Beginning at the southern end of the University of Utah, the canyon itself heads east and northeast between Salt Lake City and Morgan County.

Its boundaries do not extend to the county line, nor do they encompass all of Emigration Canyon, as parts of it are within Salt Lake City.

[5] Emigration Canyon was significant in early Utah history as the original route used by pioneers entering the area.

With a length of 7.7 miles and an average grade of 5 percent, there are approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain from the mouth to the top, which cyclists often refer to as "Little Mountain".

[7] With its proximity to Salt Lake City, unprotected areas have been of interest to property developers; since 2001, the Utah Open Lands Conservation Association has raised funds to preserve numerous parcels of land in the canyon, totaling over 260 acres (110 ha) as of 2016.