The official public comment period is now closed. Thanks to all of you who wrote in support of the trail!
Check back regularly for updates on our progress. Also, check our Links page to find out more about the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the trails planned for Emigration Canyon.
The United States Forest Service is planning to extend the Bonneville Shoreline Trail along the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, from Parley’s to Little Cottonwood and beyond. This will realize a dream held by many Utah outdoor enthusiasts — of being able to hike or bike from Davis County to Utah County. The proposed route also integrates with the Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon, allowing access to that amazing trail network as well.
Since it is a government agency coordinating this, the process takes a while — but if all goes well, construction could begin as early as Summer 2007. But there is already significant opposition. There are some people who don’t want the trail built at all.
As might be expected, those opposed are mainly homeowners near the proposed trail and its access points. However, this opposition is far from unanimous. I am one of these homeowners, and part of the reason we bought our house is because of its proximity to the proposed trail. We’re one house away from one of the proposed trailheads. And we’re all for it!
You might wonder why anyone would be opposed to something that would provide so many benefits to so many people. Click here to see why. These are the same fears that come up, time and time again, whenever a new trail is built in the suburbs of America — and time and time again, these fears never materialize. Often, those opposed to the trail in the first place become strong supporters once it’s in place.
As for my motives in creating this site, I’m doing this for somewhat selfish reasons. I’ve been hiking and biking the Wasatch for over twenty years, and being able to access this whole trail network from my back door would be a dream come true. I hope to see you out on the new trail!
