Neffs Spring, Salt Lake City, UT (Privatized Spring, no longer available to public)

## Overview Neffs Spring is a natural spring located along the Neffs Canyon Trail on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah, near the base of the Wasatch Range. Neffs Canyon is a popular hiking area that leads into the Mount Olympus Wilderness, offering dramatic mountain scenery and access to several backcountry trails. The spring has historically served as a water source for hikers and was once accessible to the public, but it has since been privatized and is **no longer available for public use**. The trailhead for Neffs Canyon sits at approximately 5,300 feet in elevation, and the canyon climbs steeply into the Wasatch Mountains. The surrounding terrain is characterized by Wasatch quartzite and limestone formations, which are common sources of mountain spring water in the region. The spring reportedly flows seasonally — typically from spring through fall — and was once piped to a horse trough near the trail. **Please note:** This spring has been privatized and public access is no longer permitted. The listing is maintained for historical reference. ## Directions 1. From downtown Salt Lake City, head east on I-80 toward the Wasatch Mountains. 2. Take the exit for Wasatch Boulevard and head south. 3. Turn east (left) onto White Way (near 4285 E White Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84124). 4. Follow White Way to its end, where you will find the Neffs Canyon Trailhead parking area. 5. From the trailhead, hike up the Neffs Canyon Trail. The spring was historically located along the trail where a pile of rocks marks the area. 6. A side trail leads south from this point toward Mount Olympus. The spring pipe, which once fed a horse trough, was located in this vicinity. *Note: Because the spring has been privatized, visitors should respect any posted signage and property boundaries.* ## What to Expect Neffs Canyon Trail is a well-known hiking route on the east bench of Salt Lake City. The trail gains significant elevation as it climbs into the Wasatch Range, and the lower portions pass through scrub oak and maple groves before entering mixed conifer forest higher up. The canyon is popular with hikers, trail runners, and dog walkers, especially during the warmer months. Historically, the spring was marked by a pile of rocks along the trail, with a pipe directing water into a horse trough. The flow was described as seasonal, running from spring through fall, and reportedly filled quickly — taking only a few seconds to collect water. A trail junction near the spring leads south toward Mount Olympus, one of the most iconic peaks along the Wasatch Front. Since the spring has been privatized, visitors should not plan on accessing the water. The Neffs Canyon Trail itself remains open and is a rewarding hike in its own right, with views of the Salt Lake Valley and access to the broader Mount Olympus Wilderness. The trailhead area is accessible 24/7, though parking can fill up on weekends during peak season. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead.