About Half a Mile, Gate to Gate
The Top CSAA Gate, where members drive in and park, and the Bottom CSAA Gate at the canyon's paved road sit at either end — connected by a 0.7-mile access trail up the hillside.
Established 1969
About & History
The Centerville public shooting range was lawfully established in 1969 through formal City action and federal approval, as a supervised public safety and community recreation facility. More than fifty years on, its location, access and use remain consistent with that original documented purpose.
Who Operates the Range
The City of Centerville owns the property on which the range was developed. The Centerville Small Arms Association conducts operational oversight with City authorization — we manage, maintain and operate the facility, but we do not own it.
The facility was designated from the outset to be open to the general public without discrimination. Today the range itself is used by Association members, and the public is invited to participate in events held there, including the posted “Hunter Sight In / Open Range” days.
1969 — Stated Purpose
What the Range Was Built For
The purpose recorded at the range's founding included:
- Hunter safety education
- Marksmanship training
- Competitive shooting
- Safe public shooting
Built to serve the residents of Davis County and the surrounding communities.
Range Layout
A GPS-marked overview of the gates, firing lines and berms referenced throughout this site.
300 & 600-Yard Target Berms
Marked by the Range Safety Flag, just below the Top Gate and the restroom.
200-Yard Benches
A separate position about 100 yards up from the main line, used for the shorter stages of Across the Course matches.
Rule 10
Fly the Range Flag
The Red Range Flag at the 300-yard firing berm must be flown any time the range is in use. The last person leaving is responsible for lowering it.
The Top Bike Trail Entrance sits right next to the Top Gate, and the same trail comes out at the Bottom Trail Head by the paved road below.
Shared Trail Safety
Public Trails Surround the Range
The shooting range is located within an area surrounded by public-access hiking, biking, and recreational trails. All range users are advised to remain vigilant and be aware of individuals who may be traveling on or near the surrounding trail system.
All shooting activities should be conducted in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with applicable range rules and safety practices. Maintaining awareness of the surrounding area is essential to protecting the public and ensuring these recreational trails remain safe and accessible for all users.
How It Came About
The range was not an informal arrangement. It was planned by the City, approved by the federal government, and documented at every step.
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1969
The City of Centerville formally plans and develops a public recreation facility, documented from inception as a supervised public safety and community recreation facility for Davis County and surrounding communities.
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24 November 1969
The Mayor of Centerville formally requests assistance from the Weber Basin Civilian Conservation Center.
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9 December 1969
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation approves the project — explicitly as a community recreation project, not a private use. Approval required City involvement in planning, materials and ongoing oversight.
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Today
Over fifty years later, the range's location, access and use remain consistent with its original documented purpose.
Built Into the Original Plan
The 1969 plan set out the infrastructure and safety measures the facility would require. Much of what members use today traces directly to it:
- Construction and maintenance of the access road, with erosion control and drainage
- Installation of controlled access gates
- Defined firing lines, target pits and bullet impact berms
- Parking areas, firebreak widening and safety buffer zones
Where That Leaves Us
Three things the historical record establishes about the Centerville range.
Formal City and Federal Action
The range was established through formal City action and federal approval in 1969 — not by custom or informal use.
A Public Safety Resource
The facility was intended from the start to operate as a long-term public recreational and safety resource for the community.
Fifty-Plus Years On
The range's location, access and use remain consistent with the purpose documented at its founding.
Why We Exist Today
The Association was formed around two purposes, both continuous with the range's 1969 charter of hunter safety education and marksmanship training.
Purpose One
Compete at a National Level
To train in, and practice shooting disciplines with a goal of competing at a national level. Our matches are run under CMP and NRA rules on electronic targets.
Purpose Two
Train Youth Safely
To train youth in the safe use of firearms and develop sound marksmanship skills. All persons under 21 must have an adult member present at all times while shooting.
USRPA
Utah State Rifle & Pistol Association
State-level affiliation and match sanctioning.
NRA
National Rifle Association
High Power, Midrange Prone and Sporting Rifle programs.
CMP
Civilian Marksmanship Program
Vintage Rifle, Rimfire Sporter and EIC sanctioned matches.
Be Part of the Next Fifty Years
The range is kept running by volunteers. You do not need experience — we will train you.