While hikers look to the Wasatch Mountains for fun and adventure, many trail enthusiasts have discovered the less-traveled routes in the Oquirrh Mountains where miles of trails wind through aspens, meadows and rocky ridgelines. 

Unlike the Wasatch Range, the Oquirrhs provide a quieter, more secluded experience, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the crowds. Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park provides access to miles of multi-use trails, with beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.

As trails grow in popularity, the cost of building and maintaining projects becomes expensive. The Friends of Herriman Trails Committee has a membership campaign where for $50 per year, people can help provide tools for trail maintenance, cover costs to plant native vegetation and restore the trail ecosystem, pay for materials to build new trail sections and sponsor community trail-building events. 

“We have two focuses,” Tracy Fonger said, trails committee chair. “One is to build and maintain trails and in order to do that it takes money and it takes volunteers, so we are looking for both all the time. The second thing is to help create an awareness in the community that we have trails, that our trails are really fun to use.”

The $50 membership includes a water bottle and the contribution builds trails that will last for future generations to enjoy. All committee members are volunteers, so 100% of proceeds from the membership donation will go toward improving the trail system
in Herriman.

Fonger is a passionate trail enthusiast and local business owner. Her company, Discover MTB, teaches fundamental mountain biking skills to cyclists at all levels. She also trains a mountain bike club team with athletes from several schools in the area.

“It’s really focused on building relationships in the community and having fun and just getting kids on bikes and outdoors,” Fonger said. “It just naturally felt for me that being part of a trails committee made sense. That’s where my passions are. It’s a place where I felt I could offer support and help. The trails need a lot of work, so I thought I could go throw a rake around and rake rocks off trails. So I joined the committee in the fall of 2023.”

The committee’s vision is to create a world where people have access to safe trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or a simple walk in nature. By expanding the trail network and providing options for outdoor adventures and exercise, the committee hopes to foster a connection to the world and instill a sense of stewardship. 

In 2023, Salt Lake County officials opened the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park through a partnership with Rio Tinto Kennecott and the Bureau of Land Management. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson spoke at the dedication. 

“This space will enrich the lives of all our residents and guests by providing accessible trails for outdoor recreation,” Wilson said, “and it reaffirms our county’s pledge to open space and preserving the natural beauty of places like this in our valley.”

To become a member of the Friends of Herriman Trails, visit Friendsofherriman.org/trails. Trail maps, wildlife safety information and trail etiquette tips can be found at Herriman.gov/trails. 

“The more people use the trails and the more volunteers we get to help maintain the trails, the more it will open up opportunities for the city to see the need for more trails,” Fonger said. “We need people who can help us. There’s a lot of work to do. Every time it rains, there’s trail work that needs to be done.” λ