We're approaching the huge Bear Canyon suspension bridge on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail from the south. Original ride review April 1, 2000. Latest photos, tracks and description by Bruce on September 28, 2016.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Southern Salt Lake City (Sandy to Draper) section
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) is a series of trails along the slope of the Wasatch Mountains where the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville met the hills. Sections of trail are found from Ogden to Payson. There are a few gaps remaining between trail segments. The Sandy to Draper section begins after a huge gap along Salt Lake City's foothills. This trail sees plenty of foot and bike traffic, because it's "the only game in town" for residents north of Draper.
Southern Salt Lake City (Sandy to Draper) section
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) is a series of trails along the slope of the Wasatch Mountains where the old shoreline of Lake Bonneville met the hills. Sections of trail are found from Ogden to Payson. There are a few gaps remaining between trail segments. The Sandy to Draper section begins after a huge gap along Salt Lake City's foothills. This trail sees plenty of foot and bike traffic, because it's "the only game in town" for residents north of Draper.
North trailhead...
The northern trailhead is found at Hidden Valley Park in Sandy, just off Wasatch Boulevard around two miles south of Little Cottonwood Canyon. There are two entries to the trail here, both of which fork off the paved trail loop in the park.
To the north there's a doubletrack that climbs stiffly to a more-technical upper trail. A bit further south on the paved loop, a singletrack connector begins a mellower climb. These two options meet as they cross a gravel road -- where the combined trail drops down some wood stair-steps to the Little Willow Creek BST trail bridge
The northern trailhead is found at Hidden Valley Park in Sandy, just off Wasatch Boulevard around two miles south of Little Cottonwood Canyon. There are two entries to the trail here, both of which fork off the paved trail loop in the park.
To the north there's a doubletrack that climbs stiffly to a more-technical upper trail. A bit further south on the paved loop, a singletrack connector begins a mellower climb. These two options meet as they cross a gravel road -- where the combined trail drops down some wood stair-steps to the Little Willow Creek BST trail bridge
The lower BST connecting trail as it leaves the paved loop in Hidden Valley Park (looking south).
After pedaling the Corner Canyon Road to the trailhead, a rider grabs a bit of hydration before setting out northbound on the BST.
South trailhead...
I'm arbitrarily assigning an end to this BST trail segment at the Corner Canyon Road in Draper. (I continue the BST trail description further south and west on the Corner Canyon BST page.) At 1.1 miles up the gravel Corner Canyon Road, there's a big trailhead with bathroom, picnic tables, and shade. You can either drive or pedal to this trailhead. (Note that the gravel road may be closed after winter storms.) Across the road from this trailhead, the northbound BST begins its trip toward Sandy.
I'm arbitrarily assigning an end to this BST trail segment at the Corner Canyon Road in Draper. (I continue the BST trail description further south and west on the Corner Canyon BST page.) At 1.1 miles up the gravel Corner Canyon Road, there's a big trailhead with bathroom, picnic tables, and shade. You can either drive or pedal to this trailhead. (Note that the gravel road may be closed after winter storms.) Across the road from this trailhead, the northbound BST begins its trip toward Sandy.
There's also access via the Orson Smith trailhead. See that trail page for info...
And the trail...
The photos and ride description on this page will go from south (Draper CC Road) to north (Hidden Valley trailhead). I did it both directions twice in one day and decided I like north-to-south a little better. But if you're making a loop ride (see below) you can ride either direction and it's still good.
This trail section is 3.1 miles long (when done via the upper option at Hidden Valley on the north end). If you ride an out-and-back trip that loops around both connectors to Hidden Valley, the ride will be 6.0 miles with about 300 vertical feet of clmbing.
The photos and ride description on this page will go from south (Draper CC Road) to north (Hidden Valley trailhead). I did it both directions twice in one day and decided I like north-to-south a little better. But if you're making a loop ride (see below) you can ride either direction and it's still good.
This trail section is 3.1 miles long (when done via the upper option at Hidden Valley on the north end). If you ride an out-and-back trip that loops around both connectors to Hidden Valley, the ride will be 6.0 miles with about 300 vertical feet of clmbing.
About a half mile from the Corner Canyon Road trailhead, heading northeast. Speedy cruising and beautiful scenery.
Heading across Bear Canyon. Be careful of the hikers here. The bridge has made this stretch of trail a major destination, as families and school classes hike up Ralph's or Orson Smith for a stroll across the canyon.
The riding season for this trail is usually mid-April through November. The southern half is
open grassland that's sun-exposed and clears of snow quickly. The northern
end has steeper
sideslopes and forest shade, so it clings to winter snow (and mud) longer.
In technical requirement, this trail is Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. The southern (Draper) half of the trail is very mellow. The northern (Sandy City) piece is, well, not.
In technical requirement, this trail is Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. The southern (Draper) half of the trail is very mellow. The northern (Sandy City) piece is, well, not.
From the Corner Canyon Road trailhead, beginners can easily do an out-and-back ride to the
Bear Canyon Bridge. (The trail stays smooth for only a short distance
north of the bridge.)
This is a great area for wildflowers in the spring. You're riding on alluvial deposits -- a mixture of rock, sand, and dirt washed down from the mountains into Lake Bonneville -- but with chunks of occasional limestone bedrock sticking through. Lake Bonneville existed from 1 million years ago until around the end of the Ice Age, 10 thousand years ago. The BST follows the "notch" on the mountainside created by this huge deep lake.
This is a great area for wildflowers in the spring. You're riding on alluvial deposits -- a mixture of rock, sand, and dirt washed down from the mountains into Lake Bonneville -- but with chunks of occasional limestone bedrock sticking through. Lake Bonneville existed from 1 million years ago until around the end of the Ice Age, 10 thousand years ago. The BST follows the "notch" on the mountainside created by this huge deep lake.
Still smooth trail north of the bridge, but now we're seeing gambel oak beginning to crowd the trail. There are still 180-degree views over the valley and straight ahead are the fabulous 11,000-foot peaks of the Wasatch.
Aaaaaand here we go. At mile 1.7-ish, we've hit the quartzite. And note the pitch of the side-slope. There will be rock rollovers and tight spots.
The northern 1.5 miles lie on hillside where the Lake Bonneville deposits have eroded away.
Here the mountain has a steep sideslope as the trail winds around and
over sharp quartzite
rock outcrops. You'll ride in the shade of oak and maple forest, with
a few cedars thrown in.
This northern half of the trail would rank at least skilled upper-intermediate if not expert. There are sharp rock roll-overs and some steep pitches.
This northern half of the trail would rank at least skilled upper-intermediate if not expert. There are sharp rock roll-overs and some steep pitches.
You'll pass rock faces and boulders of Precambrian Quartzite (over 500 million years old).
And there's a bit of granite from the mid-Tertiary igneous intrusion of
around 26 million years
ago. The strata here have been warped by upwelling igneous material. The
granite formed by
this intrusion is seen in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Lone Peak.
Looking from the north, this squeeze leads to a rock tunnel. I'm certainly not tiny enough to ride through.
Little Willow Creek. Steps lead up to the chunky road, where the trails split.
Half a mile south of Hidden Valley, you'll drop steeply down to the Little Willow Creek bridge.
On the other side is a series of railroad-tie stairs up to a gravel road.
Straight across is
the upper trail. This more-techy option is 0.5 miles to the park.
The lower trail is a little harder to spot. It's just a few feet downhill across the chunky gravel road. It's smooth and easy to ride, and will get you down to the paved trail in the park after 0.3 miles.
The lower trail is a little harder to spot. It's just a few feet downhill across the chunky gravel road. It's smooth and easy to ride, and will get you down to the paved trail in the park after 0.3 miles.
The harder upper option continues high on the hillside with another 0.4 miles of somewhat narrow
and rough trail riding. Then the trail reaches a doubletrack. Turn downhill
at a metal gate
and drop 0.1 mile down to the paved park trail.
On the upper trail heading north, slowing down for a trail-runner. There were plenty of those -- about 10 between Bear Canyon and Hidden Valley, on a weekday! Note that the trail tread is narrower here, as fewer riders select this upper trail option.
Looking south on the lower BST connector just uphill from Hidden Valley.
The lower trail is broad and fairly smooth, with a gradual pitch. As you might guess, it will
be the option most riders select, especially for the north-to-south direction.
My suggestion for the out-and-back is to go northbound on the upper trail, drop to the park, then climb southbound back to the trail junction (the fork at the gravel road by Little Willow Creek).
My suggestion for the out-and-back is to go northbound on the upper trail, drop to the park, then climb southbound back to the trail junction (the fork at the gravel road by Little Willow Creek).
Mixing it up...
There are some ride variations that you may find fun. These use the Hidden Valley singletrack and Aqueduct trails , or the Orson Smith and Ralph's trails . These trails create options for quick loop rides.
The simplest loop option is to use the BST one direction, and the combined Aqueduct and Hidden Valley trails for the other. Many trail runners must have been doing this exact path, as I passed them on both halves of the loop.
In this old April 2000 photo, Bruce pilots Banana Thunder past a quartzite outcrop, while young Jackie runs behind. Dogs are allowed on the lower Connector and the BST south of Little Willow Creek -- but not on the upper trail.
View south on the Hidden Valley singletrack. It's 0.6 miles of very nice riding, then you continue on the doubletrack Aqueduct Trail.
At Hidden Valley Park, the upper BST, the BST Connector, and the Hidden Valley singletrack
all begin on the paved loop trail in the park. On the east side of the
paved trail loop southbound,
the first option is the upper BST. Then as you pedal further, there's
the lower BST connector,
then the Hidden Valley trail near the south end of the paved loop.
On its south end the BST continues past the Corner Canyon Road trailhead and descends down to the Aqueduct Trail. This closes the south end of the BST-Aqueduct loop. See the ride log below. (And if you're coming uphill from Corner Canyon, this would be your entry spot into the loop ride.)
On its south end the BST continues past the Corner Canyon Road trailhead and descends down to the Aqueduct Trail. This closes the south end of the BST-Aqueduct loop. See the ride log below. (And if you're coming uphill from Corner Canyon, this would be your entry spot into the loop ride.)
The
Orson Smith
trail joins the BST south of the Bear Canyon Bridge to the
Aqueduct
Trail, and downhill to the Orson Smith Park trailhead on Highland Drive. Here's a suggestion
for a short loop ride: From Orson Smith Park, climb the lower Orson Smith
to
Aqueduct
, then turn north. Aqueduct will become the Hidden Valley connector singletrack. At the park,
take the BST southbound to the top of upper Orson Smith. Drop down to
finish the loop.
Another photo from 2000, as Bruce prepares to drop down into a ravine and splash through the flowing creek in the rainy twilight. This little challenge has been replaced by a cushy bridge.
Riding notes, loop from Corner Canyon Road
BST TH
and returning via Aqueduct and CC BST:
0.0 Uphill side of road, north on ST
N40 30.363 W111 50.078
1.0 Keep R (L = Orson Smith connector)
N40 31.156 W111 49.824
1.1 Keep R (L = Orson Smith)
N40 31.254 W111 49.765
1.4 Cross Bear Canyon bridge
1.5 Keep R (L = Ralph's)
N40 31.475 W111 49.569
2.6 Little Willow Creek road
Cross to upper trail N40 32.117 W111 48.836
(option lower trail a few feet down road)
3.0 Gate, L downhill on DT
N40 32.371 W111 48.579
3.1 L on paved trail N40 32.329 W111 48.716
(Pass BST connector trail in 100 ft)
and returning via Aqueduct and CC BST:
0.0 Uphill side of road, north on ST
N40 30.363 W111 50.078
1.0 Keep R (L = Orson Smith connector)
N40 31.156 W111 49.824
1.1 Keep R (L = Orson Smith)
N40 31.254 W111 49.765
1.4 Cross Bear Canyon bridge
1.5 Keep R (L = Ralph's)
N40 31.475 W111 49.569
2.6 Little Willow Creek road
Cross to upper trail N40 32.117 W111 48.836
(option lower trail a few feet down road)
3.0 Gate, L downhill on DT
N40 32.371 W111 48.579
3.1 L on paved trail N40 32.329 W111 48.716
(Pass BST connector trail in 100 ft)
3.3 L on Hidden Valley ST
N40 32.232 W111 48.837
3.9 Join Aqueduct
N40 31.894 W111 49.306
4.4 Straight (L = Ralph's)
N40 31.596 W111 49.668
4.8 Straight (Orson Smith crosses)
N40 31.314 W111 49.903
5.1 Cross Corner Canyon Road
5.5 Pass Sadler trails N40 30.803 W111 50.234
5.8 Pass Quail ST (on L)
N40 30.428 W111 50.261
6.3 L uphill on BST N40 30.063 W111 50.173
6.6 Keep L (R = Rattler)
N40 30.176 W111 50.076
6.8 Back at trailhead<
BST area map
Getting there, northern (Sandy) trailhead:
Take Wasatch Blvd to Hidden Valley Park, about two miles south of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the east side of the road. (From I-15, take the 90th South exit, which will turn into 94th south as it approaches the mountains. At the mouth of Little Cottonwood, turn right on Wasatch.) The park is located on a curve in the road just past a large church on your left. From the parking area, bike towards the mountain on the paved path. After 100 yards, you should see a "Bonneville Shoreline Trail" sign pointing uphill. This connects via a steep doubletrack to the upper trail. For the lower connector, go further on the paved trail and turn left on singletrack after about 100 feet. (For a loop ride, the Hidden Valley singletrack is another 800 feet south on the paved trail.)
Take Wasatch Blvd to Hidden Valley Park, about two miles south of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the east side of the road. (From I-15, take the 90th South exit, which will turn into 94th south as it approaches the mountains. At the mouth of Little Cottonwood, turn right on Wasatch.) The park is located on a curve in the road just past a large church on your left. From the parking area, bike towards the mountain on the paved path. After 100 yards, you should see a "Bonneville Shoreline Trail" sign pointing uphill. This connects via a steep doubletrack to the upper trail. For the lower connector, go further on the paved trail and turn left on singletrack after about 100 feet. (For a loop ride, the Hidden Valley singletrack is another 800 feet south on the paved trail.)
Bonneville Shoreline TH on Corner Canyon Road: From Draper, take 123rd South to 13th East and turn south (right). At the roundabout just down the hill, turn east (the equivalent of a left turn at the roundabout) on Pioneer Road. Go around one mile to 20th East, then turn right going south on Highland Drive. Turn left to the parking lot of Orson Smith Park, but immediately turn right as you enter the parking area. Drive on the gravel Corner Canyon Road 1.1 miles uphill. Turn right into the BST trailhead. Then northbound BST is on the uphill side of the road, across from the trailhead parking entry.
Orson Smith Park: Go to Orson Smith Park as above, but continue into the parking lot. Begin the ride by pedaling up the Corner Canyon Road or the Orson Smith trail.
Bathrooms and water at these trailheads.
From Corner Canyon (Equestrian Center) Trailhead:
On Highland Blvd. Climb the Corner Canyon
singletrack,
joining doubletrack on the way, to a wide intersection of multiple trails.
The BST is across the wooden bridge 90 degrees to your left. You'll
climb past connections to other trails, then just past Rattler,
you'll reach the Corner Canyon Road trailhead.
Coyote Hollow trailhead: From Traverse Ridge Road, turn to Mike Weir Drive. Drive about a mile until the road veers left downhill. Take the next right turn, turn right again, then left. You should now be on Gray Fox Drive. Take the next right into Coyote Hollow Court. The parking is on the right at the end of the pavement. After entering singletrack, keep left until you find yourself descending on doubletrack. As you reach an intersection, the BST is straight ahead. Keep heading northeast and downhill until you reach the bridge, then climb the BST. See the Corner Canyon BST page.
From Alpine: From Alpine, you can bike over the ridge from the Hog Hollow trail. Run about 2 miles down the Corner Canyon road to the trailhead. Feel free to substitute bits of Ghost Falls and Rattler for the road, and you'll join the BST just below the Corner Canyon Road trailhead.
Coyote Hollow trailhead: From Traverse Ridge Road, turn to Mike Weir Drive. Drive about a mile until the road veers left downhill. Take the next right turn, turn right again, then left. You should now be on Gray Fox Drive. Take the next right into Coyote Hollow Court. The parking is on the right at the end of the pavement. After entering singletrack, keep left until you find yourself descending on doubletrack. As you reach an intersection, the BST is straight ahead. Keep heading northeast and downhill until you reach the bridge, then climb the BST. See the Corner Canyon BST page.
From Alpine: From Alpine, you can bike over the ridge from the Hog Hollow trail. Run about 2 miles down the Corner Canyon road to the trailhead. Feel free to substitute bits of Ghost Falls and Rattler for the road, and you'll join the BST just below the Corner Canyon Road trailhead.
Riding resources:
Printable one-page guide to this trail
GPS track file (right-click and select "Save Target as..."):
GPX BST Sandy-Draper
Loop ride above
Multi-track Draper Area file
Go to Draper Area Trails overview page
Satellite map in new window for printing: View map
Lodging, camping, shops: Links to southern SLC resources
Printable one-page guide to this trail
GPS track file (right-click and select "Save Target as..."):
GPX BST Sandy-Draper
Loop ride above
Multi-track Draper Area file
Go to Draper Area Trails overview page
Satellite map in new window for printing: View map
Lodging, camping, shops: Links to southern SLC resources
Last updated 2016
