The Wasatch Canyon Watersheds - Autumn Scenes

October 7, 1998

LeRoy W. Hooton, Jr.

In viewing the splendor of this year's autumn season, I’m reminded of an article in the August 1919 Salt Lake City Municipal Record (Volume 8). It highlighted the beauty of the Wasatch Canyons east of Salt Lake City, and it occurred to me that those in the past appreciated the beauty of the canyons as much as we do today. The past words contained in the Record describe each canyon in terms of yesteryear; however, the words provide historic information and seem as appropriate today as then. Therefore, I decided to use excerpts from the past article in conjunction with contemporary autumn scenes.  

Our Canyons

Opening at the very doors of Salt Lake City are the most picturesque and romantic canyons of any in the world. Nature has indeed been lavish in her gifts; and from early spring until late autumn when the hillsides are ablaze with red and golds, our canyons are a source of pleasure and restful recreation to the many thousands who visit them. Each canyon has been favored by nature with its own peculiar charm and each is endeared to the citizens of Salt Lake City by some event closely connected with the early history of Utah. The first settlers obtained their wood for fuel and their lumber for building from these canyons and Salt Lake City’s present supply of pure mountain water has its source at the head of these mighty clefts in the majestic Wasatch range.

City Creek is perhaps the best known of any of our canyons a natural park within walking distance of the heart of the city. A well graded winding drive extends as far as the Forks. Beautiful rustic bridges cross the stream at intervals and there are innumerable ideal locations for picnicking. Commissioner Green of the Department of Parks and Public Property has worked out plans for extensive improvements in the City Creek Canyon, which will add much to the beauty and charm of this nature’s wonderland.

Emigration Canyon is famous in the early history of Utah as the mountain pass through which the pioneers and early immigrant trains entered Salt Lake Valley. Near the head of Emigration Canyon are located the summer homes of many of our prominent citizens. The view of Salt Lake Valley from point "Lookout" is superb. The right Rev. Joseph S. Glass, C. .M., D., Bishop of Salt Lake, recently concluded the purchase of Pinecrest Inn, located in this beautiful and historic canyon. The property will hereafter be known as Pinecrest Villa and will serve as the summer home for Sisters of the Holy Cross laboring in Utah and neighboring states.

The property was purchased by Bishop Glass from the A. Fred Wey Hotel company, which formerly operated it as a summer resort hotel. Discontinuation of railway service has made it attractive as a hotel property, though an automobile boulevard is now being constructed in to the canyon to serve the villa and the cool summer homes of many SaltLake residents which are located there.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is famous in Mormon Church history as the place where the people of Salt Lake City were want to gather as early as 1856 to celebrate Pioneer Day. This historic spot is where the now famous summer resort of Brighton is located. The pine tree on which the American Flag on these occasions was unfurled to the breeze is still standing. A chain of beautiful lakes is located here on the very tops of the WasatchMountains at an elevation of over 9,000 feet. It is from these natural reservoirs that the major portion of Salt Lake City’s water supply is obtained. The rugged grandeur of this natural park has to be seen to be appreciated.

A modern hotel is operated at Brighton during the summer months and nestling among the majestic pines are located many beautiful summer homes.

Little Cottonwood Canyon, a mighty cleft in the Wasatch range near the dividing point between Salt Lake and Provo valleys, is perhaps the most rugged and picturesque of our canyons. Located at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon is the world famous mining camp of Alta, from which millions of dollars were taken in the early days and which is still adding to the wealth of the state. A paradise for the lover of nature and for the student of geology. Here are located the granite quarries which have furnished the stone for the building of the great Mormon Temple, our beautiful State Capitol and many other public buildings.

A summer camp was established near the quarries in the spring of 1878 for the convenience of the workmen. This temporary camp has been improved and beautified each year. "Wasatch in the Cottonwoods" as this camp is now known is one of the most delightful and charming summer resorts in the inter-mountain country. Parley’s Canyon after the first frosts of early fall is one of our most beautiful canyons. At this time the hillsides covered with oak and maple ablaze with reds and golds presents a scene of beauty, which cannot be described. Great lime quarries and an extensive plant for the manufacture of Portland Cement are located in Parley’s Canyon, and a branch line of the D. & R. G. W. Railroad. Runs through from Salt Lake City toParkCity, one of the world’s greatest silver producing camps. These concrete evidences of commercial activity do not detract from the charm of the many summer camps located throughout the length of the canyon.

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Much has changed over the intervening years between 1919 and 1998; the population has dramatically increased to 1.3 million along the Wasatch Front; the number of people using the canyons has increased, exceeding the number visiting YellowstoneNational Park; and the ski resorts have been built, attracting visitors from all over the world. What hasn't changed is the importance of the watersheds as a drinking water supply (today over 400,000 people), and the enduring autumn colors.