COALVILLE, Utah – It’s known as a gateway to the west.
Echo Canyon in Summit County is known for its red rock cliffs and distinct sedimentary rock formations; and now a new video and book highlight the history of the canyon.
“[Echo Canyon] is one of the best historical sites in Summit County,” said Summit County history director NaVee Vernon. “I think it’s one of the most beautiful landmarks with the red rocks and everything that we have in Utah.”
Vernon co-authored the book “Echoes of the Canyon” and says the canyon was a main passage for the Pony Express, stagecoach, railroad and telegraph through the years. The Donner-Reed Party came through the canyon as well as the Mormon pioneers.
Echo Canyon – Summit County
A new aerial video of the canyon released by the Summit County Historical Society this week explains some of the rock formation names and legends of the canyon through the years.
In the nine-minute video posted on YouTube narrator and book co-author Russell Judd explains some of the landmarks on the cliffs and their names including a ledge where the Mormon Militia built rock fortifications high on the ledges during the Utah war of 1857-1858.
Other rock structures resemble man-made architecture including “castle rock” with a deep-arched doorway; as well as structures named the “cottage” and “the devil’s post office.”
There’s also a natural rock arch bridge known as “hanging rock.” It’s name comes from a legend of a horse thief being hanged here, and nearby was one of the Pony Express stations.
All of the aerial video was shot by a local company Photobird Aerial Vision.
The book is one of several released by the county. This one features photography from Timothy Thimmes and the graphics for the book were provided by Janet Thimmes.
You can get a copy of the new book “Echoes of the Canyon” by visiting the Summit County Historical Society’s website, visiting any Summit County Library or the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville, or by calling the county office at (435) 336-3015.
