Hydroelectric Power from Santaquin Canyon

Did you know that there once was a hydroelectric power plant near the mouth of Santaquin Canyon? The power plant was fed by water from Summit Creek thru a wooden pipeline which ran along the edges and tops of hills until it reached a point above the plant. Then it ran steeply down the mountain and into the turbines which generated power for Santaquin residents as well as to operations in the nearby Tintic Mining District. The power plant and pipeline were removed in the 1960’s. The only thing remaining is an electric substation operated by Rocky Mountain Power, near the location of the old power plant.

In the January 4th 2022 City Council meeting, Mayor Dan Olson proposed that a Mountain Trail Park be constructed on 120 acres of City owned property, along with other existing trails. Included with this proposal would be seeking approval from the Forest Service to construct a trail on the historic right-of-way where the old pipeline ran down the canyon from near Trumbolt Park to the location of the old power plant.

The trails in this proposal would be constructed with volunteer labor at negligible cost to the City. The trails would be used for mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. To help convince the Forest Service to allow the construction of this trail, we want to emphasize the historic nature of the old pipeline on this right-of-way.

The Santaquin City Historic Preservation Committee is asking the citizens if they have any photos or other documents of the old power plant and pipeline. If you do, please contact John Bradley, the Community Services Director, and we will make arrangements to borrow, scan, and return these photos to you. John can be contacted at 801-754-5805 or jbradley@santaquin.org.

Thank you,

Ron Jones,

Chair of the Santaquin City Historic Preservation Committee