Proposed 280-Mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail Study: Mapping a Path for Utah’s Ancient Coastline

This bill sets the gears in motion to evaluate the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) for potential inclusion in the National Trails System. Specifically, it amends the National Trails System Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal feasibility study on a 280-mile stretch of trail that follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, running from the Idaho-Utah border all the way down to Nephi, Utah. This isn't just a walk in the woods; it’s a rigorous federal review to see if this massive corridor meets the criteria to become a nationally recognized landmark.

Mapping the Bench

The core of this legislation is about data and potential. By adding the BST to the official study list, the government is looking at how to connect existing trail segments with new ones to create a continuous path. For a mountain biker in Salt Lake City or a hiker in Logan, this study is the first step toward a more unified trail system. The study will look at the geological "Bonneville bench"—the flat terrace left behind by a prehistoric lake—to determine if the 280-mile route is practical to maintain and manage under federal standards.

What a Feasibility Study Actually Means

If you’re wondering why they don’t just start digging, it’s because federal designation is a high bar. A feasibility study examines land ownership, environmental impact, and the costs of long-term upkeep. For local property owners or small business owners in trail towns, this study will eventually clarify where the trail might expand and how it could drive outdoor recreation traffic to their areas. It’s the "measure twice, cut once" phase of policy—ensuring that the plan to link the Idaho border to Nephi makes sense before any official national labels are applied.

The Long-Term Trail View

While this bill doesn't instantly grant the trail "National Scenic" status, it puts the BST on the same path as famous routes like the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails. The immediate effect is administrative, but the real-world goal is to provide a roadmap for preserving this unique geological feature. Whether you use the trails for your morning run or simply live near the bench, this study will define how the federal government views this land for decades to come, balancing recreational access with the realities of Utah’s growing geography.