Kennecott Copper Mine Utah

[creole]

Anybody been to the Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah lately? We are looking to swing by there this summer on a trip through yellowstone, tetons and such. Noticed today on their info page that Motorcycles aren't allowed there any longer, not even down to the Visitor center? Looks like it might all be paved to the visitor center?

Is there anything to see without getting in?

 

Thanks,

Creole

[Miles]

Been there several times, many years ago. The IBA, and the Utah 1088 rally have used the Kennecott Copper Mine a few times as bonus locations. I am surprised to hear that motorcycles are no longer allowed. The roads to get to the visitors center are good riding, and worth seeing the mine views.

 

Let me know what you find out, for certain, about bikes not be allowed anymore.

 

Miles

[creole]

Tried to call them today to see if there was another alternative.....didn't notice on the website, they're closed until April... Have to wait a while to call back unless someone's been there recently.. I'll post what I find out unless someone chimes in with sumthin'

[utadventure]

Creole-

 

The mine works 24/7/365. I'm not sure what roads you're looking at riding but there are better roads to ride in Utah.

 

The mine doesn't do as much with tours and such anymore. I haven't heard of kids going on field trips for years.

 

Let me know what you are thinking of riding and I'll find out what I can.

 

Here's what the their website says: For safety reasons, motorcycles can no longer enter the mine, including the road to the visitors center. They are very, very safety conscience and see motorcycles as a higher risk.

 

Dave

[creole]

Yea, I saw that too. We are coming out of the Tetons on HWY89, clipping Idaho down to Salt Lake, just cause we've never been there and it's on the way. I came across the Mine while planning the trip and thought what the heck? That's a big ole' hole and thought surely we could look over the edge somewhere at an "overlook". Then found the website saying there was a visitor's center and tours and such......Don't care about doing the tours per Se' but thought we could at least take a look and get a pic or two. From there we are going East to Dinosaur CO and trickle through the Rockies on our way home. With the Loop planned we can't get too far West into Utah or Idaho (Pretty big loop as it is and running out of days- doing close to 3000 miles in 9 days or so) I know that's not die hard riding, but for our group of "wanderers"....it's kind of what we do. No destination, No timetable, No Cares, Just a general route as a guideline so we can figure vacation days and make Hotel reservations as we go type of thing.

 

What have you got in mind?

 

Creole

[utadventure]

Yea, I saw that too. We are coming out of the Tetons on HWY89, clipping Idaho down to Salt Lake, just cause we've never been there and it's on the way. I came across the Mine while planning the trip and thought what the heck? That's a big ole' hole and thought surely we could look over the edge somewhere at an "overlook". Then found the website saying there was a visitor's center and tours and such......Don't care about doing the tours per Se' but thought we could at least take a look and get a pic or two. From there we are going East to Dinosaur CO and trickle through the Rockies on our way home. With the Loop planned we can't get too far West into Utah or Idaho (Pretty big loop as it is and running out of days- doing close to 3000 miles in 9 days or so) I know that's not die hard riding, but for our group of "wanderers"....it's kind of what we do. No destination, No timetable, No Cares, Just a general route as a guideline so we can figure vacation days and make Hotel reservations as we go type of thing.

 

What have you got in mind?

 

Creole

 

Ideas will depend on what time of year you'll be taking the trip.

 

Coming south thru the Tetons you'll end up in Evanston, WY. If time is available, from there, you can take Hwy 150 over Mirror Lake Hwy to Kamas, UT and then down to SLC. This is a great ride and will add about an hour to this leg of the trip.

 

Heading out of SLC east on I80 and then taking Hwy 40 to Colorado, you can go a little south and ride Hwy31 from Fairview to Huntington, then Hwy 191 from Price to Duchesne, where you can join up to Hwy 40 and finish going east to Dinosaur. This will add roughly 2.5-3 hours to this section.

 

Assuming we're around, you'd be welcome to borrow an auto to go out to Kennecott.

 

Dave

[creole]

Thanks for the info. We plan on coming through the first or second week in June. Any thoughts on what to expexpect the weather to be like then? I know its always a gamble, but if you guys are like us its reasonable to expect .........no rain.

[Pegasus1300]

If you want to stay on US 89 it will take you by Bear Lake then thru Logan Canyon,Logan Gity,Sardine Canyon and Brigham City (both real pretty cities). The take I-15 to SLC then east out of SLC to Emigration Canyon, past Coalville, Kamas, Francis up over Wolfcreek Pass to Duchane Roosvelt and Vernal.You will hit about half the good roads in the northern part of the state that way.I don't have my map with me right now but mabe Dave can chime in here with those road

[utadventure]

If you want to stay on US 89 it will take you by Bear Lake then thru Logan Canyon,Logan Gity,Sardine Canyon and Brigham City (both real pretty cities). The take I-15 to SLC then east out of SLC to Emigration Canyon, past Coalville, Kamas, Francis up over Wolfcreek Pass to Duchane Roosvelt and Vernal.You will hit about half the good roads in the northern part of the state that way.I don't have my map with me right now but mabe Dave can chime in here with those road

 

 

Emigration Canyon = Emigration Canyon Road

East Canyon = Hwy 65 then frontage road to Coalville/Wanship

To Kamas/Francis = Hwy 32

Wolfcreek Pass = Hwy 35/UT208 to US40 to Duchesne/Roosevelt/Vernal

 

Also, a number of great rides, Paul!

 

http://mapq.st/WDmaH8

Dave

Edited February 1, 2013 by utadventure

[Howard B]

Sounds like you will have a great ride. Please do yourself a big favor and don't use the Tetons as a freeway to or from Yellowstone. Both are great parks with lots to see. As a summer worker in the Tetons I see far too many people with tunnel vision going to Yellowstone. If you are into hiking there are great trails here. If you are into food, (if?) try the dinner float trip from the Jackson Lake Lodge. Ribeye steak, rainbow trout, potatoes, baked beans, salad, corn bread, dessert and beverages. All served on the bank of the Snake River at a secluded and private picnic site, then float about 10 miles to Moose Wy, along the way you can see all kinds of wildlife A wonderful experience. Try it , you'll like it.

[utadventure]

Another idea...

 

If you are planning to spend the night in Jackson, WY (Jackson Hole), plan a fun evening withe the Bar J Wranglers. Just be sure to arrive early. That way you get good parking, a table near the stage and fed first (everyone gets fed quickly). They have a great, and entertaining, way of getting the food served.

 

Dave

[Pegasus1300]

+2 on the Bar J