When most people think of Utah’s outdoor beauty, their mind wanders east to the Wasatch Range or south to the state’s great national parks. Most people don’t think to simply turn around and look right behind them—right in their own backyard. If they did, they would find one of the state’s most beautiful treasures.
The Jordan River Parkway is a spectacular 50-mile park notable not only for its length, but for the fact that it is easily accessible to the majority of Utah’s citizens. Extending from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake, it is within miles of hundreds of thousands of homes, from Saratoga Springs to North Salt Lake.
If you have even an hour to wander the trail, you’re sure to pass through shady groves, preserved wetlands, manicured fields, and windswept vistas. You’ll hear birdsong and rustling leaves to drown out nearby traffic. You’ll see panoramic views of the mountains and acres of verdant farmland. All along the way, the Jordan River will be your murky, yet powerful, companion.
Personally, I love the parkway so much because it preserves nature in our midst. On an evening run, I often see flitting monarchs, swarms of swallows and curious deer. I love it because I can bike from my parents’ home in Sandy to my sister’s home in Rose Park and enjoy uninterrupted beauty and peace the entire way.
The Jordan River Parkway is a mix of manmade and natural beauty with bridges and bluffs, pavilions and pelicans, miles of trails and groves of trees. It is a gift from the cities who are lucky enough to fall along its path. I’m so grateful for the local government workers who clear the trails of snow in winter and trim wild grass in the summer. They create an amazing amenity for adventurers who don’t have the time or means to ski, hike, mountain bike or otherwise enjoy the bountiful nature for which we’re known.
Instead, the parkway is the everyman’s playground—a place for families to gather, athletes to train, children to skate, and couples to wander. If New York has Central Park as an oasis for its city dwellers, we’re lucky to have a sanctuary that is equally accessible and beautiful—and much, much larger. Before the summer is over, be sure to visit this marvelous treasure and leave feeling refreshed.
Written by: Rebecca Burton
Beautiful Pictures!
Thank you so much, Ben!
The Jordan Parkway holds a very special place in my heart. As a young child I was a part of a small bicycle gang that would ride for miles and then stop to skip rocks and sometimes even swim. Beautiful article Mrs. Burton!
Julie,
What a beautiful comment! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory! I love to see little ones on the parkway — exploring, discovering, playing and just being themselves. Really appreciate your words!
I remember riding the trail on my own, then with my husband, and then with our oldest son. It has been such a great place for building memories and having such a good time as a family. It is truly one of the highlights of the state.
Wow, Jessica. What a beautiful memory! I love that the Parkway has been such a part of your life as your family has grown.
My favorite place to visit is Promontory Point, but I love the Jordan River Parkway as well! Beautiful write up. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Stephanie! I’ve never been to Promontory Point, but I must put it on my list!
The JR Parkway is indeed a treasure. Thanks for the awesome article that highlights all the wonderful things you can find during a journey along the miles of trail!
Thank you, Sarah! You’ve said it just right. There are miles of trails for every kind of adventurer to explore!
loved the article and join in the idea that the parkway is a great treasure.
Amen, Micheal! A treasure worth its weight in GOLD!
Terrific description. I love the Parkway, too. It is a place of peace for me.
So peaceful, right Ruth? It is such an oasis of calm. Thank you for reading!
Beautiful place to spend a morning or evening walk. Love the parkway. Wonderful write up Becky.
Thank you so much, Brandon. Couldn’t agree more. Such a great way to start and end the day!
Wonderful photos and narrative!
Thank you so much, Sarah! Really appreciate you visiting!
I want your next article to be about our Olympus Cove trail!
Absolutely, Nick! Olympus Cove is like the perfect complement to the Parkway. They bookend the valley so beautifully!
Love this Becky!
Thank you so much, Michelle! Thank you for reading!
I pass different parts of the parkway frequently, but haven’t explored it since high school. Thanks for the great article and for inspiring me to take the time to enjoy what is right in front of me.
Thank YOU, Emily! Yes — it is such an enormously beautiful place so near to us that it often gets overlooked. Hope you have a chance to wander and enjoy its beauty this summer.
Reading this makes me miss living there even MORE! Love the article! I have never gotten to take the parkway, wishing I had. Wonderful take.
Thank you so much, Chalice! Whenever you’re in town next, let’s go for a long wander and catchup! UT misses you as well!
Becky nails it again!
Aww, Lindsay. You are such a dear. Thank you so much for reading!
Ah, the parkway! So many blissful mornings spent there. It’s definitely one of the things I miss most about Utah. Beautiful reminder here. Thanks, Becky!
You’re welcome, Robin. Thank you for your thoughts! “Blissful” hits it right on the head.
Awesome article! Love the Jordan River parkway!!
Thank you, Kaylee! I’m right there with you in my love for this magical place!
Utah is one of the most beautiful state and they continue to make improvements that keep Utah beautiful. We loved living there and now love visiting.
Yes, Mary! It is really marvelous to see all the work being done to make Utah liveable, green, vibrant, and such a treasure for residents and visitors alike!
Wow! I must visit Utah. It looks stunning!
Yes, Monika! Please add it to the top of your list! It’s such a remarkable place. I’ll be glad to show you around!
Rebecca’s pictures make my desire to visit Utah even stronger! Now that I am in the West Coast, I am that much closer 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Anne! Yes — UT is just a hop, skip, and jump for the West Coast. Come bask in our magic!
Wonderful photo essay. Makes me miss Utah!
Thank you so much, Josh! Yes — UT is one to pull on the heartstrings for SURE!
Wow gorgeous!!!
Makes me want to come visit and go on a hike!!
Thank you, Manjil! Gorgeous is spot on. Please do come to UT and take in all its beauty!
Really phenomenal! So jealous, just in your backyard – you’re model spokesperson!
This makes me want to go to Utah now! You are such a beautiful writer. Loved reading your entry 🙂
Thank you so much, dearest Megan! Please do put UT at the top of your list. A long wander on the Parkway is a must!
this makes me want to walk the parkway. I remember when it just began and was under construction near our home in Murray back in the 80s, i believe. I thought it was only right by where we lived and didn’t know the magnitude of the vision. Beautiful Utah!
Yes, it is such a remarkable vision linking the entire state together! Truly such a gift that’s been an amazing work in progress! Thank you for reading, Amy!
Majestic beauty!
Thank you, Richard! “Majestic” is just the word for it!
This makes me want to wander the Jordan River Parkway! It has changed so much since I was a child and living close by. It will be a must-see on my next visit to Utah.
Wonderful, Kristin! So glad it inspired that response in you! Definitely keep it at the top of your list — so many great vistas and magic troves along the way!
This is wonderful Rebecca! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Thank you, Laura for reading and commenting!
Love this article and completely agree! The Jordan River Parkway is a Utah gem!
Thank you so much, Shelly! It is certainly a gem and treasure for us all!
Beautiful pictures and description! Sounds like an amazing place!
Natalie — It is so magical! Thank you for the kind words!
So beautiful! I want to go!
Sumeett — Isn’t it, though?! Yes, yes — Come to UT and see its magnificence!
This brought back great memories of biking along the JRP when with lived in Salt Lake City. Great article and spectacular photographs.
John — So glad to hear about your memories on the beautiful JRP. One of the best places for biking in the state!
Your description leaves only desire to discover! Can’t wait to make it out there. Absolutely beautifully written, Ms. Burton!
Thank you so much, Ms. Chavez, for your very kind words! Really hope you will be able to discover it someday!
I love this! Makes me wish I lived there :). Beautiful!
Jennifer — That’s the best compliment it could get! So glad you liked it!
Wonderful post! We visited the parkway from Austin, TX and it rivals many of our great parks.
Nicholas — Thank you so much! Wow — hearing that it rivals Austin is really saying something! Love it!
Beautifully written and photographed!
Thank you so much, Barbara, for the kinds words!
Nicely written!!
Thank you so much, Penny! Really appreciate your kind words!
Love this place so much! Thanks for your words!
Thank YOU, Natalie for your words. So happy you also have a warm spot on your heart for the Parkway!
I’m thankful for having had access to similar places to enjoy in CA in NY. Thanks for sharing this one!
Absolutely, Nick! So great to have so many dedicated folks working to make these cities vibrant and liveable!
The Jordan River and the surrounding land has certainly changed a lot from when I was young and growing up in Utah. I am glad that it has been preserved and beautified for generations to come.
Absolutely, Helen! I couldn’t agree more. So glad to see it is still under such great stewardship.
Loooove the photos and living vicariously through YOU, Ms. Beautiful Becky Burton!! 🙂 xo
Thank you, sweetest Eliza! What wonderful words!
Becky – great photos and quite an enticing description of Utah’s hidden treasures. Definitely eager to visit one of these days! 🙂 E and I look forward to seeing you soon! -Tom
Thank you so much, Tom! You will be welcomed with OPEN ARMS! To looking forward to seeing you guys!
Sounds like an amazing escape! 🙂
Thank you, dear Jane! Definitely a must-do on your list!
Sounds like a good summer getaway. Just what the doctor ordered! Beautiful photos and narrative!
Thank you, Helen! It is such an oasis and lovely escape. Hope you can come to UT someday soon and enjoy it!
Stunning! In ever sense!
Thank you so much, Azile! Really appreciate your kind thoughts!
Sounds like a great escape! Beautiful work, Ms. Burton
Thank you so much, Beth! It is such a wonderful place, indeed!
So amazing! Great job, Becky!
Thank you so much, Kaycee! Really appreciate your support!
The river runs through my city, and it truly is the best! I go walking at least once a week. Thanks for the pictures.
Thank you, Derek! So happy to hear you enjoy it weekly. Thanks for your words!
A Beautiful and well-maintained space!
Indeed, Aaron! So happy you agree!
I absolutely love you chose to highlight something that I have so many fond memories off! Many summer nights from my childhood were spent playing at the many parks, rollerblading with friends or walking the trails with my family. It was often a meet up in High School for an impromptu evening of outdoor games. Beautiful narration, for an equally beautiful piece of Utah land!
PS- I LOVE the picture with the blue skies and puffy clouds!
Sounds like an amazing oasis for a growing city. Your pictures make it look dreamy 🙂 Wish it was a little closer for a weekend picnic!