The canyon was known to the early Indian population as Tin-Goup, meaning "rock trap". Elk and deer were forced over the precipitous cliffs to fall to their death in the canyon below. The pioneers gave the canyon and the creek which runs through it the current name for the many mills established in the heavily wooded area.

The canyon is shared by bikers, hikers and their dogs. On the upper trails, mountain bikers are restricted to even numbered days only.

G. William Wiersdorf

See: Wikipedia; Utah Place Names 1997, John W. Van Cott; SL County Parks.