What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Stansbury Island Mountain Bike Trailhead
This 10-mile loop begins with an intensive 800-foot climb. The trail takes you up the western side of Stansbury Island Mountain in Tooele.
Length: 8.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Hastings Pass
This lengthy trail winds through nearly 18 miles of desert. Conditions are best during spring and autumn.
Length: 17.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Dark Trail
This family-friendly trail is situated in the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area in Tooele, Utah. The canyon trail is open year-round.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Butterfield Peak
This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail takes a few hours to complete. It offers stunning views of Tooele's mountainous terrain.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Bates Canyon Trail
This forested out-and-back trail is over 10 miles long. It starts at the Oquirrh Wave Trailhead at Bates Canyon.
Length: 10.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Each year, Settlement Canyon Reservoir, Grantsville Reservoir, and Veron Reservoir are stocked with trout. The Great Salt Lake is another nearby spot with ample opportunities for boating. Many people enjoy kayaking or canoeing to the lake's islands. The water is safe for swimming. Plus, there are several white-sand beaches along the shores. Keep in mind that the Great Salt Lake's high salinity makes it uninhabitable to fish.
Climbing
Climbing is a popular activity within the Stansbury Mountains in western Tooele. The area is home to Desert Peak, Gun Point, Lone Rock, South Willow Canyon, and more. The area's limestone cliffs make for excellent sports climbing.
Wildlife Viewing
The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is one of Tooele County's most popular destinations for birding. The park is home to a 10,000-acre marsh that is frequented by thousands of birds. Visitors can also drive the so-called "Raptor Loop" on Highway 36. This stretch of Utah highway is a great place to view falcons and other birds of prey.
Picnicking
Tooele's Gleneagles Park is an excellent place for a family picnic. The park has a large playground and recreational fields, along with ample tree cover and plenty of benches. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms. Aragonite, a nearby ghost town, is another unique spot for an afternoon picnic. The area is home to an abandoned mine and other remains.
Skiing
This section of Utah is home to some of the state's most epic ski resorts. Check out the trails at Nordic Valley, Alta, or Powder Mountain. The Ogden Valley is home to the nation's largest ski area. During the summertime, the area's trails are frequented by hikers and mountain bikers.