Pioneering Utah’s Next Great Outdoor Adventure.
Our Journey to the Trail
The Utah Trail Association was founded in the summer of 2024 by three friends who set out to create something Utah was missing—a true north-to-south long-distance trail. We started hiking the route little by little, covering nearly 100 miles, trying to carve a path forward. But along the way, we realized that just putting our footsteps on the ground wasn’t enough—we needed to do this the right way. That meant working with land agencies, building partnerships, and going through the proper formalities to establish the trail legally and sustainably. Our goal? To secure State Scenic Trail status from the Utah State Legislature and ultimately National Scenic Trail designation. It won’t happen overnight, but every great journey starts with a single step—and we’re taking them together.
Our Ethos
At the Utah Trail Association, we believe that trails are more than just paths—they are connections to nature, history, and community. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to establish, maintain, and protect the Utah Trail, ensuring that it remains a sustainable and accessible resource for outdoor enthusiasts and future generations.
We are committed to creating a premier long-distance hiking trail that highlights Utah’s unparalleled landscapes, from towering alpine peaks to vast desert canyons. Through responsible development, strong partnerships, and dedicated stewardship, we aim to balance adventure with conservation—offering an experience that is both challenging and rewarding while protecting the fragile ecosystems the trail traverses.
