SALT LAKE CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Mile‑Deep Scar in the Oquirrhs: Standing Over the World's Largest Copper Mine
A 3.5–4 hour sightseeing tour from Salt Lake City to the Kennecott (Bingham Canyon) open‑pit mine, offering mountain vistas, giant machinery, and a primer on a century of copper extraction.
A Mile‑Deep Scar in the Oquirrhs: Standing Over the World's Largest Copper Mine.
Drive high into the Oquirrh Mountains from Salt Lake City to the Kennecott Utah Copper Mine, the largest and richest open‑pit copper operation in history; the trip unfolds across alpine ridgelines and overlooks a crater almost a mile deep and nearly three miles wide, with guide commentary that threads geology, industrial scale and the long arc of copper production.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A crater you can see from orbit
The Bingham Canyon (Kennecott) pit has produced more copper than any other mine in history; the hole is nearly a mile deep and almost three miles across, framed by billions of tons of overburden and terraces that reveal a century of extraction.
Two‑story‑high trucks and mammoth shovels
At the overlook you'll see the world's largest earth‑moving trucks and massive shovels up close—industrial giants that move the scale of rock and ore that built the mine's historic output.
A 75‑mile mountain cruise with wildlife chances
The route climbs into the Oquirrh Mountains to as high as 7,000 feet, offering sweeping photo opportunities and the possibility of sighting deer, elk, mountain goats and raptors along the way.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
This is a paced sightseeing loop—cruising from Salt Lake City into alpine country, then pausing at a high overlook where a guide explains the mine's operation, history and scale; expect expansive views, stops to observe heavy equipment and time at the rim to photograph the pit and surrounding landscape.
THE SCALE
A crater you can see from orbit
The Bingham Canyon (Kennecott) pit has produced more copper than any other mine in history; the hole is nearly a mile deep and almost three miles across, framed by billions of tons of overburden and terraces that reveal a century of extraction.
THE MACHINES
Two‑story‑high trucks and mammoth shovels
At the overlook you'll see the world's largest earth‑moving trucks and massive shovels up close—industrial giants that move the scale of rock and ore that built the mine's historic output.
THE DRIVE
A 75‑mile mountain cruise with wildlife chances
The route climbs into the Oquirrh Mountains to as high as 7,000 feet, offering sweeping photo opportunities and the possibility of sighting deer, elk, mountain goats and raptors along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sightseeing tour suits (and who should check before booking).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full sightseeing experience runs roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
Tours include a scheduled departure time at 1:00 PM; confirm exact meet‑up details with the operator when booking.
Bring a camera for the expansive vistas and layered clothing for elevation changes—the drive climbs into the Oquirrh Mountains up to about 7,000 feet.
Adult fares (ages 9+) are listed at $119.99 plus tax; children ages 2–8 have a reduced fare ($60 plus tax) and infants on lap ride free; mine entrance fees are included in the tour price.
The trip covers roughly a 75‑mile round‑trip route through mountain scenery with multiple photo opportunities.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The outing lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
What does the price include?
Mine entrance fees are included in the tour price.
What are the ticket prices by age?
Adult fares (ages 9+) are $119.99 plus tax; children ages 2–8 are $60 plus tax; infants on lap ride free.
Will I see mining explosions?
The operation uses megaton explosives that are detonated twice daily as part of the mining process; your guide will explain blasting as part of the visit.
Is there wildlife on the route?
Yes—possible wildlife sightings include deer, elk, mountain goats and a variety of birds along the drive and near the overlook.
How high does the route climb?
The tour climbs into the Oquirrh Mountains to elevations up to approximately 7,000 feet.