You can burn up to
400+ calories per hour
skating at a
moderate pace of 10 mph!
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SKATENOW inc
SKATING IN and AROUND GREATER
SALT LAKE & UTAH VALLEYS
As with any new territory, it is best
to check out the area where you are going to skate ahead of
time, look for terrain quality (smooth or rough,
bumpy or uneven terrain), debris (rocks, sand,
mulch, leaves), hills (small gradual or steep), excessive
pedestrian or auto traffic, off leash dogs,
etc. KNOWING PATHWAY CONDITIONS BEFORE GOING
OUT can help you to have a safe and fun skate.
Also, please be aware that Salt Lake City has a no
skating policy on sidewalks within the CBD
(central business district). If you wish to
see changes in locations where you can skate or
commute to work via skates, please join our
skating advisory committee, and let's work
to share pathways, sidewalks, and bike lines.
NEW! JUST HOW FAR DO
YOU SKATE? Log onto www.usatf.org and use the
"Mapper" to check your favorite skating
route. The Mapper gives both distance and
elevations. Save it and then send us a link and we
will post the info here. May My Ride and
Strava are also great tools for recording workouts
& routes.
GREAT
PLACES TO ROLL AROUND GREATER SALT
LAKE & UTAH VALLEY AREAS:
LIBERTY PARK (Downtown
Salt Lake City): 600 E 1000 S
The
1.4 mile bike path goes between 1000S &
1300S and 500E & 700E, surrounding the
entire perimeter of the park. Terrain
is flat, with smooth concrete.
This is a great place for beginners.
Always check the path for hazards before
skating. Although there are no apparent
signs, the general flow of pedestrian traffic
seem to be counter-clockwise.
SUGARHOUSE PARK (SL
County): 1300 E 2100 S
The
designated bike & pedestrian
path follows along the one-way loop road
(1.38 miles) around the
entire perimeter of the park.
Terrain is rolling with one
large and fast down hill on the
northwest
side - this park is not recommended for
beginners. The pathway is smoothly paved
with new asphalt.
The park tends to be very busy with
both auto, cyclist, pedestrian and pet
traffic, be mindful of cars pulling into the
lower west side parking lot as you descend
on the downhill. Use great caution
when skating here. Always check the
path for hazards before skating.
Although there are no apparent signs, the
general flow of pedestrian traffic
seem to be counter-clockwise, the same as
for the cars.
CITY CREEK CANYON (North-East Downtown Salt
Lake City): Bonneville Rd to
Park Entrance
City Creek has a great
road for uphill workouts, but be cautioned
on the downhill as speeds can be fast, and
there are multiple users and few places to
bail out. The road limits access to
pedestrians, bicycles, and skaters, it is
less than 1 mile long, with smooth
asphalt. If you decide not to attempt
the downhill, bring along a pair of sneakers
or flip flops for the walk down. This
area is not recommended for beginners.
LEGACY HWY TRAIL (North Salt Lake, UT):
Redwood Rd &
Center Street, North Salt Lake. From 1-215,
north on Redwood to Center, then 1 mile west
on Center to trail head.
This pathway is newly opened
as of Sept 13th, 2008. It is very flat, has
smooth asphalt, and is good for
beginners.There are a series of 6 wooden
bridges at the far north end. The path
follows along the east side of the new
Legacy Hwy, with a distance of 12.6 miles
one-way. As of date there are no
restroom facilities, so plan to take
care of things before arriving to the trail
head. There is a Maverick at the
intersection of Redwood Rd and Center
Street, about 1 mile east of the trail-head.
Port-a-pot @ Center Str. trail head, and
Park restrooms 1/2 miles north. Link to map:
http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner.gf?n=3597764003697595469
DENVER RIO-GRANDE TRAIL: this section of
trail splits/spurs from Legacy near mile
post 7 then heads 2-3 miles east, merges
with LEgacy for 1 miles west, then splits
and goes approx 60 miles northwest to Ogden,
UT.
AIRPORT BIKE PATH
(North-West Downtown Salt
Lake City):
North Temple & approx 2400 W
This pathway
is very flat, has smooth asphalt, and
is good for beginners. The path
follows along the
south end of the Airport to
approximately 4800 W.
JORDAN RIVER PATH (North
Downtown Salt Lake City): 1000 North 1500
West
*The north downtown
section of pathway begins near the Fair
grounds (N. Temple) and runs north to
approximately 1000N, where pavement ends.
The pathway is flat, with asphalt,
but the surface is bubbly, and
uneven. There are also
pedestrian bridges. Beginners
should use caution. Access to pathways is
currently disturbed by NW Rec Center
construction, use caution. Link to
interactive trail map:
http://www.myjordanriver.org/
* UPDATE NOTE: Jordan Pathway is not
continuous from North section to main
section. Between north Temple &
200 South there is no direct connection of
the pathway, completion is expected 2017.
Either follow sidewalks, as necessary
south to approx 200/300 South then head
west to return to Jordan River path, or
find and alternate route. Info link
http://www.slco.org/parkbond/Jordan_River_Trail.html
JORDAN RIVER PATH (West
Downtown Salt Lake-South Salt Lake): 300 South 900 West
**The west downtown section begins
near 300 S and continues south to
approximately 3700 S, covering approximately
6.5 miles one-way. The pathway is flat,
smooth paved asphalt with some transitions,
pedestrian wood bridges, busy/abrupt street
crossings, etc. Portions of the trail
are good for beginners, while other sections
require advanced skating skills. As
always, use awareness and caution when skating
in unknown areas for the first time. http://www.recreation.slco.org/parks/jordanRiverParkway/index.html
JORDAN RIVER PATH (Salt Lake
County: Murray, Taylorsville, West
Valley): 5300 South 1070
West
**This section of the
Jordan River path is from about 4000 South
to 8500 South. Trail-head access with with
rest rooms and parking areas at 3900 South,
4800 South, and 5300 South.
Underpasses and pedestrian bridges at 4800
South. The majority of this section of
the Jordan pathway is primarily flat, with
some rolling hills. The path is smoothly
paved asphalt with transitions,
pedestrian wood bridges, elevated boardwalk,
few street crossings, etc.
There are some raised wood slatted
bridges, and a raised section of wood
decking that connects over a wetlands area
(at the northern end). Portions
of the trail are okay for beginners, while
most sections require advanced skating
skills. As always, use awareness and
caution when skating in unknown areas for
the first time. The pedestrian bridges are
not very skater-friendly, either, so be
prepared.
** UPDATE NOTE: As of 2007, you can
now follow continuously along the Jordan
main pathway from approx. 200 South to 8500
south. Use caution at approx
4200 South as you cross the new bridge
heading southbound, there is a good slope
and a hard left turn onto the wooden
bridge. In 2010/2011 the bridge at
7800 South was in deteriorated condition,
with planking missing/split. Not sure of
current state of repair, cross with caution.
JORDAN RIVER PATH (South
Jordan): 10000 South at approx 900
West (access west of I-15)
Trail
is a little over 8 miles one way. Park
at 9800/950 West Trail head (Shields Lane),
no facilities. This section of the Jordan
Parkway Trail is finished from Shields Lane
(approximately 9800 S) to 14600 South,
heading southbound. Additionally, heading
northbound there is approx. 1 mile of trail
to 9400 south (terminates at the golf
course), which makes the total section of
8.4 miles. The portion of missing trail,
from 9400 S. through the golf course will
eventually connect through to the northern
Jordan River parkway section at approx 8500
South.. Trail is
very flat and very smooth in most places, but
always skate with caution as conditions change
change from year to year. Many times the
underpass at 16000 South is flooded, you can
bypass this section by going up & over the
road, using the light to cross above then
returning to the parkway. A 2 mile section
starting from 10600 south is littered with tar
snakes and pavement cracks/gaps and in dire need
of repair. Though skate-able, watch terrain
through this section, the City of South Jordan
is long overdue to maintenance upgrade the
parkway - it seriously has been in this poor
condition since 2002. Overall, good for
beginners, with exception to aforementioned
terrain
issues and one large hill near 13800 south. If
you are not sure of your ability on hills, skip
this one. Completion
south of 14600 South is expected 2017.
JORDAN RIVER PATH, Willow
Park (UTAH County, LEHI): Main Str (St hwy
73) & Willow Park Rd.
This 8 mile path is best
accessed via Willow Park. There are
amenities (rest rooms) at Willow Park. From
there you can skate either south or north.
The trail is primarily rolling terrain
with mostly smooth asphalt, though some
sections are rougher. There is
typically debris on the path. There
are a few road crossing. The trail
terminates to the south at Saratoga (south
of the model airplane park) by the
Jordan River inlet at Utah Lake. Heading to
the north, the path terminates just past the
Thanksgiving Point Golf Course. There
is a loop turn-a-round. Beyond this point
there is a very steep uphill climb (which
equates to a very steep downhill),
which is not recommended for skaters. Even
cyclist have difficulty navigating this one.
We recommend turning around at the last
river crossing bridge, and skip the hill.
The trail winds along the edge of the Jordan
River, and is quite scenic. This one
is a great endurance and fitness skate.
On
the web detailed description: Willow
Park,
Utah County
DRAPER PARK PATHWAY
(DRAPER): 1300 E south of
Pioneer Ave (12400 S)
The
first section of this 3.5 mile pathway
is has reasonably flat to light
rolling terrain, and smooth asphalt.
It is a good path for beginners
The ped-xing crossing at the train
bridge (1-1/2 miles out at 1300 East)
is not skater friendly - one must
navigate a quick down hill, a sharp
turn, then stop abruptly before
crossing into automobile traffic, use
caution. Even though there is a
clearly marked pedestrian crossing,
cars do not always stop. The
trail picks up again on the other side
and is actually very good, for a
while, if you are a beginner, use
extra caution when continuing past the
1 1/2 mile point. The trail extends to
Point of the Mountain (approx. 15300
south). The street
crossing @ Bangerter is not terribly
skater friendly, particularly heading
eastbound(northeast) - steep hill,
gravel laden sidewalk, and blind
corners. Draper Park has added a new
1/2 mile loop pathway around the park
- an easy route for beginners to
practice trail skating.
ANTELOPE ISLAND CAUSEWAY
(Utah State Park, Davis County):
State Hwy 15, Exit 335, west on 108 to
Antelope Island Park Entrance.
Antelope Island Davis
County Causeway. The 7.2 miles of causeway
has bike lanes in both directions. The road
surface is very flat asphalt, with smooth to
somewhat rough terrain, but okay for
the advanced and adventurous
skater. Head winds and gnats can
sometimes be a problem. Use
caution and observe automobile traffic and
wildlife (low flying seagulls).
Call the Park and check weather
conditions before making the trip.Road
surface is deteriorated.
The west road on Antelope island:
11 miles of smooth open road (and, open
range) skating. There is no designated
bike lane, and there are steep hills
in the first 2-3 miles. Beyond the
first 3 miles, the road levels out
(combination of gentle rolling hills and
flats) for some great skating. Though local
traffic is very light, there can be more
traffic during holidays or on
weekends. Be mindful of cars and the
bison - both have the right-of-way!
Great endurance & fitness skate. Road
has been chip-sealed and the surface is very
rough as of 2007. No further
re-surfacing projects have taken place as of
2016, so currently not a recommended skating
surface. Map My Ride topo:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/29094770
PROVO RIVER PARKWAY (Utah
County, Provo): Utah State Park
& Vivian Park.
The 15 miles of asphalt
paved trails begin at Utah Lake State Park,
where the Provo River empties into Utah
Lake. The Provo River Parkway
parallels the Provo River as it heads
eastward through Provo City, to Provo
Canyon, and then finally terminating at
Vivian Park. The beginning 5 miles of
the Parkway starting from Utah State Park
are somewhat bumpy from lack of trail
upkeep, contains hazardous steep and narrow
underpasses (cyclists and/or skaters can not
pass oncoming traffic safely), and open
steel grates at under passes (not good for
inline wheels). The trail connection is
disjointed in places, dropping pedestrians
right into busy traffic without clearly
marked or safe pedestrian crossings. Often
the path can be wet in the underpasses due
to water overflow from the river (hence
those nasty steel grates). Use caution if
attempting the whole 15 mile stretch and be
prepared for hazards. The east canyon
end of the trial is more fitting for inline
skating. Though some sections of the
trail are good for beginners, the return
trip is downhill and can be fast. Exercise
caution, as persons tend to gather at the
Bridal Falls, the pathway can be crowded.
This trial is recommended for intermediate -
experienced skaters. It's a great
endurance & fitness skate.
UTAH COUNTY, MURDOCK CANAL
TRAIL AND MORE (Utah County, Provo):
Newly opened May 2013:
Murdock Canal Trail: 20 miles of new smooth
asphalt paved trail begins in Lehi and
extend south in Orem. Skating east of
Highland Glenn Park is good, however in the
west direction one encounters steep, almost
impassible terrain for skating - use
extreme caution west of Highland Glenn Park
area. East end of the trail links into
Provo River Canyon Trail approx 9 miles east
of Highland Glenn Park. Link to maps
for Murdock and other Utah county paved
trails:
https://mountainland.org/site/articles/view/1373
PARKWAY RESOURCES, PATHWAY
PROBLEMS, & MAINTENANCE:
Following is a listing of city,
county, state and neighboring community parks
and recreations departments. If you find
any pathways in need of repair, or observe any
inherent dangers to skaters, please call them
immediately. It helps Parks and
Recs. to hear from pathway users so that they
can be more aware of any problems. You can
also call to remind them to maintain the
pathways (cleaning leaves, dirt and debris,
etc.). This is part of their routine
maintenance program, but tends to go undone,
unless notified. Don't be shy about requesting
your tax moneys be put to work.
Salt Lake
City Parks (SLC):
Division of the Department of
Public Services: 972-7800
Salt Lake County:
468-2299
Utah County (Provo
& Lehi):
Utah County Public Works department: (801)
370-8640
Utah State
Parks:
Antelope Island State Park
Syracuse, Utah 84075-6868
(801) 773-2941
Draper City: Draper Park
Parks &
Trails Division: 576-6504.
City of Murray Parks:
Jordan River Parkway
Parks
Superintendent: contact:
ksorenson@ci.murray.ut.us
General
ph: 264-2614 or e-mail
sbird@ci.murray.ut.us
City of South Jordan:
254-3742
Riverton: Recreation
Dept.
254-0704
(sgarn@rivertoncity.com)
Legacy Trail
information.
383-3129 (alinford@utah.gov)
Please note, we've tried to
provide a general overview of the areas listed
above for informational purpose only. As
a skater, it is your responsibility to be
aware and observant of the area where you
choose to skate, and to know your own
ability and physical limitations. Always skate
safe, and be courteous to other pathway users.
Check with the appropriate City, County, or
State Parks agencies for additional
information on specific pathway conditions,
and areas to skate. If you find any
discrepancies in the information listed above,
please contact us here at the skate school.
Or, if you have information on other
areas to skate, we'd be happy to post them on
the site.
SKATE
SAFE GET FIT HAVE FUN!
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