Until now, bikers, hikers or those in wheelchairs wishing to traverse across the Salt Lake Valley from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail faced a problem on the west side of the valley. The section of Parley’s Trail from 900 West to the Jordan River Parkway wasn’t fully accessible due, in large part, to the river itself.

Now, that’s changed.

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang joined with Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood to cut the ribbon, officially opening a new section of the trail on Sept. 28. The occasion marked the final completion of an east-west trail that’s been on the planning boards of city and county officials for more than 20 years.

“This is a great addition to our city,” Lang said. “It’s a safe out-of-the-way path without cars that allows bikers and walkers to fully enjoy the beauty of our valley.” 

Wood complemented the efforts of the planners and builders of the new section, adding “Today is our city’s 85th birthday, so it’s a double reason to celebrate.”

The last section of the 8-mile trail was short but expensive. It consists of two elevated bridges across the river, and entailed not just construction of the spans but also access to properties of private owners. It provides a corridor through neighborhoods and to parks, schools, churches and rural areas. The trail runs through portions of West Valley, South Salt Lake, Millcreek and Salt Lake City.

“How far we’ve come,” Wilson said. “I’m proud of the work the county and the cities have done working with these private landowners, and this trail is beautiful. My only regret today is that I didn’t set enough time aside to bike and hike myself.”

One group championing the cause is the Parley’s Rails, Trails and Tunnels. Chair of that group, Juan Arce-Larreta, said the trail has been developed in several phases, and subsequent semi-phases. This final section dealt with the river, a railroad yard and existing roads along SR-201.

“When I first saw the last remaining gap, I knew it would be challenging to complete,” he said. “Back in 2017 when Parley’s Trail first opened, we knew this quarter-mile section was very necessary, so we began strategizing what needed to be done. That meant getting the financial support from a lot of entities, and the result is this beautiful new section we’re opening today.”

He said the team began searching areas in West Valley City where the trail could be extended. They found a small area between SR-201 and UTA’s TRAX line—property owned by UTA or the Utah Department of Transportation. UDOT assisted in assessing the concept and granted easements for the final section, which cost $6.5 million to complete.

Arce-Laretta said there is still more to come along the trail, including adding benches, dog hydration facilities and bike maintenance stations. He also spoke about the “Wasatch Loop,” an ambitious effort by the state to connect even more parts of the Wasatch Front. State legislators approved a $90-million initial investment last year and hope a new fund can collect up to $45 million a year for trail projects.

“The trail now connects with 7200 West,” Lang said. “It means people can travel from Parley’s Canyon out to that road and connect with a number of other pathways. It really has expanded safe connections throughout the valley.”

The Jordan River Parkway, which Parley’s Trail connects to, also runs from Davis County to Utah County. λ