Temple Quarry Trail Finished

The United States Forest Service has completed paving the Little Cottonwood Canyon historical trail, a short hike through the granite pits where stone for the Salt Lake Temple was quarried by early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley.

Tourists walking along the quarter-mile-long trail can read about interesting historical and natural sites including the rock-quarrying tent camp that became Granite City and the community of Wasatch.

The project of paving the trail and posting signs has taken about a year to develop and complete, and future possibilities for the short trail are unlimited, said Nancy Krebs, a ranger from the Salt Lake Ranger District. “We are hoping to expand the trail, possibly including living history demonstrations, so that people can learn about the great history of this area and understand the resources found here,” she added.

The completion of the trail coincides with the celebration of the centennial of the Salt Lake Temple. Many of the trail signs talk about the work done and the stone cut in the granite quarries.

The trail opens May 1 for hikers and will stay open until winter weather makes it impassable. Interested hikers can call [phone] for trail conditions.