Lower East Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The lower section of East Canyon stretches 10 miles from East Canyon Reservoir Dam to the town of Morgan following SR-66.  The road travels through mostly mixed oak forest along a riparian corridor, with some patches of conifer and other trees.  Eventually the canyon teeters out into a valley and mostly agricultural land before the town.

Birding:
If taking a loop from Upper East Canyon back towards the Wasatch front, a drive through Lower East Canyon is a logical way to go.  The canyon is mostly Gambel's Oak and has species typical of that habitat.  During the summer months that includes SPOTTED TOWHEE, LAZULI BUNTING,  and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  During the winter months the birds may be sparse.  Near the dam CANYON WREN can be picked up in the cliffs.  In the canyon year round one can find WILD TURKEY fairly easily.  There is a lone record of BLUE JAY from the area, moving with flocks of Scrub, and Steller's Jay.

Directions:
The reservoir can be reached from 3 different directions, via SR-65 from the south and the northeast, and from SR-66 from the northwest.  The most direct route from Salt Lake is to take I-80 east bound and take exit 134 north on to SR-65 towards East Canyon (closed in winter).  Go about 19.2 miles till the fork with SR-66.  Go left here and go 2.5 miles to the dam and the top of the lower stretch of the canyon.  Alternatively, you can take I-84 exit 103 south toward Morgan on State Street/SR-66.  After a few miles you will be in farm land and eventually make your way into the canyon.