When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
Why Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead serves as a gateway to the expansive Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a beloved mixed-use path stretching over 100 miles with plans to extend more than 280 miles from the Idaho border to Nephi, Utah. Nestled along the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, this trailhead offers nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in scenic hiking and mountain biking experiences just minutes from the bustling Wasatch Front metropolitan area. The trail meanders through foothills and canyons, showcasing breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley and diverse wildlife. With several access points along the Wasatch Front near Salt Lake City, including near the zoo and the University of Utah, the Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is an ideal meeting spot for friends looking to enjoy fresh air and physical activity in a beautiful natural setting. The majority of the trail is natural surface, providing an authentic outdoor adventure while some paved sections enhance accessibility. Whether seeking a vigorous mountain bike ride, a leisurely hike, or a peaceful walk with stunning panoramas, this trailhead is a convenient and inspiring starting point for memorable group outings.
Here's what people think of Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
As of recent, Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead holds a 4.7-star rating based on 194 reviews.
User reviews for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail consistently praise its accessibility and scenic qualities, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 200 reviews. Many hikers and bikers appreciate the well-maintained single-track trail that closely follows the ancient lake’s shoreline, offering stunning views of the valley and opportunities to observe local wildlife. Positive reviews often highlight the variety of access points across the Wasatch Front, which makes it easy for people from different parts of the region to connect and explore sections that fit their preferred difficulty and length. Reviewers also commend the trail's proximity to urban areas, making it a perfect blend of wilderness and convenience for social gatherings or solo adventures. On the less favorable side, some users mention that portions of the trail are still under development, which can affect continuity and require route adjustments. Occasionally, parking at trailheads can be limited during peak times, and certain segments might be crowded on weekends. However, these drawbacks are generally overshadowed by the trail’s natural beauty and recreational value. In summary, the reviews reflect a strong community enthusiasm for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, affirming the trailhead as an excellent meeting place for friends to enjoy outdoor activities while experiencing Utah’s rich natural heritage.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Megan
A great hiking area. I’ve gone on a couple of the trails and none of them have been super steep so great for beginners. Never seen it super busy and there are lots of trails to explore. A lot of people bring dogs and have them off leash in case that is a concern for you. The parking lot is small but there is plenty of street parking if it’s full. No bathrooms.
Nicole Chafetz
an amazing amazing city park and I’m from Seattle a town with great city parks! Even though I grew up in Illinois and have seen cornfields role like tidal waves, I’ve never seen tall grass move this way. Also the Exposed rock is beautiful. And seeing the mountains and the city in the valley. It’s all stunning.
Christopher Creveling
Love the new trail segment that has been added. The connection to Parleys canyon is superb and a great was to see the city. I'd recommend heading up after work for a little exercise. Make sure to bring some water. This is dog friendly from my understanding.
Jesse “Brofiki-Troxler” Jubilee
This is the Avenues Access Trail off 18th Ave in Northcrest, Salt Lake City, UT. It’s not officially on AllTrails yet and there are a few ways to connect to this trail but this is the easiest. Parking is available but minimal and only until 10pm. Trail Access until 11pm.
Joshua Brothers
Easy to find, clearly maintained trails, multiple use, and gorgeous undeveloped area. So glad that the city invests in areas like this. Very dog and mountain bike friendly. There are doggy bags available here, and trash cans at the trailhead. Parking lot is closed 10pm to 5am.
How to reach Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead
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Why Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead with your friends?
The Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is an exceptional location to gather with friends for an outdoor adventure that combines natural beauty, accessibility, and a diversity of activities. Nestled along the ancient shoreline of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, this trailhead serves as a gateway to one of Utah’s most popular and scenic trail systems — the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail itself is a beloved corridor that runs along the Wasatch Front, providing unparalleled views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. With a high user rating of 4.7 from nearly 200 reviews, it’s clear that visitors appreciate the remarkable experience this trailhead offers.
For a group looking to escape the hustle of the city, rallying at this trailhead offers an easy and convenient way to jump into a day of hiking, biking, or simply relaxing in nature. It’s ideal for groups because the trail system accommodates a mix of skill levels and interests. Whether your friends prefer an invigorating mountain bike ride, a moderate hike with scenic vistas, or a leisurely stroll with dogs, this trailhead gives everyone options. Moreover, the expansive trail network allows your group to split up or stay together depending on energy levels without losing the sense of connection. Meeting here means sharing memorable moments amid wildflowers, sweeping valley views, and the crisp mountain air — a refreshing and healthy way to strengthen friendships and create lasting experiences in a beautiful setting.
What activities can you enjoy at the Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead?
The Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is a hub for a wide variety of outdoor activities, making it perfect for groups with diverse interests. Predominantly, visitors use the trail for hiking and mountain biking on the well-maintained singletrack paths that weave through the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. These trails are generally moderate in difficulty, which invites people of many ages and fitness levels to participate. The track itself often runs wide enough for two people to walk or ride side-by-side, encouraging social interaction as you explore. The natural landscape along the trail features colorful wildflowers during the warmer months and striking valley views that provide great photo opportunities or just moments to pause and savor the scenery.
Dog owners will particularly enjoy the opportunity to bring their pets along, as many parts of the trail are dog-friendly with off-leash areas, allowing your furry friends to stretch their legs and socialize as well. For groups looking to extend their excursion, portions of the trail offer connections to other more challenging or scenic routes deeper into the mountains. The trail is also used for snowshoeing and winter hiking during colder months, making this an all-season meeting spot. Besides these physical activities, the trailhead itself provides a gathering place with parking and easy access points from nearby population centers including Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, making organizing a meetup convenient for friends coming from different directions.
Why is Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead ideal for a group meetup?
One distinguishing feature of the Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead that makes it perfect for group meetups is its accessibility combined with versatility. Located near major urban centers, the trailhead offers quick access to a natural escape without long, complicated travel. This means groups don’t have to commit a whole day just to reach the trail — they can maximize time spent enjoying the outdoors together. The trailhead serves as a central point with multiple entrances along the route, so it’s easy to find a spot that matches your group’s skill level and preferences. Having multiple trailheads also allows larger groups to accommodate different paces or activities simultaneously while maintaining proximity.
The social aspect is strongly supported by wide, gentle paths that allow for comfortable conversation as you hike or bike. Unlike narrow or heavily technical trails, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail’s bench-like topography enables friends and families to walk side-by-side, making the meetup leisurely and inclusive. Plenty of natural rest spots with views create ideal areas to pause for snacks, share stories, or just enjoy group camaraderie. The nearby presence of parking spots and sometimes picnic facilities means your outing can be as casual as a coffee and walk or as involved as a full day of exercise and exploration. It also welcomes dogs, which often enhances group enjoyment. Overall, this trailhead provides a balance of convenience, scenery, and user-friendly terrain that transforms an ordinary outing into a memorable group bonding experience.
What should you know about the trail conditions and preparation for your group?
While organizing a meetup at the Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is straightforward, there are some practical considerations to ensure your group’s comfort and safety. The trail predominantly runs along a bench that receives a lot of sun exposure, meaning shade is limited and afternoons can get quite hot, especially during summer. Bringing sufficient water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks is essential to stay hydrated and energized during your adventure. Since the trail is a mix of natural surface and some paved segments, appropriate footwear such as hiking boots or trail shoes is recommended, and cyclists should wear helmets.
The trail is mostly moderate in difficulty with gentle grades, but there are some switchbacks and slightly steeper portions in select sections. Those with limited mobility or very young children should check the specific trailhead maps and choose flatter sections accordingly. Because the trail often attracts both hikers and mountain bikers, it’s important to stay aware of trail etiquette and share the path courteously. Dogs should be kept under control to ensure the safety of all visitors. Winter visitors should note that snowshoeing is possible on these trails, though the terrain might require extra preparation and gear. Planning your meetup around weather forecasts and making use of detailed online maps and trail descriptions will greatly enhance the experience for everyone.
How does the Bonneville Shoreline Trail connect you to the greater community and nature?
One of the most compelling reasons groups choose to meet at the Bonneville Shoreline Access Trailhead is its role as a connector—not just of trails, but of communities and nature lovers. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a visionary project stretching over 280 miles across the Wasatch Front, linking six Utah counties and weaving through multiple cities and towns. Our trailhead is a vital access point to this growing network, which not only boasts recreational opportunities but also fosters regional stewardship of natural spaces. When you meet here, you are stepping into a collective effort shared by communities, volunteers, and public agencies working to maintain and expand a landscape that balances urban living with wilderness access.
This connectivity means any day you come with friends, you’re joining countless others who appreciate the trail’s blend of scenic tranquility and urban convenience. The trail also connects to other natural corridors offering more challenging hikes or more rugged mountain terrain, so your group can tailor the adventure and even plan progressive meetups exploring different sections throughout the year. Engaging in trail volunteer events or local gatherings associated with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail can enrich your group’s experience by building relationships beyond the trailhead. Ultimately, this access point serves as a doorway to an expansive, cherished environment that nurtures physical health, social bonds, and lasting respect for Utah’s natural heritage.