Biggest Pit in the World

Herriman, Utah

The Bingham Canyon Mine holds the coveted title of "Biggest Pit in the World" -- and it is a major tourist draw. Why bother with the way-the-heck-out-of-the-way Grand Canyon when you can gaze at something just as spectacular only a 90 minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City?

The Kennecott Copper Corp. has been digging this hole for over a century -- and it is proud. Signs on the site boast: "A mountain once stood where this huge bowl is now." One-half mile deep and 2.5 miles wide, if it were a stadium it could seat nine million people.

Kennecott digs approximately 250,000 tons of rock out of the pit every day, so this is one attraction that gets bigger and better every time you visit.

The overlook and Visitor Center were wiped off the face of the earth on April 10, 2013 by a 145-million-ton landslide -- a not uncommon event on the edge of a giant pit. Tours to the pit overlook resumed in 2023, and the company recommends booking in advance through its website to ensure that you get a seat on the bus. Gazing into the pit is popular!