Trail Talk

We are pleased to announce our "All Things Trails" resource list. Find links to the many trail organizations, alliances, foundations, clubs, apps & even some events that are dedicated to trails in Utah. Learning about trails has never been easier!

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.

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 sustainable trails: policies and planning, stakeholder buy-in, fundraising, awareness and education, and stewardship of our trails. Trails Utah is dedicated to this entire process. 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!
 

POLICY

Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act
Trails Utah is elated with the news that the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act has passed both the House and Senate and become law. We applaud Congressman Curtis and Senator Romney for their contributions to moving it forward. This pioneering legislation celebrates and protects one of the most important regional trails in the state and helps create a standard for management that will best serve a variety of outdoor recreationists, as well as the integrity of the landscape and natural environment for generations to come. Trails are essential to our healthy, active way of life in Utah, and it is outstanding to see access to this incredibly valuable community asset enshrined with this legislation. Read more on this bill.

ADVOCACY 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.

STEWARDSHIP

Trail Master Steward Online Course
Utah State University if offering up The Trail Master Steward online course, providing volunteers, trail organizations, and land managers with a foundational understanding of the values inherent in trail stewardship. It introduces the basic skills required to be a steward of our trail resources. Find out more and sign up. 

Adopt-A-Trail - Cottonwood Canyons Foundation
The Adopt-A-Trail program allows corporations or community groups to adopt a trail in the Cottonwood Canyons, directly supporting CCF’s Trail Stewardship Program, which repairs and maintains trails in the Canyons. A limited number of trails are still available; contact CCF now for more information.


SUSTAINABILITY
 
National Sustainable Trail System Strategy
Did you know that a National Strategy for a Sustainable Trail System was announced back in 2018? This strategy builds on the many examples from across the country where the Forest Service, its partners, and the greater trails community have successfully embraced a community-driven and locally sustainable trail system model. Read more about the strategy here.
 

   Trails Rx

The physical health benefits of getting out for a walk, hike, or a bike ride, even if it is for only 30 minutes a day, is well-documented and astonishing. It includes much more than better cardiovascular and muscle fitness; increased metabolism for weight loss, improved digestion, and better sleep quality are some of the other benefits that provide significant positive impacts for long-term health. In our Trails Rx section, we will explore how trails improve health.

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Benefits of Recreating Outdoors
The Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office published an excellent report on the health (& economic) benefits of recreating on outdoor trails. Of course those benefits aren't limited to the state of Washington! Insights can be drawn into similar benefits of trail use in Utah and beyond. Have a look to see the many insights they discovered during their investigation.
 

Trails Are Free to Use, Right?!
Luckily for us, that is still mostly true. But they aren’t free to build. It costs $5-$10/foot to build a dirt surface trail. That’s PER FOOT! Join us in giving back to support the trails you love. You’ll earn it back with every step you take in our great outdoors! Give a little or a lot and we will put your dollars to work building sustainable state-of-the-art trails in your community and around Utah. And get some great swag, too! 

New Donor Perks !

1  Be one of the next three donors to give $500 or more to Trails Utah and receive a $100 gift card from Pronghorn Bicycles. Pronghorn was founded to provide honest & transparent bicycle sales, an experienced service shop for all bikes & e-bikes, and to hook up their customers with the best independent bike brands at the lowest possible prices.
 

2 Give at the $150 level or higher and you will get one of our custom-made ceramic mugs, with our Trails Utah logo on one side and a trail on the other. These mugs were hand-made by Kim Hall at Alpine Earthworks, based right here in Salt Lake City. Quantities are limited, so make your donation now!


3   As we kick off the new year, we have a very Kuhl promo!

Find out more and give today!

 

Six Pack of Peaks Utah
All of 2023
The Utah Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic mountains easily reached from Salt Lake City. You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks, or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you. You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.

  Avalanche Awareness! Know Before You Go!!
Various Locations & Dates
Avalanche Awareness week kicked off in early December and with that began the 'Know Before You Go' free avalanche awareness program. Not much science, no warnings to stay out of the mountains, and no formulas to memorize. The one hour presentation displays the destructive power of avalanches, helps people understand when and why they happen, and how they can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches. With over 26 sessions offered in locations across Utah, avalanche awareness is more accessible than ever. Find out more and sign up here.

  Get Out & Play with Trail Sisters SLC
Various Events & Locations
Looking to meet a new friend or try something new! There are so many great things to do in our beautiful Wasatch! Join Trail Sisters SLC private Facebook group to join one of the many events they host! Find out more here.

Trail Runs in Utah - 2023
Looking for a comprehensive list of trail races in Utah? Running in the USA has compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming Utah trail runs for 2023! Or check out this list made by Backcountry runner. Either way - we're pretty sure these runs have you covered!
 

 

Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU)
Change to riders' access to JEM Trail. The JEM Trail has been in existence since the mid-90s. It was created without landowner approvals. Many riders have assumed that the entire system was located on public  lands; however, the lower JEM access and a good portion of the Lower JEM Trail are located on private property. The Nature Conservancy is pleased to be able to leave access open to the portion of the JEM Trail that crosses throughou its Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve; however, the JEM Trail is now designated as a directional trail. Riders will travel downhill on the current trail, and return via a newly constructed Carne Asada trail. This new trail is also directional for mountain biking and provides a loop to return riders back to the BLM network. Find out more.