Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

Walk or Ride Through Utah’s Railroad Legacy

While most Utah State Parks are centered around lakes, canyons or mountain vistas, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park is a different kind of adventure.

This 28-mile trail follows an old Union Pacific Railroad line from Echo Reservoir through Coalville past Wanship and all the way into Park City. The trail is open year-round and accessible to everyone.

Whether you hike, bike, eCycle, ride horseback, snowshoe or cross-country ski, this linear state park lets you travel along the route of some Utah history one mile at a time.

From Steam to Spokes: A Short Railroad History

The trail’s story starts in the 1860s when the original rail corridor was built to support silver and coal mining in the mountains above Park City. The Union Pacific ran ore trains down the canyon and returned with food, equipment and passengers.

At its peak, silver mining made Park City one of the richest towns in the West. But by the mid-20th century, mining had died out and tourism started to become popular. Rail use dwindled until the last freight train rumbled through in the 1980s.

In 1989, the Union Pacific donated the rail corridor to the state of Utah and it was converted into one of the state’s first rail trails. It became part of a growing national movement to preserve historic rail lines as multi-use recreational trails.

What Makes The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail Special?

Unlike typical backcountry hikes, the Rail Trail offers:

• Gradual elevation - it only climbs about 1,500 feet over 28 miles going from Coalville to Park City
• Crushed gravel surface on most of it – is good for hybrid and gravel bikes
• Year-round use – biking, eCycling and walking in summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter as snow depths allow
• Trail towns - including Coalville, Wanship and Park City with stops for snacks and refueling

It is a great trail for families, newer cyclists or anyone looking to enjoy long stretches of open country without major climbs.

The Route: Echo to Park City

Echo to Coalville (5 miles)

This stretch runs along the east edge of Echo Reservoir and right into the little town of Coalville. The views of the lake are beautiful as are the rocky, rugged mountain ridges to the west of the lake. We’ve been on this section and it is essentially a relaxing walk along the edge of the lake on a well maintained gravel trail.

Coalville to Wanship (7 miles)

This middle section rolls through rural farmlands and small cottonwood groves near the Weber River. The trail here is often less crowded and it gives you a little sense of what northern Utah might have looked like in pioneer days.

You might even see the occasional flyfisherman. Wanship is an even smaller town and is a great place to pause, grab a drink and enjoy a break if you can find something open.

Wanship to Park City (16 miles)

This final stretch climbs gradually into the Wasatch Back paralleling I-80 before turning south and then west. The trail eventually leads right into the heart of Park City. You’ll pass ponds and wetlands while transitioning to a boardwalk as you pass under SR- 189 on your way to Park City.

My wife and I have walked the section from Park City to SR-189 several times and it is one of our favorite places to walk. I wouldn’t call it a hike as there is no elevation change but it certainly is beautiful, scenic and relatively uncrowded. There are often views of herons, ducks, beaver ponds and other waterfowl just feet away.

Once in Park City, the trail merges into the city’s extensive paved bike path system for easy access to downtown, restaurants and even the ski lifts.

Activities and What to Expect

Biking

The gravel portions are well-maintained and ideal for gravel, hybrid and mountain bikes. Fat bikes in winter are becoming popular too. If you are riding from Echo to Park City, be aware of headwinds. Many locals recommend riding downhill from Park City to Echo then shuttling back.

The 8-mile stretch from Wanship to the Silver Creek trailhead rises at an average grade of 2% eventually reaching 3%. Uphill all the way. Obviously, it is downhill going the opposite direction for planning purposes. Headwinds and elevation gain don’t go together thus the advice above.

Hiking and Running

Much of the trail provides nice open views of the surrounding terrain. Hikers and bikers can both choose shorter out-and-back segments from any of the trailheads. The area along Silver Creek near Park City has no discernible elevation change that I can tell so it is more of a walk than a hike the way I see it.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The trail is not groomed in winter but it sees regular use by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. Start from Coalville or Wanship for the best access during snow season. With the way our winters have been lately, there are many times through the winter that much of the trail might be free from snow.

Horseback Riding

Equestrian use is permitted on pretty much the entire trail although I can see some places that might not be horse-friendly. The boardwalk section by Park City wouldn’t be suitable for horses I would say but I can’t see any restrictions. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. Be prepared to share the trail respectfully with other users.

Nature and Wildlife

One of the hidden joys of the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is the wildlife. Keep your eyes out for:

• Red-tailed hawks
• Herons and sandhill cranes in wetland areas
• Mule deer grazing in the fields and surrounding hills
• Beavers along the Silver Creek portion near Park City which keeps switching sides of the trail
• The occasional moose near some of the more wooded sections

Much of the trail passes through protected habitat and is a key corridor for migrating birds.

Trailheads and Access Points

There are multiple access points and parking areas along the route:

• Echo Reservoir (North Trailhead) - Ideal for starting a long ride
• Coalville - Public restrooms, parking, a great pizza place (Annie B’s Pizzeria), the Polar King drive-inn, and the Rail Trail Café for food and drink
• Wanship - Small lot near the trail - rustic charm and access to quiet stretches
• Promontory - A less-traveled section east of the I-80 and SR-189 junction.
• Park City (White Pine Canyon Rd) - Easy city access with restrooms and restaurants nearby

You can pick a segment to explore or go the full distance one-way. Just plan for transportation at the other end.

Park Info & Visitor Details

• Length: 28 miles one-way
• Surface: Crushed gravel with occasional paved segments and a boardwalk near Park City
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet (from Echo to Park City)
• Trail Use: Open year-round to hikers, bikers, horseback riders and winter users
• Fees: No entrance fee – the trail is free to use
• Dogs: Allowed on leash - please clean up after your pet
• Restrooms: Located at Coalville and Park City trailheads

Nearby Attractions

• Echo State Park – Great fishing, boating, and camping near the northern trailhead
• Rockport State Park – Just south of Wanship offering lake recreation and camping
• Park City – Historic mining town turned ski mecca, with dining, lodging and festivals year-round
• Rail Trail Café & Annie B’s Pizzeria in Coalville - Popular stop for riders and hikers looking to refuel

Final Thoughts

The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is more than a bike or hiking path. It is a living link to Utah’s railroad and mining history, a scenic wildlife corridor and a family-friendly adventure all wrapped into one.

If you're looking to explore the state in a different way … slower-paced, scenic and with a little character … this is a “state park” that will surprise you and make you want to do it again.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
Echo to Park City or Park City to Echo
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/historic-union-pacific-rail-trail/discover/

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