New Trail to Expand Wasatch Back Trail System.

• Author: Stewart, Heather
• Position: WASATCH/SUMMIT AREA

Perk City - Right now it's all about the fabulous powder on Utah's slopes. But from spring through fall, outdoor enthusiasts hit the state's mountain trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding. This spring, work will begin on a brand-new trail that, at nearly 23 miles, is set to be the longest non-motorized trail outside of the Wasatch Front.

The Wasatch Over Wasatch (WOW) trail will loop through WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, cutting briefly through DEER VALLEY RESORT. The trail will open up new areas of the park for non-motorized activities, and it will connect to several other existing trail systems and campgrounds.

The WOW trail is the result of public and private contributions, says Charlie Sturgis, executive director of the MOUNTAIN TRAILS FOUNDATION. That foundation partnered with the WASATCH TRAILS ALLIANCE to spearhead the project, and it contributed $25,000 to the effort.

The two nonprofits and other donors pulled together more than $100,000 for the trail and, as a result. scored a $100,000 matching grant from the UTAH DIVISION OF STATE PARKS.

The...