Trails Utah

Looking back on 2023 and what Trails Utah was able to accomplish, i am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for our partners, donors, and supporters around the state who helped make both long-sought-after Trails and new, innovative trail concepts, a reality. The increasing awareness of the vital role that Trails and access to open space play in our everyday lives here in Utah is more evident than ever before. We are cheering on this development and rolling up our sleeves in 2024. After more than twenty years of planning and discussion, tu secured the support of three different land managers, landed a Utah outdoor recreation grant, and constructed the grandeur peak section of the bonneville shoreline trail (bst). Also enabling this project was the purchase of two different private land parcels made possible with funding set aside by the Utah legislature specifically for acquiring lands needed for connecting the bst. This incredible development at the state level, along with the enthusiastic backing and encouragement we received from county, municipal, and federal land managers, underscores the enormous effort and time often required to make Trails a reality. It also demonstrates the increasing value being placed on trail access. Working with the town of springdale and the southern paiute tribe to create a shared-use, dog-friendly trail intended for local residents was also incredibly rewarding. With the throngs of visitors flooding the gateway town to zion national park and inundating park Trails, it was a significant win to develop a trail where neighbors can get out for a morning hike away from the bustle of the park. This project, and the planning of a new 12-acre cross- country bike park, to be constructed in 2024 in kearns, Utah, will be dedicated to kids who lack access to Trails but want to participate in Utah's growing high school mountain bike league. This will allow kids, without parents who have the time and resources to drive them to distant trail systems, an opportunity to grow their skills and train close to home. Both of these projects are working to provide the trail experience close to home and limiting car time to get to Trails. Whether it is connecting another link of the bonneville shoreline trail, arguably one of the most important regional Trails in the state, or simply connecting utahns to nature and the open space in their backyard, there is no shortage of worthwhile trail projects around the state. At Trails Utah we are constantly working to identify and develop needed trail projects, projects that bring a community a sought-after recreational amenity, or a project that can heal an erosional scar across a landscape. The average of 3-5 years of planning, permitting, and fundraising before we can move even a shovelful of dirt makes for a long game but we are committed to it. With your support, we will continue to do the background work which will mean more trail miles realized on the ground in 2024.