Last updated: June 13, 2026
Place
Timpie Point
Photo/L. Kreutzer
Quick Facts
Location:
South side of I-80 at the northern tip of Stansbury Mountains, approximately 12 miles northwest of Grantsville, Utah.
Significance:
The Donner-Reed Party and others following the Hastings Cutoff to California in 1846 opened the trail around Timpie Point. Thousands of gold-seekers followed their tracks in 1849-1852, and wagon trace is still visible in the area.
Designation:
Historic site on the California National Historic Trail.
Amenities
2 listed
Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Timpie Point, the northern tip of the Stansbury Mountains where they approach I-80, is a landmark on the 1846 Hasting Cutoff to California.
From present-day Grantsville, UT, the original wagon trail headed northwest along the base of the Stansbury Mountains, where trail ruts are still visible. Upon reaching the north end of the mountain range, wagons tightly hugged the base of Timpie Point, crossing a narrow strip of dry land between the outcrop and marshy ground at lake’s edge. Today the point ends abruptly at the eastbound lanes of I-80, having been cut back in the 20th century to make room for the freeway.
Approaching Timpie Point on westbound I-80, visitors can see the landmark to the south as it stair-steps down toward the lake. Each “step” or terrace is a shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville, a vast, ice age lake that once occupied much of western Utah. The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of Lake Bonneville. (Search online for “Bonneville flood” to learn what happened!)
For a closer look and to photograph Timpie Point, take I-80 Exit 84 and follow UT-138 toward Grantsville. In about 2.5 miles where the highway curves southeast, turn right on Ellerbeck Rd, which is old pavement with potholes. Continue 6.2 miles to the end of the pavement and park: Timpie Point lies directly ahead. A rough, unpaved road—not historic wagon trail—branches off Ellerbeck and climbs up the toe of the point. Hike (1 mi roundtrip) or drive (high clearance 4-wheel drive recommended) to enjoy the view from the top. Look over the west edge to see Big Springs, a source of brackish (salty) water sometimes used by emigrants on the Hastings Cutoff.
Today the springs area, managed by the Utah State Institutional Trust Lands Administration, has been developed for solar energy, and the direct access road to the springs has been barricaded.
Site Information
Location (South side of I-80 at the northern tip of Stansbury Mountains, approximately 12 miles northwest of Grantsville, Utah.)