Deer Creek Reservoir Trail | Wasatch State Park to Deer Creek Dam | Study
Deer Creek Reservoir Trail | Wasatch State Park to Deer Creek Dam | Study
UDOT is studying improving the trail west of Deer Creek Reservoir. It will create a safe, vehicle-free link for people walking, biking, or rolling between Heber Valley and Provo Canyon.
Overview
Study Complete
The Environmental and Community Impact Analysis, Draft Document, and Public Review are now complete, and the Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued.
Where do we go from here?
To move from a study to a construction project, the following steps must occur. (Timelines vary for every project):
- Planning: The project is added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
- Funding: The project is prioritized and receives funding.
- Design & Construction: The project enters final design, followed by construction.
Questions?
Contact UDOT Region 3 at 801-227-8000
(Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Deer Creek Reservoir Trail Feasibility Study Overview
UDOT studied improvements to the unpaved trail on the west side of Deer Creek Reservoir in coordination with Wasatch County, Deer Creek State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Bureau of Reclamation, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, and nearby property owners. The study looked at options to create a 7.5-mile paved path between the Wasatch Mountain State Park and Deer Creek Dam trailheads. The study also explored ways to retain an unpaved option for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The effort used a topographic survey and updated environmental review to guide future design and eventual construction, if the project was feasible.
The Utah Trail Network was being built to create a continuous system of paved, shared-use paths designed for walking, biking, and other non-motorized travel. These paths would link communities across Utah, like a highway system. They provided safe, comfortable, and reliable alternatives to driving. To learn more about the Utah Trail Network, please visit: https://utahtrailnetwork.udot.utah.gov/. The Deer Creek Reservoir Trail segment played a key role, connecting the Heber Valley and Provo Canyon, which helped complete a major loop of trails that would eventually span the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back. Once constructed, this trail would improve local mobility and serve as a vital segment of Utah’s larger statewide network.
Study Map
The study area is the existing unpaved Deer Creek Reservoir Trail from the Wasatch State Park trail head to the Deer Creek dam trail head.
Study Timeline
Study timelines are often unknown and are subject to change due to funding.