WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A new mountain bike skills course designed for riders and hikers of all abilities has officially opened at Lodestone Regional Park, offering a more inclusive space for outdoor recreation in Salt Lake County.
The six-mile trail system, which includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections, was unveiled on Friday. It features wide paths, designated passing zones, and bike-friendly elements that make it accessible for adaptive cyclists using specialized equipment.
The idea began with a group of local high school students who informally created their own trails on a nearby hillside. Inspired by their passion, the nonprofit Trails Utah helped turn the rough paths into a fully developed course. The project was funded through a mix of private donations and grant money. Volunteers, including members of the West Granite Composite Mountain Bike Team, contributed hundreds of hours to complete the work.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation now owns and maintains the course.
“These new trails at Lodestone Regional Park show our commitment to increasing outdoor recreation access for all Salt Lake County residents,” said County Mayor Jenny Wilson in a statement. “This course gives riders of all levels a safe and beautiful place to build their skills.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday brought out local families, cyclists from the West Granite Composite team, and adaptive athletes from Wasatch Adaptive Sports, who were among the first to test the new course.
According to Sarah Bennett, director of Trails Utah, the demand for bike trails is growing fast. Utah leads the nation in high school mountain biking participation, with Salt Lake County at the forefront.
“That level of interest is shaping how we build trails,” Bennett said. “We’re incredibly grateful to all the coaches and parents who support these young riders.”
Bennett also noted that trails rank among the top priorities for Salt Lake County residents, based on recent needs assessments by the Parks and Recreation department. She said the course’s appeal lies in its easy access — riders only need a bike and basic gear.
“Utahns love the outdoors and we love trails. This project felt like a natural fit, and it’s exciting to see the county embrace it,” Bennett said.
The course features seven distinct trails: three rated easy, three moderate, and one advanced. County officials recommend that riders stay within their ability levels to avoid accidents and keep the trails safe for everyone.
Bennett encouraged users to take care of the trails and speak up if they see issues. “This is your park and your trail system,” she said. “Help us protect and maintain it.”
Lodestone Regional Park spans 60 acres and is located at 6252 W. 6200 South, covering parts of both Kearns and West Valley City. The skills course is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Class 1 electric bikes are allowed, but bikes with throttles or speeds over 20 mph are not permitted.