by Nate Blouin
– Bonneville Shoreline Trail –
With wide open western facing slopes that catch the spring rays and a low elevation that clears of snow quickly, the Bonneville Shoreline may be the best place to run on the dirt before the higher trails melt out. With a number of trailheads and different route options to choose from, you can find a run that’s perfect for you. Start from the Natural History Museum of Utah for a gentler start, or head up from the Jewish Community Center and run up Dry Creek for a good climb.
A view from Bonneville Shoreline Trail during the winter
The Pipeline may be one of Salt Lake’s most run routes. Pick it up from the Burch Hollow trailhead at the top of the road before the snow is cleared and run 5 miles to the valley overlook, or start at the lower Rattlesnake trailhead if you’re looking for a steep climb before catching the relatively flat Pipeline. The southern aspect (for most of the trail) dries quickly, but be careful after rain or snow as it can take a bit to dry.
– Corner Canyon –
Corner Canyon gives a number of great options for spring runs of all distances. Pick a loop or make a day of it and run the whole trail system. Corner Canyon has a nice range of exposure, so if one trail is wet, pick a different one and you could be in luck. Be prepared for some solid climbs, if you start from the Equestrian center in Draper you’ll be steadily ascending for the first bit of your run.
– Mt. Olympus –
The lower reaches of Mt. Olympus are west facing and usually free of snow for most of the season. If you’re a glutton for pain, try running from the parking lot on Wasatch Boulevard up to the stream crossing, a climb of 1400 vertical feet over less than 2 miles. You can also catch a new section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail less than a mile from the trailhead and follow that North towards Millcreek Canyon, although you’ll still need to navigate the steep first climb. Beware of snakes as the weather gets warmer, Olympus is a notorious hangout for our reptilian friends.
– Antelope Island –
A favorite amongst the ultrarunning crowd, Antelope Island provides bountiful options of sweeping singletrack for those willing to make the short trek north. With numerous options, you can link together the many loops, climb up Frary Peak, or run my personal favorite, the Mountain View trail, with breathtaking views of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch range across the lake. Mountain View is 11 miles one way with little elevation change, so you can choose to run part or all of it as an out-and-back or use a shuttle car. Beware of the buffalo, they have been known to spook inattentive runners.
Interested in Trail Running, but don’t know where or how to start?
Join us on the Third Thursday of every month (May, June, July, August, September – 2014) for a run on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
Third Thursday Runs are hosted by the Park City City Trail Series.
The Park City Trail Series is a four-race series beginning with a 5K in June and working to a 1/2 Marathon in September.
Join us this year for one race or all four fun trail races!