Park of the Week- East Canyon State Park

Explore East Canyon State Park
Tucked away in the mountains of northeastern Utah, East Canyon State Park is a popular destination for boating, fishing and camping. Stay in a yurt or cabin, or sleep under the stars in the campground. East Canyon also holds a bit of history. Explore the nearby Mormon Pioneer Trail, the route taken by Mormons traveling more than 1,300 miles from Illinois to Utah. The park concession rents boats, paddleboards and offers food and various sundries. Eastcanyonstatepark.utah.gov

East Canyon State Park Manager Chris Haramoto’s Must-Do List:

1. Hike the Mormon Pioneer Trail. Many visitors to the park don’t realize this trail was the main highway for western travelers in the 1800s. Watch for elk, moose, deer and turkeys while out exploring.

2. Catch the three main species of fish in the reservoir- rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and wiper.  The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocked wipers in the reservoir for the first time last year and should be big enough to catch this summer.

3. Try paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking. Bring your own watercraft or rent one for the day from the park concession.  Summer water temperatures can get in the high 60s- perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

4. Stay the night in a yurt or cabin.  Enjoy a few comforts of home, while being surrounded by mountains, aspen trees and sage brush. Sit on the deck and watch small herds of deer graze and saunter through the park. A yurt or cabin stay is affordable and the kids love it.

5. Participate in a park event including the Crawdad-O-Rama, Cinco de Mayo or our annual Easter egg hunt. For specific dates, visit the park’s website.

East Canyon State Park is located a short 28 miles from Salt Lake City.