Kennecott Copper Mine Tour with City Sights Salt Lake

Just 30 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, the Kennecott Utah Copper Mine stretches across the Oquirrh Mountains, a colossal scar on the rugged landscape and the largest open-pit copper mine on Earth. Operated by City Sights - Salt Lake City Tours, this three-and-a-half to four-hour journey offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a deep dive into industrial scale, natural geology, and living history all wrapped in sweeping mountain vistas.

The Kennecott site, also known as Bingham Canyon Mine, isn’t just massive; it’s been running for over 110 years, mining copper, gold, silver, and more. From the observation points at nearly 7,000 feet elevation, you’ll witness trucks the size of houses rumbling past and excavators so large they redefine the meaning of "heavy machinery." These machines are not just impressive for their size but for their role in moving billions of tons of earth—a feat visible even from space.

Alongside the mechanical giants, the landscape offers unexpected encounters with local wildlife like mule deer and mountain goats. Guides will detail how megaton explosives shape the pit twice daily, deepening the crater and demonstrating the ongoing power of human engineering.

This tour is unique to Utah’s outdoor adventure scene, merging industrial tourism with natural beauty. The contrasts between exposed rock strata and high desert flora create stunning photo opportunities. City Sights provides an accessible way to engage with both the natural environment and the human story behind one of the world’s most productive mines. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, history buff, or a seeker of grand views, this outing delivers a layered experience that makes the industrial wilderness come alive.