Find the top rated birding trails in Spanish Fork, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_23972_st.jpg)
We too were disappointed with the trail from Utah Lake because of significant construction. We went about 2 1/2 miles before we were blocked. New asphalt was laid within site of where we stopped ( so tempting to ignore the barriers), and I know there has been a LOT of rain this year. The reviews have been good, so I hope to do it when the construction is done. We just drove over to the Provo River trail ( starting at the north shore of Utah Lake) to get some mileage in and enjoyed that as an alternative. Riding a bicycle with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop is a good day in the saddle. Provo was asphalt in pretty good condition but both trails showed some age( tree root issues) in spots.
So disappointed as we had been looking forward to this ride on our visit to Provo. Unfortunately, about 2 miles from the Utah State Park end the trail is closed due to construction. They had posted a detour that looked like an easy reroute through a neighborhood but the gate was closed and we could not take their detour. We we able to make our own detour but when we found the section that the detour was to take us to a new closure for construction was posted. Out we headed again on the 2nd detour. When we were finally able to reach the trail it was very loose gravel.
I road part of the trail from the Redwood Trailhead Park to the River Oaks Golf Course and back again. There is a severe lack of signage to show you the main trail and you end up taking lots of wrong turns or continually stop to check if you need to take a turn or not. This gets a bit frustrating as you don't get a nice flowing ride, but rather a stop start ride all the way. I think I took about six or seven wrong turns and had to back track. Other than that, the trail could do with some maintenance. There are lots of cracks due to roots under the tarmac and some of the bridges could do with resurfacing, but it didn't worry me too much. Forgetting about the negatives, it is a really nice ride along the river and you don't have to deal with traffic which is great. The view of the mountains is awesome especially as you get further south. If I'm in Salt Lake City again, I'll definitely ride this track again, but I'll bring my GPS next time as it will save a lot of headaches. I would recommend this track, but bring your GPS and keep an eye out for the strong southerly wind. Makes for a strong head wind on the way south, but great for coming back.
The first 14 miles traveling from Park City was all downhill and fast. Once we got to mile 17 until near the end the trail is in very poor condition. The horses and cows have torn the trail up and it was extremely hard to ride. It took us 4 hours in no shade to complete the trip. You must be strong and have a very good mountain bike to be happy with this section of the trail. Also all the dead deer on the side of the road were stinky and rotting (I counted at least 20), The trail follows I-80 most of the way and it is okay, but a little distracting. Now get out and ride !
Did this trail on inline skates, at a decent clip ~15 mph. Started at the point where there is a private property break in the trail (and public parking/facilities) around 40.410350, -111.781484.
I chose the southern portion of the trail:
1) it's around 10 miles one way
2) it connects to the Provo River trailhead, which seems like another good trail
3) it seems to be a real trail through the neighborhoods and scenery rather than a path that follows a high speed road
Great pristine asphalt surface and scenery (mountain views, rolling hills). Major roads have underpasses and the underpasses are in good shape. There are a few at grade intersections that are a little iffy (1600N). Good mix of humanity on a Saturday from MAMILs to families - most are aware of usual trail rules so it works and is friendly.
The northern portion of the trail, which I did not try, seems to have a connection around the private property through Highland Glen Park. It then continues NW to the Thanksgiving Point tech area along Timpanogos Highway (high speed, loud, but grade separated). I think this is an intended connection to the Porter/Rockwell trail in the future, but not now - lot of construction & dust.
I rode from 4100 S. to the intersection with Redwood Road at Point of the Mountain and back. 18.3 miles one way. I think it is the entire length of the trail. For sure the south end was. It might have been a little more north of 4100 S.
Like the previous reviewer said, the first 9 miles or so are nice and well separated from UT85. After that not so much. The last 9.5 miles, from Old Bingham Hwy to Redwood Rd, you are riding along the fast moving traffic. The bike lane is painted on what should be the emergency lane.
Also, as the previous reviewer stated, this bike lane is covered with road grime. The only good thing about it is that it is wide. But I still wouldn't want to be there during rush hour.
This trail is not flat and was a good workout.
For me, the worst was all the trash along the trail, of all sizes. I'm hoping the cities along this otherwise nice trail are planning a spring clean-up.
This was my first time on this trail. Because of all the road grime (risk of a flat) and trash, I won't be on it often. I see myself riding it once or twice a year at the most... unless it gets cleaned up.
Lehi has closed the trail indefinitely. Freeway construction has also closed parts of the trail until summer of 2020
Seems a little like the Department of Transportation wanted to build a road, and then tried to balance negative environmental factors with a grade separated bike path.
Decent execution in the northern 7 miles of the trail, aside from some pretty dicey highway intersection crossings where the trail switches from one side of the highway to the other or has to cross an arterial road. Some major long rolling hills which make a good workout. I did it on inline skates and wished I had my brakes on.
The southern portion of the trail is poorly executed because instead of grade separated rolling hills, the trail is right next to the highway and covered in highway grime. Might as well use the regular bike lane (next to 70 mph traffic).
On a beautiful Saturday morning in September of 2014, my wife and I enjoyed the Murdock Canal Trail.
We started at the parking lot/restroom area on West Bullriver Road and rode all the way to the endpoint at Highway 52 before heading back. If we were to do it again, I'm sure my wife would insist we park at Mitchell Hollow Park to avoid the ravine and Dry Creek below the flood control dam between E3200 N and Canterbury Drive. Both coming and going Grandma had to walk her bike up the incline due to the steepness..
That's the only negative to this trail. For a couple of southern Californians, we appreciated the wide open spaces, rural atmosphere, and the local culture. We especially enjoyed experiencing Orem on a quiet Saturday morning by observing from the trail lacrosse leagues, family bike rides, kids on trampolines, horse paddocks, and more church spires than you can count on two hands.
In addition there are stunning mountain views, vistas overlooking Orem and Utah Lake, rest areas, and info about the Murdock Canal, which runs beneath the trail in huge pipes.
All in all, we're glad we made a point of riding this wide, well-maintained, and what we would rate easy trail (as long as you avoid Dry Creek Ravine).
Slow upward grade from Coalville/Echo area to Park City., but not too steep. Since this is a Utah State park it would be great if more maintenance was done along the trail: cut back the vegetation overgrowth for example.
Overall, this is a great ride.
Worth inline skating on this trail - you can get some good speed and mileage outside of the busier areas & seedier areas of the trail.
Other posters are correct, the signage is limited but it's not a big deal.
I started at James Madison Park and went south about 15 miles.
The best part about this trail is that everyone is really friendly and will wave hello.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
