Conditions Right Now
Why Go
This was a coal line before it was a trail. The narrow-gauge railroad was finished in 1880 to move coal out of the Coalville mines, Union Pacific walked away from it in 1989, and it was dedicated as Utah's first non-motorized rail trail in 1992. Because it follows the old grade, it loses elevation steadily from about 6,900 feet near Park City to 5,280 at Echo, so the ride out is downhill and the ride back is work. It passes Silver Creek Canyon's wetland meadows, Wanship, and Coalville, then runs along the Weber River.
Do this: Biking, walking, cross-country skiing
Family note: Flat, safe family pedaling
Fees and hours: stateparks.utah.gov
Build Your Day
Add to the trip: Redman Campground (Camping, 6 mi) · Silver Lake Boardwalk (Hike, 6 mi) · Lake Mary, Martha & Catherine (Hike, 6 mi) · Spruces Campground (Camping, 8 mi)
Quick Answers
- What is there to do at Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail SP?
- Biking, walking, cross-country skiing
- Is Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail SP good for kids?
- Flat, safe family pedaling
- Why visit Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail SP?
- It is Utah's original rails-to-trails conversion, dedicated in 1992 on a coal line built in 1880 and abandoned by Union Pacific in 1989. Nothing motorized is allowed, so it is bikes, walkers, horses, and in winter cross-country skiers. The grade never gets steep, which is what makes it work for young riders.