the mouth of the canyon but is within Salt Lake City limits. Emigration Canyon is home to Camp Kostopulos, established in 1967 by the Kostopulos Dream Foundation as a summer camp for disabled children, teens, and adults. It is adjacent to the historic Ruth's Diner, established in 1930.
Emigration Canyon is one of the most accessible canyon rides from Salt Lake City. With a length of 7.7 miles and an average grade of 5 percent, there are approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain from the mouth to the top, which cyclists often refer to as "Little Mountain". There is a good shoulder to ride in, and locals are used to bicycling traffic. There are restrooms located at the bottom of the canyon and the top, but these may be closed during the winter months.
Much of Emigration Canyon is protected within theUinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.[7] With its proximity to Salt Lake City, unprotected areas have been of interest to property developers; since 2001, theUtah Open Lands Conservation Association has raised funds to preserve numerous parcels of land in the canyon, totaling over 260 acres (110 ha) as of 2016.[8]
Places adjacent to Emigration Canyon, Utah | |
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Municipalities and communities ofSalt Lake County, Utah,United States | ||
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| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | ||
Mormon Trail landmarks | ||
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| Utah | ||
