SALT LAKE CITY—Utah is known for its trails and outdoor recreation. To make that more accessible the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has designated 2,600 miles of new paved trails and 500 miles of existing trails as part of the Utah Trail Network, a system to connect Utahns to their destinations. 

Gov. Spencer Cox announced the completion of the master plan map at the Utah Transportation Conference on Oct. 28.

“We need to spend more time outside, more time connecting with people and more time exercising and the way we do that is through our trail system,” he said. “The Utah Trail Network helps every Utahn commute, recreate and enjoy Utah. It's a great way to build for future generations.”  

 According to the plan, the Utah Network Trail will go through Davis County at several locations. Cox first shared his vision for the statewide trail at a media press conference held in 2022 at the south trailhead of Legacy Parkway. 

“This will enhance the quality of life for every Utahn,” Cox said at the conference in 2022. “Utah is a vibrant place bursting with amenities. We know why people live here – it's beautiful. We have to sustain the growth system so that we can provide clean air and clean water.” 

A sense of community is important, he said. “We’ve heard from residents that they want more trails. This is who we are. This is our brand. We own the outdoor space. We want people to be able to recreate safely. Interacting makes us healthier and happier.”

Eventually the statewide trail system will connect to 208 Utah towns and cities, 33 universities and community colleges, six national parks, 74 high-capacity transit stations and 25 state parks with 95% of all Utahns living within one mile of the Utah Trail Network, a UDOT release said. 

The Utah Legislature created a fund in 2023 specifically for active transportation (the Active Transportation Investment Fund) to fund the Utah Trail Network. 

Communities and planning partners worked closely with UDOT to select paved trails for the master plan map that will be updated every four years.

The Utah Transportation Commission approved nearly $95 million in funding earlier this year to build and plan 19 new paved trails or complete existing trail gaps across the state. Several are slated to begin construction next spring, depending on weather, supply availability and contractor schedules, the release said. 

“Generations from now, people will look back and remember this as the moment Utah changed how we get around,” UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras said. “The Utah Trail Network will connect communities in every corner of the state and give people more ways to move, explore and enjoy life here.”