Trails and Natural Lands’ Nature Parks
Trails and Natural Lands (TNL) manages multiple nature parks throughout the city. Nature parks are characterized by their un-manicured landscapes, prevalence of streams and wooded areas, and natural-surface trails. The conservation and protection of plant and animal habitats are prioritized above traditional park landscaping and maintenance within these spaces. Human impact on these spaces is meant to be minimal, and we ask that all visitors stay on trails and keep dogs on leash except where posted otherwise.
Allen Park
For decades, Allen Park has been loved and bemused by city residents. It is a cultural icon with its lore, artwork, and preservation of nearly eight acres of natural land and historical buildings. Through the tremendous efforts of the community, grassroots organizations, and public entities, Allen Park will be preserved as a one-of-a-kind public open space in Salt Lake City.
Cornell Wetlands
Cornell Wetlands is an important location where the Jordan River receives urban runoff from stormwater drains, which is filtered through a manmade wetlands system. Our Restoration Ecology Program team, Trails and Natural Lands team, and hundreds of volunteers have planted over 10,000 native plants in the wetlands and surrounding area to restore the ecosystem.
East Bench/ H Rock Preserve
The East Bench Preserve comprises 42 acres of foothills open space in the City’s East Bench neighborhood. It includes a half-mile section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) and is the largest area of conserved open space below the BST in Salt Lake County. Trails connect the BST to the top of the H-Rock and down to Scenic Drive.
Ensign Peak Nature Park
Many visitors frequent Ensign Peak Nature Park for the short hike to the overlook, which is one of the most popular trails in the city. At the peak, you’ll find a pillar marking the overlook and interpretive signs. The Ensign Peak Trail connects with the nearby Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Please stay on designated trails and keep dogs leashed when visiting Ensign Peak Nature Park.
Fife Wetland Preserve
Fife Wetland Preserve is a restored wetland located directly off the Jordan River Parkway, just south of 900 S, and west of Jordan Park. As a natural wetland, Fife plays an important role in removing pollution from water flowing into the Jordan River. The flat walking path around the pond also features story panels for kids to read and learn as they walk through the preserve.
Hidden Hollow Natural Area
The East Bench Preserve comprises 42 acres of Foothills open space in the city’s East Bench neighborhood. It includes a half-mile section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) and is the largest area of conserved open space below the BST in Salt Lake County. Trails in the East Bench Preserve connect the BST to the top of the H-Rock and down to Scenic Drive.
Jordan River Parkway Trail
The Jordan River Parkway Trail is the longest paved urban trail in the United States, at over 60 miles. It follows the Jordan River from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. Salt Lake City manages the portion of the trail between 2100 S and 2500 N. The Jordan River Parkway Trail provides connections to many vibrant city neighborhoods and urban trails like the 9 Line Trail and the Folsom Trail.
Lower City Creek Natural Area
Lower City Creek Natural Area surrounds Memory Grove Park. Within Lower City Creek Natural Area is a 0.5 mile off-leash trail (Freedom Trail) and a 2.6 mile hiking trail (Lower City Creek Loop). The area provides habitat for wildlife and gives city residents an easy way to escape the urban landscape and access other Foothills trails.
Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park
Miller Park Bird Refuge is one of Trails and Natural Lands’ biggest nature parks, at 8.75 acres. The refuge includes two walking paths running the length of the shady ravine (less than 1 mile). The park’s history includes stone walls, stairs, and bridges the construction of stone walls, stairs, and bridges constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Parley’s Historic Nature Park
Parley’s Historic Nature Park is an expansive 87-acre property at the mouth of Parley’s Canyon. This unique park encompasses a wide range of spaces cared for by the Trails and Natural Lands team, Salt Lake County, and even volunteers, making it a space that serves the community while protecting and restoring water quality, and cultural and natural resources. The park has an off-leash area for dogs, a BMX area, Parley’s Creek, walking trails, and a natural habitat restoration area.
Wasatch Hollow
Wasatch Hollow Preserve is a wooded area and stream surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Two walking/hiking loops of just under 1 mile give visitors a taste of nature within the city. The city’s goals in the preserve are to restore and protect the natural riparian habitat and flow of the creek.
Please note: Dogs are are not allowed in the north loop, but are allowed on the south loop while on a leash.
We can all be good stewards of our public spaces! For more tips on how to Be W.I.L.D. – Welcoming, Inclusive, Limit Your Impact, and Do What You Can – visit slcbewild.com.