East Canyon State Park
A Mountain Escape Not Far From The City
East Canyon State Park is tucked
high in the mountains of northeastern Utah between Salt Lake City and Morgan. Highlighted
by another man-made reservoir, it offers 680 acres of boating and fishing in a
beautiful valley surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains.
Located only 28 miles east of Salt
Lake City, it offers an escape from the city without having to drive far. You
can enjoy the usual array of activities you would expect at any of Utah’s lakes
or reservoirs:
- boating
- water-skiing
- fishing
- ice fishing in winter
- swimming
- camping
- hiking
- biking
- or even just picnicking
East Canyon State Park sits at an
elevation of 5,700 feet.
Year-Round Recreation
East Canyon State Park is a haven
for outdoor enthusiasts offering a wide array of activities throughout the
year.
Warm-Weather Activities:
- Boating
& Water Sports: The reservoir is perfect for
boating, water-skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Fishing: Anglers can expect to catch Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout,
Tiger Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Wipers and Black Crappie.
- Swimming: Designated swimming areas provide a safe and enjoyable outing
for all ages.
- Hiking
& Biking: Trails like the Mormon Pioneer
Trail offer scenic routes for hikers and bikers.
- Camping
& Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas and two
covered group-use pavilions make for ideal gathering spots.
Winter Activities:
- Ice
Fishing: As temperatures drop and the lake
freezes over, the reservoir becomes a popular spot for ice fishing.
- Snowshoeing
& Cross-Country Skiing: Trails
transform into snowy pathways for winter exploration.
- Winter
Camping: Select campgrounds remain open …
although access may be limited … offering a unique cold-weather camping
experience.
Historical Significance
If you like history … especially
Utah history … the nearby Mormon Pioneer Trail follows the steps of the
early Mormon pioneers as they trekked towards the Salt Lake Valley and beyond.
Since the area is in the middle of a mature forest, you’ll have to look for the
signs.
The Mormon Pioneer Trail was the
route taken by the ill-fated Donner-Reed Party in 1846 and later by Brigham
Young's company in 1847. Remnants of Fort Wells, a Mormon stronghold built in
1857, can still be found near the Mormon Flats area offering a reminder of the
region's storied past.
Camping and Lodging Options
The park offers a variety of
accommodations to suit every camper's preference:
- Dixie
Creek Campground: Features 33 sites with full or
partial hookups, modern restrooms and showers.
- Big Rock
Campground: Provides 21 primitive sites for
those seeking a more rustic experience.
- Yurts: Four yurts equipped with electricity, heat, and furnishings
can accommodate up to six people each.
- Cabins: Comfortable cabins with amenities like bunk beds, heating
and nearby restrooms.
- Lake
Cottage: A cozy cottage offering a queen
bedroom, loft with twin beds and a fold-out couch can accommodate up to five
guests.
- Conestoga
Wagons & Camper Trailers:
Unique lodging options providing a blend of novelty and comfort.
- Group
Campsites: Rivers Edge, Large Spring and
Mormon Flat group sites cater to larger gatherings with capacities ranging from
25 to 100 people.
Amenities and Services
East Canyon State Park is equipped
with multiple facilities to make your visit more enjoyable:
- Boat Ramp: A concrete launching ramp provides easy access to the
reservoir.
- General
Store: Offers hot food, snacks and
essential supplies.
- Boat
Rentals: Club Rec provides rentals for
boats, personal watercraft and non-motorized watercraft.
- Restrooms
& Showers: Modern facilities are available
with seasonal availability.
- Picnic
Areas: Numerous spots are equipped with
tables and grills.
- Dry
Storage Units: Are available for storing boats and
trailers.
How Do You Get To East Canyon State Park?
The park is 28 miles northeast of Salt Lake City. Head up Parley’s Canyon on
I-80 for 16 miles and look for the sign at the Mountain Dell turn-off. Follow SR
65 past Little Dell Recreation Area and
over top of Big Mountain for another
12 miles. It is also located 12 miles south of the town of Morgan along SR 66.
The drive up the canyon from the Salt Lake City side is a beautiful drive
especially in summer and fall. My wife and I drove up on a late Friday afternoon
to get some photos. We left Salt Lake City around 6:40 P.M. and were eating our
dinner ... we took it along ... by 7:30 P.M. from a scenic vantage point above
the lake.
Park Information and Fees
Of course,
all of these fees are subject to change at any time. Remember also that fees
never go down. They always go up. Check the state website for the latest fees
and reservation information: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/
- Park Size: Approximately 680 acres
- Elevation: 5,700 feet
- Operating
Hours: Open year-round, 6:00 AM to 10:00
PM
- Day-Use
Fee: $20 per vehicle
Camping
Fees:
- Dixie Creek Campground: Partial hookups $40/night; Full hookups $45/night
- Big Rock Campground: Primitive sites $35/night
- Yurts & Cabins: $120/night (Monday–Thursday); $150/night (Friday–Sunday and
holidays)
- Lake Cottage: $200/night
- Conestoga Wagons & Camper Trailers: $120/night (Monday–Thursday); $150/night (Friday–Sunday and
holidays)
Group Campsites:
- Rivers Edge: $250/night (up to 100 people & 30 vehicles)
- Large Spring: $50/night (up to 25 people & 20 vehicles)
- Mormon Flat: $75/night (up to 100 people & 20 vehicles)
Group
Day-Use Pavilions:
- Bauchman Pavilion: $150 (up to 50 people)
- Pratt Pavilion: $150 (up to 75 people)
- Additional
Vehicle Fee: $25 per extra vehicle
- Pet
Policy: Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash;
select yurts and cabins are pet-friendly
- Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, ice
fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.
East Canyon State Park
5535 South Highway 66
Morgan, Utah
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/
For more
information: 801-829-6866
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