New high-alpine connector trail to unite counties

The Bonanza Flat trailhead, July 17, 2023. Photo: TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City’s trail network is getting a major upgrade this summer, with new high-alpine connectors, adaptive-friendly routes, and critical restoration projects reshaping the way locals and visitors experience the outdoors.

The Mountain Trails Foundation is spearheading an ambitious slate of work across the region—from a long-awaited Bonanza-to-WOW trail link to wide-reaching improvements in Round Valley and King’s Crown—designed to improve accessibility, safety, and year-round usability for all types of trail users.

Bonanza to WOW trail connector

Perhaps the most significant addition this year is the Bonanza to WOW trail connector, a long-awaited link that will join trail systems across Summit, Wasatch, and Salt Lake counties. “The trails (bike and hike) will connect the Bonanza Loop trail to the upper WoW trail, incorporating hike-friendly sections and, separately, directional, bike/flow trails that incorporate several wood features,” Anthony said. 

The project is a collaboration between MTF and the Wasatch Trails Foundation (WTF), with Mountain Trails fronting the labor and funding. Reimbursement will follow upon completion via grants secured through the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.

“This project will enhance trail options in both communities and exemplifies the power of nonprofit collaboration,” Anthony said. “We have created a real win-win here and are excited to share this scenic, high-alpine gem of a trail system with the public. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, such drought, fire or early snow, we expect to have this project completed later this fall.”

Adaptive-friendly trails and routes

Among the efforts this season is a continued push for adaptive-friendly trails and routes, which support inclusion for riders using adaptive equipment. Adaptive-friendly routes ensure connectivity and accessibility for the whole trail system. “Adaptive-friendly routes, as opposed to adaptive-friendly trails, are important in an adaptive-friendly trail system,” said Lora Anthony, executive director of MTF. “Complete routes ensure the adaptive rider has a safe ride from start to finish.”

Adaptive-friendly projects include a .60-mile extension of the Silver Queen trail on Park City Mountain that is anticipated to alleviate multi-directional bike traffic on Mid Mountain and improve safety. This extension creates a dedicated bike and adaptive-friendly route from the top of the Crescent Lift down to the Jenn’s/Town Lift area. In conjunction with this new route, a 1.65-mile, downhill, bike-only and adaptive-friendly extension on the Loose Moose trail will start at Town Lift and descend to the base area via lower CMG. 

Anthony anticipates that adaptive-friendly trail options and routes will continue to grow into the future.

Trail restoration projects: Round Valley and King’s Crown

The foundation is also tackling multiple restoration projects to improve the trail user experience year-round. A large-scale project that includes a nearly complete overhaul of Round Valley’s double track is already underway. This two-phase project, funded primarily by Summit County RAP Recreation Tax Grants, totaled around $450,000 and is designed to support both summer and winter use. 

“These improvements make Round Valley’s double track safe for dirt-season active transportation and improve the longevity and groom-ability of the winter Nordic track,” Anthony said. “Leveling the track, using light-colored road base and installing proper drainage creates a track that can withstand even the poorest of winter conditions. It also extends the usability of the routes even during mud season.” The foundation has already seen success from their efforts as the Round Valley Express (which was phase one) was being used early in the season while the single-track was still muddy. 

Another major effort is a two-and-a-half-year restoration project in the King’s Crown area of Park City Mountain. The foundation was awarded a Recreation Restoration Infrastructure Grant to  overhaul and perform heavy maintenance on about 16 miles of heavily used singletrack. “With an eye toward creating adaptive-friendly routes, we’ve retrofitted some of the trails in this project to standards appropriate for adaptive equipment,” Anthony said.

Closures and opening dates

These restoration projects will lead to temporary trail closures, which will be clearly marked in the field and updated in real-time on MTF’s interactive trail map. “If trail users are out on the trails and find a detour/closure, for the safety of the crew and the trail users, we ask for strict adherence to the closures,” said Anthony. 

As for when you can anticipate getting out to enjoy the trails, identifying specific opening dates is tricky because dry soil can make building and overhauling trails difficult to impossible. MTF crews have to wait for the right moisture content in the soil to complete their projects. Anthony emphasized that recreating on unfinished trails can be dangerous, and to wait until opening dates are announced. 

For updates and trail status, users can visit Mountain Trails Foundation’s website and interactive trail map.