Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park

The historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park provides the perfect place for outdoorsy types to fulfill their long-distance dreams. For those not interested in hiking, biking, running or skiing the whole 28 miles between Park City and Echo Reservoir, the trail's convenient location near Interstate 80 makes it a good spot to stop and stretch the legs on long drives.

History

The Rail Trail follows local narrow-gauge spur lines of Summit County once used to transport coal from the mines to the main Union Pacific rail yard and surrounding silver mines. Once Union Pacific abandoned the rail lines, it collaborated with Utah's Division of Parks and Recreation to convert the space into a non-motorized trail.

Run on the rails

The absence of cars on the Rail Trail makes it an ideal place for all manner of endurance exercise. Run, hike and bike during the summer and ski in the winter. Regulations also permit horseback riding, and mounts never have to worry about trucks clipping their hindquarters. Hikers seeking to conquer the trail's entire length should wait at least a day to adjust to the altitude because the whole trail is at least a mile above seal level.

Local fauna

The Rail Trail is also a prime wildlife viewing area, as herons, fox, moose, deer, eagles and beaver live nearby.

The Union Pacific Rail Trail should make even the most dedicated runner or rider happy. Its length, soft yet solid surface and scenic vistas all make for a high-quality training experience.