The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a trail that follows East Canyon that is stunning for fall foliage, close to Salt Lake City and filled with history.
Mormon Pioneer Trail
The full Mormon Pioneer Trail was 1,300 miles and went through five states (Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah).
The Great Western Trail
This section is also part of the Great Western Trail which is nearly 4,500 miles from Mexico to Canada through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
California Trail
This is also part of the California Trail that people took to get to the Gold Rush.
Fall Colors
The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a beautiful place to see fall foilage.
The Mormon Pioneer Trail actually goes for 20 miles. My favorite place to enter the trail is at MPT Trailhead. There is just a pullout on the side of the road.
The trail is beautiful right from the start.
This is a great stop for toddlers on up. It’s nice and easy in this section.
This is a fun place for photos too.
The trail is okay on the opposite side of the road too.
This part is also nice.
Little Dell Reservoir
You can also jump on the Mormon Pioneer Trail on the northeast side of Little Dell Reservoir.
Affleck Park
Affleck Park is a campground part way up East Canyon. It’s kind of steep to join from the main road here, but you could join from the campground.
Big Mountain Summit
Big Mountain Summit is the high point between Salt Lake and Morgan counties. There is a trailhead here too.
This area is part of the watershed, so you’ll have to leave pets at home.
Stats: Distance – 0-20 miles
Approximate hiking time – 0-10 hours (very adjustable in length)
Elevation gain – 0-3300 feet
Difficulty – Easy – moderate (would be hard to hike the whole trail)
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Little Dell Reservoir and Big Mountain Summit
Seasons to hike – May-October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
