SKATENOW LLC
SKATING IN and AROUND  the GREATER SALT LAKE VALLEY

The following parks & designated bicycle & pedestrian pathways are some of the areas in and around Salt Lake that are good for inline skating. Each has varying  degrees of difficulty, and each has been rated with the following symbols:

 GREEN - easiest for beginning skaters
 BLUE - intermediate or advanced skaters
BLACK - very experienced skaters

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.

NEW! JUST HOW FAR DO YOU SKATE?  Log onto www.usatf.org and use the "Mapper" to check your favoriite skating route.  The Mapper gives both distance and elevations. Save it and then send us a link and we will post the info here. 

GREAT PLACES TO ROLL:

 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 decend 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.  

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.

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.   

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 7800 South. Trailhead acess 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.

  JORDAN RIVER PATH (South Jordan): 9800 South at approx 1000 West 
The Parkway Trail is finished from Shields Lane (approximately 9800 S) to 11400 South.  Trail is very flat and very smooth.   Good for beginners.  Trail covers about 4-5 miles one way.

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 trial terminates to the south at Saratoga Rd (near the model airplane park), by the Jordan River inlet at Utah Lake. To the north, the path terminates just past the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course. Beyond this point there is a very steep uphill (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 trial 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 pathway is approximately 1-1/2 miles (one way) and has reasonably flat terrain, and is smooth asphalt.  It is a good path for beginners with exception to a missing section of pathway where skaters have to walk across gravel road to re-connect to the pathway. The ped-xing crossing at the train bridge (1 1/2 miles out) is not skater friendly - one must navigate a quick down hill, hard turn, then stop before crossing into automobile traffic.  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, if you are a beginner, use extra caution when continuing past the 1 1/2 mile point. NEW!!  Draper Park has addded a new 1/2 mile loop pathway - an easy route for beginners.

  ANTELOPE ISLAND CAUSEWAY (Utah State Park, Davis County):
St 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 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.

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 holdiays or on weekends.  Be mindful of cars and the bison - both have the right-of-way!  Great endurance & fitness skate.

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.

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)

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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