Butterfield Peaks Gravel Climb | Herriman, Utah Bike Guide

United States Utah Butterfield Peaks

Butterfield Peaks Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

32.4

PDI

7.9 mi

DISTANCE

3,638 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

8.7 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Mike Weber, Jordan, UT; Jared Twitchell; Sage Travis,

INTRO

Butterfield Peaks rise to about 9,274 feet in Utah's Oquirrh Mountains, just west of the massive Kennecott Bingham Canyon copper mine and roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown Salt Lake City. This climb starts at the west end of Herriman's Main Street and covers 7.9 miles, gaining about 3,638 feet at an 8.7% average grade on the way to the summit. The lower miles follow paved Butterfield Canyon Road before the surface turns to gravel, then increasingly steep, rocky, sandy dirt on the upper mountain - a genuine gravel or mountain-bike climb rather than a road ride. The payoff at the top is sweeping views over the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch and Oquirrh Ranges, along with a close-up look down into the Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. Access here is seasonal and can change quickly. The canyon gate is normally closed to vehicles from November through May, and as of August 2026 the lower canyon also remains closed to vehicle traffic after a July 2026 monsoon storm washed out a section of the road about 5.5 miles up. Check current conditions before heading out.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route.

This climb covers 7.9 miles from Herriman to the Butterfield Peaks summit, gaining about 3,638 feet at an 8.7% average grade. The grade builds steadily rather than holding constant: the steepest quarter-mile averages 15.8%, the steepest half-mile 14.4%, the steepest mile 13.1%, and even the steepest 2.5 miles holds at 10.9%. Expect the hardest pitches on the loose, rocky sections higher up the mountain, where traction and tire choice matter as much as fitness.

Roadway: Paved for roughly the first 6.6 miles out of Herriman, then the surface turns to loose gravel, rock, and sandy dirt for the remaining climb to the Butterfield Peaks summit. A gravel bike or mountain bike is strongly recommended for the upper section over a road bike.

Current status (checked August 2026): Butterfield Canyon Road is gated closed to vehicles every year from November 1 to June 1. Separately, a monsoon storm on 21 July 2026 washed out a section of the road about 5.5 miles up, and as of early August 2026 it remains closed to vehicle traffic with no published reopening date (confirmed via Salt Lake County and multiple local news reports). Confirm current access before planning a ride here.

Traffic: Normally light - a quiet canyon road with occasional mine-related and recreational traffic on the paved lower section, and essentially none on the unpaved upper climb.

Parking: Start from the west end of Herriman's Main Street, where Butterfield Canyon Road begins.

There's nothing on the climb itself - no water, food, or shops - so fill up in Herriman before you start. Wide, knobby gravel tires (or a mountain bike) are the right call once the pavement ends; skinny road slicks will struggle on the loose rock and sand higher up. The summit is exposed and can be noticeably windier and cooler than the valley floor, so pack a layer even on a mild day.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Butterfield Canyon Road is gated to vehicles every year from November 1 through June 1, so plan a summer or early-fall visit. If the canyon road itself is closed for other reasons - it was washed out by a storm in July 2026, for example - Salt Lake County's Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park at the base of the canyon has more than 13 miles of multi-use trail that stays open independently and makes a solid backup ride. The climb is about 20 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, an easy day trip from the city - our Routes in the Area tool is worth checking for other climbs nearby if you want to build out a longer ride.