Red Rock Canyon

Rock Canyon is located in the Wasatch Mountains, east of Provo, Utah. It is popular with rock climbers and hikers (and a number of other outdoor enthusiasts of all types) due to its unique and rugged geology as well as its proximity to Brigham Young University. Recorded history of the canyon begins with the conflicts between Mormon settlers based at Fort Utah and the indigenous Ute tribe living in Utah Valley in 1850. A contingent of Utes, under the direction of Big Elk, fled to Rock Canyon following a battle with Mormon militia. Squaw Peak is named after the Big Elk's squaw who died in the canyon in the aftermath. Some pictographs still exist from early Indian writings. There are large mineral deposits in the canyon and many shafts and tunnels still exist which may be explored.