IMBA Update on Utah’s 280-Mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail

Photos by Joey Klein

Earlier this month, the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) shared an in-depth look at some of the extensive behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a new trail system before it can be enjoyed by users. “Journey to a Trail” is a three-part examination of the process of developing the mixed-use, mixed-terrain Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) in Utah, which follows the shoreline of the ancient Lake Bonneville and will eventually span some 280 miles across the state, from the Idaho border down to the town of Nephi. Along the way, it’ll provide backyard trail access to more than 1,000,000 Utah residents as it winds through six counties.

Written by IMBA’s Jali Fernando, the series shines some light on the unglamorous realities of building trails, which can take decades or more of tireless advocacy work and involve countless groups and miles of red tape. In the case of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, its roots can be traced back to the 1980s, and a dedicated non-profit group has been working to advance it since 1991. In an interesting and easily digestible format, “Journey to a Trail” walks through what’s been happening with the trail from its conception to the designation of its first 100 miles. This piece is recommended reading for anyone who appreciates riding trails, even if your tires are never likely to touch the BST.

Head over to IMBA.com to read parts one, two, and three of “Journey to a Trail.”

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