Welcome to Trail Talk, Trails Utah's newsletter featuring updates on our trails and advocacy work, information from our partners, events, trail jobs and more.
Trails Utah is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to trails planning, funding, sustainable design and construction, and advocacy in needed areas throughout Utah. Well-designed and constructed trails, and the open spaces they connect us to, are important for promoting our overall well-being and creating a sense of community, as well as protecting our natural resources.
We hope you find Trail Talk educational and even entertaining!
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Welcome to all of our new newsletter recipients who signed up for our email list at the Cirque Series at Brighton on July 16!
It was great meeting and talking with you about our love of trails. We will be at Cirque Series at Snowbird and Alta, so if you you're there, we look forward to seeing you again!
And thanks so much to Julian Carr and Cirque Series for your generous donation to Trails Utah. We are deeply grateful!
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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
We need your help to make trails happen!
Give a little or a lot and we will put your dollars to work building state-of-the-art trails in your community and around Utah. Get some great swag, too!
New member perks for 2022 !
 Brand new t-shirt celebrating one of our trails
 Newly designed Trails Utah stickers (in 3 colors!)
 Discount on the onX Backcountry mapping app
Plus our classic logo'd hats, tumblers, socks & jackets
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Trail Updates
What's new with our trails, and with Trails Utah?
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NEW FUNDING
 Trails Utah has been awarded a $10,000 Two for the Trails grant from Athletic Brewing, brewers of non-alcoholic craft beer. Check out their offerings!
 Urban Hive Properties has offered a generous sponsorship of $5000 for the second year in a row.
  Both Cirque Series and Salt Lake Running Company have donated $500 each. SLRC has also offered $300 of in-kind product towards further fund-raising efforts for Trails Utah.
Thanks to ALL OF YOU for supporting our work - we are deeply appreciative. You help make trails possible!
TRAIL PROJECTS
Spring Hollow Trail System - Pine Valley Ranger District
This trail system is a partnership between Trails Utah, the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah, and Pine Valley Ranger District. Phase I focuses on the first 15 miles of trail, located at between 5000-5800ft of elevation. Phase II will add another 15 miles, at higher elevation, and Phase III will add an additional 20 miles or so at the highest elevation. In total, this system will include two trail networks and four trailheads. Phases 1-3 will include the main trailhead, dispersed camping area, and a NICA pit zone and parking area. Design work was done by Trails Utah board member and Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU) President, Kevin Christopherson. NEPA studies have been conducted and all approvals for construction have been made. This new trail system will have adaptive accessibility incorporated into the building process. Surface Trails is doing the construction, which has halted for the summer due to extreme heat and fire concerns. It will resume in the fall. The trail is not open and will likely not be completed and open until Fall or early winter. We kindly ask that you please not go to the site until the trail is open!
Update: Trails Utah has been awarded $525,000 in matching funds from Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation for this project, and Washington County has provided $800,000. We need to match the UOOR funds in order to receive them, and are still seeking almost $1M more in order to complete this trail system. Find out more and donate here.
Nung 'wu Poa Trail - Phase II
Trails Utah is raising funds for a new multi-use trail to be built in partnership with Town of Springdale, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and Trail Alliance of Southern Utah. Town of Springdale continues to work with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah on final alignment, interpretive signs, signage, etc. The project has been bumped up on Town of Springdale's priority list and they are now looking to get started on it in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. This is a team effort and we are thrilled to be a part of this exciting trail project!
Update: Trails Utah has been awarded a $75,000 matching grant for this project, and Town of Springdale is offering the matching funds - THANK YOU! We are excited to get this project going! Find out more about this trail.
Grandeur Peak Section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST)
After over two decades of planning,Trails Utah is going to complete this Bonneville Shoreline Trail section from Parleys to Millcreek Canyon. In May, we were awarded a Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation matching grant of $50,000 that will cover almost half of the anticipated project cost. We are working with our Federal, County and City partners to finalize the permitting and approval requirements that are needed for legal construction of a sustainable recreational trail.
We are now reaching out to community partners and supporters like you to raise the matching funds needed for construction, slated to begin in August or September. If trails are important to you, please help by becoming a member or making a donation to Trails Utah. Thank you! And thanks to our partners at the US Forest Service, Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, Salt Lake County Open Space, Utah Open Lands, and City of Millcreek! See a map and more info.
Update: We feel confident that construction will begin later this summer or early fall, but we are still navigating extensive permitting requirements.
TU Trails AxS (Access) Project: Millcreek Canyon
Trails Utah is working with Wasatch Adaptive Sports, National Ability Center, board member Wally Lee, and the US Forest Service on a project modifying existing trails to increase accessibility for hand-cyclists and adaptive runners. New trail-building methods often make trails wide enough for hand-cycles; however, the vast majority of trails in the Wasatch were built before these new methods were instituted. We seek to make modifications to such trails to offer more opportunity for ORHCers (adaptive bikers). We are truly excited about this collaboration and look forward to making our trails available to a wider segment of the community. We're getting started in Millcreek Canyon in early 2023.
Update: Trails Utah and our partners have completed a detailed walk/ride-through of our designated trails to record imagery and needed modifications. We are currently seeking financial support to carry out those modifications. Trails Utah has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Sorenson Legacy Foundation for this project - we are incredibly grateful for their support. Help us bring the trail experience to more of our community by giving today. Thank you!
Herriman Hills Trail System
In 2020 / 21, Trails Utah, Herriman City and Herriman Hills Trails Alliance completed several trails in the Herriman Hills, including the Hardlick Downhill Trail, the Rawhide Trail and the MoJo Trail, consisting of approximately 3.5 total trail miles. In 2022 we are planning to expand upon this system and build two new trail sections - a new 1-mile section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and a new 1-mile hiking-only loop. Trails Utah is currently in the fundraising stage. Find out more and make a donation to support this project!
Butterfield Canyon Trail System
Salt Lake County is getting closer to beginning work on Phase 1 of the Butterfield Canyon Trail System. Phase 1 will include 12 to 15 miles of new trail and a NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Assn) race course and staging area. They recently hired a highly-qualified Trails Quality Control Consultant who will be tasked with overseeing the final planning, flagging and construction of Phase 1. In addition, he will be coordinating the many players involved in this project, including Salt Lake County Parks and Rec personnel, S & L Contractors, and the pro builders being contracted for the project. Tentative start date is mid-August.
Foothills Trail System
All trail construction for this project has been delayed until 2023. Salt Lake City is undertaking an environmental evaluation (cultural, land, plant and wildlife, scenic impacts) led by a local firm, SWCA. They have now hired a Trail Design specialist (see JOBS section) to do a deeper evaluation of existing trails, recently constructed trails, and the trails plan itself. They will also add an addendum to the trails plan to include a trail maintenance plan and alignment and timing recommendations. Job posting will go up in April and they anticipate this work to be completed in the spring of 2023. They are working to develop plans for and implement at least five trailheads along the foothills. The selected firm's consultation will run from summer 2022 through summer 2023, with the possibility of Phase II being implemented as early as fall 2023 or 2024. If you are interested in the progress of the Foothill Trails Plan implementation and want to voice support for trail construction, please reach out to Salt Lake City Trails Alliance.
C0MMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We love engaging with our communities - meeting new people, listening to their ideas, and sharing what Trails Utah is all about. One way we do this is by participating in events. We participated in Brighton Days and Cirque Series Brighton in July. Here's what we're up to in August:
- August 6 - Cirque Series - Snowbird
- August 20 - Cirque Series - Alta
- August 27 - NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Assn) Race - Eagle Mountain
CONFERENCES
These are wonderful opportunities to share information about what we are doing and how we do it, but also to see what other entities in the trail world are doing, so we can continue the learning and sharing process.
Trails Utah participated in the 2nd Annual Trails Forum Conference in July, and our very own Sarah Bennett, Executive Director and Founder of Trails Utah, presented on how trails are brought to fruition.
We will participate in the Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit in September.
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We would love to hear what trails YOU would like to see in Utah. Please send your ideas and/or any feedback to info@trailsutah.org.
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Policy, Advocacy, Stewardship & Sustainability
Trails provide us with many benefits - health, community, connection with the natural world, economic strength, and so much more. A lot goes into the realization, maintenance and advocacy of trails: policies and planning; stakeholder buy-in, awareness and education, and stewardship of trails. Trails Utah is dedicated not only to creating and maintaining sustainable trails, but also to affecting policy, creating awareness, educating trail users, and helping support trail etiquette practices. A team effort is ever more necessary as populations grow and trail use increases. We hope you will support Trails Utah and our trail partners in these efforts!
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POLICY
Passage of B.O.L.T. Act
On July 20, the Biking on Long distance Trails (B.O.L.T.) Act was passed. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is considered to be one of these regionally important, long trails that could receive federal funds to go towards the completion of this extensive but disjunct trail. IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) is planning to name the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) as one of these important longer trails.
Transit to Trails Act
Underserved communities across the country don't have access to outdoor spaces. Transportation to our public lands and open spaces are one barrier that prevent many from accessing all the benefits trails and green spaces provide. Removing barriers and increasing access for urban and rural areas is critical. The Transit to Trails Act can provide a crucial transportation option to and from trail heads! Find out more.
ADVOCACY
Public Input - Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Fee Changes
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is seeking comments on a proposal to change fees at various sites, including several in the Logan Ranger District area. Provide comments here, email comments to SM.FS.UWCFeeProp@usda.gov, or snail-mail your comments to:
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Attention: Developed Recreation Site Fee Proposal
857 West South Jordan Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
They are looking for public comment before Sept. 7th, 2022.
Trail Master Planning Continues for the Central Wasatch
Trails Utah has been actively participating in trail master planning efforts with US Forest Service, Salt Lake City Watershed, and Salt Lake County. We are working to ensure that these plans dovetail and reference concurrent planning efforts. The Central Wasatch Commission Trails Committee continues to monitor progress in these endeavors.
Grants for Adaptive Equipment
Whether an ORHC (offroad hand cycle) or prostheses, adaptive equipment is expensive and often not covered by health insurance. Here are a few great resources for grants to help you cover these expenses:
STEWARDSHIP
Trail Volunteer Day
July 30
Trail Maintenance and Clean Up Volunteer Event
Wednesday, September 28
5:30-7:30pm - Location TBD
Would you like to make a difference on the trails that you love and use? Grab your work gloves and join Trails Foundation of Northern Utah! They'll be meeting at one of their local trails for maintenance and clean up. To participate, you must sign up on GivePulse. Bring work gloves, sunscreen, water and appropriate shoes, and please leave children under 12 and dogs at home. Refreshments will be provided. Sign up here.
SUSTAINABILITY
10 Ways to Leave No Trace
It’s clear that crowds are threatening some of our most precious outdoor areas. Learn how to be a steward who is kind in nature and protects the great outdoors. Learn the ways!
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Cirque Series
- August 6: Snowbird
- August 20: Alta
The Cirque Series is redefining what mountain running is all about. Starting from the base of a world-famous ski resort, you’ll rally up windswept ridges & glacial cirques to towering peaks, power down a quad-burning descent, break the tape into a festival of live music, food, drink, & vendor tents. The elevation is serious but the mileage is manageable, and the race is as hardcore as you want it to be. Beat the pros down to earn legend status & cash prizes, or enjoy the views & let the challenge be its own reward. Races are capped at 500 runners.
Film Showings of Esperanto
August 19
August 22 (for NICA athletes & coaches)
Electric Theatre, downtown St George
Trail Alliance of Southern Utah is excited to announce they've partnered with Teton Gravity to show their latest MTB film, Esperanto! All proceeds from these events will go towards local trails to help fund the Spring Hollow / Pine Valley trail system project that is underway. Come join in for a great evening to gather as a community, watch an amazing film and give back to the trails. More information and purchase tickets.
Pinebrook Bikes & Brews - Community Ride
Every Thursday @ 5:30pm
Start @ Inspired Summit Adventures, Park City
There is a new community ride every Thursday evening in Pinebrook! Ride the Basin Rec trails leaving from Inspired Summit Adventures shop (next to Shucks). All abilities welcome on the social ride. Ending at Shucks for music and brews! Email info@inspiredsummit.com for more info.
Adaptive Mountain Biking w/TRAILS (University of Utah)
Morning sessions: 9-11am
Afternoon sessions: 12-2pm
@ Round Valley
TRAILS (Technology Recreation Access Independence Lifestyle Sports) at University of Utah is offering ORHC outings at beautiful Round Valley - don't miss them!
Contact for more details.
 Level 9 Sports - Maintenance Mondays
Monday, August 22
Level 9 Sports, Downtown SLC
Join Level 9 Sports (founded here in Utah) the last Monday of each month this summer at their Downtown SLC Location to learn about bike maintenance! At each event their bike technicians will teach a different bike maintenance skill. The events are free and those with all levels of maintenance experience are welcome. Food and soft drinks will be provided, and participants are invited to leave their bike for a semi-annual tune-up at 25% off. More info.
 Wasatch Trail Run Series
The Wasatch Trail Run Series takes place spring thru summer on Wednesday evenings on the dirt trails of open space preserves and ski resorts along the Wasatch Front & Park City. The Wednesday evening races offer both a Short Course (3-5 miles) and Long Course (7-9 miles), accommodating the needs of all skill levels. Each race concludes with an awesome Give-Away for participants composed of a table loaded with outdoor retail items (shoes, packs etc.) donated by sponsors. Find out more, sign up, or volunteer!
 First Annual Northern Utah Trailfest
October 7-9, 2022 - Registration is open!
North Fork Park, Liberty
The ‘NUT’ is a fall celebration for all trail users! It’s a festival for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys adventure and recreation. Runners, hikers, and mountain bikers—amateurs and pros alike—will enjoy the challenge of the NUT Trail Run and Mountain Bike Race on Saturday, October 8th as they compete to complete the most course laps in 3, 6 or 9* hours. Stay in the loop!
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Other Trail News
News from our trail partners
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Looking for employment in the trail world? Look no further...
JOBS
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HELP US BRING YOUR TRAIL DREAMS TO LIFE!
We can't make trails happen without funding - your financial support is crucial to the work we do year-round to plan for, fund and build trails. The trails we build offer all of us better access to recreation, healthy living and opportunities to get into the outdoors!
Become a Corporate Sponsor
If you are a business-owner, consider making a contribution that will support all the trails that make our communities great places to live, work and play.
Make a Donation
We welcome donations at any level. Your dollars will be consolidated and put to work to bring your trail dreams to life.
To make it even easier, just scan our QR code and pay via Venmo!
Thank you!
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Seeking Feedback
Please take our Trails Utah Community Survey!
We are interested in finding out more about our trail users so that we can better serve you into the future!
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THANK YOU!
To our most recent supporters:
SPONSORS & GRANTERS
Athletic Brewing
Cirque Series
Salt Lake Running Company
Urban Hive Properties
Olympus Hills
MEMBERS & DONORS
Spencer Buhler
Sue Alder
Daniel Meyer
Jacqueline Webb
Wally Lee
Barry Peterson
Kyle Scarlett
Brandon Pekarek
Kyle Watson
Jen Sue
We are deeply appreciative!
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Phase 2 of Slate Creek MTB Trail in Uintas
Deer Valley Summer Lift 
Supersonic and Cracker Jack Re-routes
Moab Trail Mix - New Trail Ambassador Program
