You can spend an entire lifetime exploring the hiking trails in the Beehive State, but many require a certain amount of physical fitness to explore. Here’s a boardwalk trail that’s accessible to everyone. Take a look:
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is a 4,400-acre oasis for migratory birds and wildlife.
Luis Armas/Alltrails
The preserve in located in Layton. From I-15 take exit #330 (northbound) or #331 (southbound), then proceed to 3200 W.. The road goes from paved to dirt, and you’ll follow it right to the end, where you’ll find the entrance to the preserve.
The one-mile-long boardwalk is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and it’s the perfect trail for just about everyone. This boardwalk stroll has full sun exposure, so it can get pretty hot during summer months. Make sure to bring plenty of water along, and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Juan Cervantes/Alltrails
This incredible preserve contains a host of different environments, including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, mud flats, and dry upland meadows. Take in the gently waving grasses all around, the blue sky above, and the excellent view of the mountains on the horizon.
Luis Armas/Alltrails
During late spring and summer months, you’ll see wildflowers in the uplands areas. The vibrant color of the blooms is a sight to behold.
Juan Cervantes/Alltrails
The area is home to all kinds of plants and grasses, which provide food and protection for the birds and animals who live in the preserve.
Ken K/Tripadvisor
The marshes are teeming with wildlife, from frogs to ducks to a host of insects. Speaking of insects…you’ll want to bring some mosquito repellant along.
Luis Armas/Alltrails
As many as six million birds will call this preserve home for at least a short while throughout the year.
Curtis Earl/Google
It’s located along a critical route for birds traveling south from Canada to Central and South America known as the Pacific Flyway. The preserve is so important to migration that it’s one of just 17 “Sites of Hemispheric Importance” in the entire Western Hemisphere!
Reid Earl/Google
Birds stop at the preserve to rest, feed, and nest here, and during your stroll, you’ll be able to see many of the current residents.
Reid Earl/Google
Bring a pair of binoculars with you, and don’t forget your camera!
Reid Earl/Google
Climb the 30-foot observation tower…
Luis Armas/Alltrails
…to get a bird’s eye view of the preserve. This vantage point is definitely worth the effort.
Luis Armas/Alltrails
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is free to visit, and it’s open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week. From April to September, stop in and say hello 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. October through March, the Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Breck Tuttle/Alltrails
Learn more about this beautiful, unique place by visiting its page on the Nature Conservancy website. Looking for another trail that’s easy to navigate? Check out this rail trail!
Luis Armas/Alltrails
Juan Cervantes/Alltrails
Ken K/Tripadvisor
Curtis Earl/Google
Reid Earl/Google
Breck Tuttle/Alltrails
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