A little piece of Utah history lies at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Here you’ll find the Temple Quarry Trail. In our opinion, this is more of a nature walk than a hike. After all, the trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and the total distance is only about a quarter mile.
There is a nice parking lot, well-marked, with restrooms at the trailhead. Signs give historical significance to different points along the trail. There are a few very old building foundations, and the granite stones that match those of the Salt Lake Temple can readily be seen along the river bank. (There’s no river here, at least in October, just a dry bed of huge granite boulders).
To be honest, there wasn’t much evidence of quarrying here. We’d have enjoyed a little more in the way of historical markers. This area could even be turned into a significant church history site with a little investment.
To find the Temple Quarry hike: take Wasatch Blvd either north or south to Little Cottonwood Canyon (which is around 9600 S). If coming from the south, turn right onto Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd (#209), then before you merge with the north Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd (#210) take a right into the Temple Quarry parking lot. If you are coming from the North, turn left onto Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd (#210). Then take a right onto Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd (#209) before heading up into the canyon, and a quick left into the Temple Quarry Parking Lot.
