Salt Lake County and Rio Tinto have partnered up to improve outdoor recreation options in Butterfield Canyon. This canyon is in the Oquirrh Mountains just southwest of West Jordan. This month, the Salt Lake County Council approved a lease agreement between the county and Rio Tinto Kennecott for 17 acres of land. The partnership will help build a network of multi-use trails and improve access to Rose, Yellow Fork, and Butterfield canyons.

12 miles of new trails will be built where public access wasn’t previously allowed. This new lease agreement follows another recent purchase, by Salt Lake County, of 94 acres of open space in Butterfield canyon and a recent acquisition of 50 acres that will serve as a trailhead to this system of trails.

County leaders say this move will help people get outside in the southwest region of the county.

“We are moving quickly and deliberately with many partners to make hiking, biking, and other recreation on our west bench trails a reality,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Collaborative efforts, a first of its kind for outdoor recreation, will provide residents and guests an enhanced outdoor experience in the southwest region of the county.”

Now that the council approved the lease agreement with Rio Tinto, Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation has assumed stewardship of the acreage.

You can view Salt Lake County’s Master Plan online.