East Canyon State Park

About East Canyon State Park

East Canyon Reservoir is a state park located in the heart of East Canyon State Park on the east side of the San Juan River. Leisure enthusiasts will find a variety of activities in the park, including hiking, cycling, fishing and camping. There are two spacious covered gazebos with electricity for groups and concessionaires offer boat rental and a snack bar.

East Canyon and its surroundings are steeped in a rich pioneering history, and they passed through some of the first wagon trains to make their way. The Thunder Party, also known as the Thunder Reed Group, was a group of farmers from Iowa and Illinois who were looking for a new home for their farm in the San Juan Mountains. Many obstacles, including high brushes and rocky obstacles, slowed her down considerably.

Four days later, they used this route to reach the Salt Lake Valley, but due to the harsh conditions they were exposed to during the hike, only 47 of the original 87 participants reached their destination. As the Thunder Party crossed the East Canyon, the Mormon pioneers went the same way, and it was much easier for them to do the work, and they followed it all the way back to their native Utah.

Many people have used the Thunder Mormon Route over the years, including the Overland Stage and the Pony Express, as well as many other itineraries.