Temple Quarry Trail

The Temple Quarry Trail is a short and easy hike that is perfect for families or those looking to take a break from some of the more adventurous trails that can be found in this area. There is also some historical significance to this area, as the trail leads to the site where rock was quarried for the foundation of the St. George Temple.

The hike begins at a small parking lot just off South Donlee Drive. The trail passes under an arch and you’ll see a plaque here that informs of the dedication of the trail, and also states that this same trail was used by pioneer workmen who transported, by wagon, the basalt stone blocks used for construction of the temple.

The trail gains a small amount of elevation (the only significant elevation change of the entire trail) before beginning its way around the prominent West Black Ridge. As you work around the ridge you’ll have fantastic views of everything below including a golf course and suburban neighborhoods.

As the trail rounds to the other side of Black Hill, you’ll soon come to the quarry site. An informative plaque here tells that this is where the rock was quarried for the foundation of the St. George Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From 1871 to 1874 stone was quarried into large slabs and then transported via wagon to the temple site.

Once you have explored the quarry site, ignore the trail that looks like it continues ahead, and instead turn around and return the way you came.