Overview of the Park

Utah State Parks aims to enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing natural, cultural, and recreational resources for present and future generations.

Park Information:

Location: Located 35 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, accessible via Highway 66, approximately 12 miles southeast from Morgan.
Operating Hours: The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no closures during holidays.

Contact and Reservations:

Reservations: For reservations or inquiries, individuals can call (800) 322-3770.
Park Contact Information:
- Address: East Canyon State Park, 5535 South Highway 66, Morgan, UT 84050-9694
- Phone: (801) 829-6866

Park Features and Wildlife:

Wildlife: The park is home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, moose, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, badgers, porcupines, rabbits, beavers, and various bird species like owls, eagles, osprey, grouse, and loons.
Vegetation: Mountain slopes are characterized by sagebrush, juniper, scrub oak, blue bunch wheatgrass, basin wild rye, rabbit brush, and mountain snowberry. Surrounding the reservoir, vegetation includes sage grass, shrubs, willow, red clover, garrison meadow foxtail, and canary grass.

Activities and Amenities:

Recreation: Visitors can enjoy sports and activities at the 684-acre East Canyon Reservoir, such as boating, swimming, fishing for trout, bass, crappie, and crawfish, as well as picnicking in day-use shelters.
Winter Activities: Winter camping and ice fishing are popular during the colder months.
Mormon Flats: This area offers a four-mile trail suitable for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It features remnants of Fort Wells, a Mormon stronghold built in 1857.

Historical Significance:

Mormon Pioneer Trail: East Canyon preserves a section of the original Mormon Pioneer Trail created by the Donner/Reed party in 1846. Brigham Young followed this trail in 1847 with the first Mormon pioneer settlers to the Salt Lake Valley.
Establishment: The park’s history dates back to the construction of the first dam in 1896, with subsequent dams built over 50 years. The current dam holds 52,000 acre-feet of water used for irrigation. East Canyon State Park was officially established in 1967.

Camping Options:

Dixie Creek Campground: Located on the north end of the reservoir, offering 33 sites with full or partial hookups, modern restrooms, and showers.
Big Rock Campground: Situated on the south end, provides 21 sheltered primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.
Primitive Group Sites: River’s Edge, Large Spring, and Mormon Flats accommodate larger groups (50 to 75 people) and require reservations.
Yurts: Four yurts available for camping, accommodating up to six people each. Yurts feature electricity, heat, and furnishings, available year-round by reservation with a two-night minimum stay. Fire pits not included; children under sixteen must be supervised.

Park Facilities:

Picnic Areas: 21 picnic areas available within the park.
Day-Use Pavilions: Two group day-use pavilions for gatherings.
Dry Storage Units: 40 units available for storage purposes.
Restroom and Shower Facilities: Modern restrooms available in the north end during the summer season. Showers accessible for campers in Dixie Creek Campground. Water services are turned off during the winter months (approximately October 15 to April 15).

Concession Services:

East Canyon Marina: Offers boat rentals, personal watercraft, ski boats, food services/grill, and a convenience store. For information and watercraft reservations, contact (801) 829-4988.

Park Policies & Guidelines

Essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors at East Canyon State Park: