Deer Creek Reservoir Trail could become key link in Utah Trail Network

Deer Creek Reservoir. Photo:

HEBER VALLEY, Utah — The Utah Department of Transportation is considering improvements to the unpaved trail on the west side of Deer Creek Reservoir. The study will consider options to create a 6.75-mile paved path between the Wasatch Mountain State Park and Deer Creek Dam trailheads while retaining an unpaved option for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. 

Because of the scope of the project and involvement of multiple stakeholders, UDOT is working on this project in coordination with Wasatch County, Deer Creek State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Bureau of Reclamation, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, and nearby property owners.

The trail will help link Provo Canyon to Heber Valley as part of the Utah Trail Network, an effort to create a continuous system of paved, shared-use paths designed for walking, biking, and other non-motorized travel. The network will link communities in a kind of non-motorized highway system, providing an alternative to driving. 

The Deer Creek Reservoir Trail segment will help complete a major loop of trails that will eventually span the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back, according to UDOT. 

UDOT will host a public open house on October 7 to share information about the Deer Creek Reservoir Trail Feasibility Study and answer questions from the community.

To learn more about the Utah Trail Network, please visit: https://utahtrailnetwork.udot.utah.gov/.