Trail Development

Utah Code tit. 79, ch. 79-5, pt. 79-5-P3

in effect

Utah Code § 79-5-301 Guidelines for the establishment of trails.

79-5-301. Guidelines for the establishment of trails. In establishing trails, the division shall: (1) develop and manage the trails to harmonize with and complement any existing or planned land uses; (2) locate and design trails according to an overall plan that provides for: (a) interconnecting routes, where feasible; and (b) consideration of safety; and (3) select trails to minimize adverse effects on: (a) an adjacent landowner or user and the landowner's or user's property or operations; (b) wildlife; and (c) the natural environment. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 344, 2009 General Session

Utah Code § 79-5-302 Recreational trail categories.

79-5-302. Recreational trail categories. The division may plan and develop the following categories of recreational trails as part of the state trails system: (1) cross-state trails that connect scenic, natural, historic, geologic, geographic, or other significant features; (2) water-oriented trails that provide a path to or along lakes, streams, or reservoirs; (3) scenic-access trails that give access to recreation, scenic, natural, historic, or cultural areas; (4) urban trails that connect parks, scenic and natural areas, historical sites, and neighboring communities within a county of the first or second class; and (5) interpretive trails that identify: (a) historic routes; and (b) significant natural features. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 344, 2009 General Session

Utah Code § 79-5-303 Establishment of uniform signs and markers.

79-5-303. Establishment of uniform signs and markers. The division, in consultation with appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies and private organizations, shall establish uniform signs and markers for the system of recreational trails. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 344, 2009 General Session

Utah Code § 79-5-304 Public hearings required.

79-5-304. Public hearings required. (1) Prior to establishing any recreational trail under the jurisdiction and control of the division, the division shall conduct a public hearing in the area or areas of the state where the trail is proposed to be located. (2) Information to be considered at the hearings shall include the following: (a) the proposed route of the trail and the recommended modes of travel to be permitted on it; (b) any plans to utilize areas adjacent to the trail for scenic, historic, natural, cultural, or developmental purposes; (c) the characteristics that, in the judgment of the division, make the proposed trail suitable as a recreational trail; (d) the current status of land ownership and the current and potential use of land along the designated route; (e) the estimated cost of acquisition of lands or any interest in lands; (f) the plans and estimated costs for developing and maintaining the trail; (g) any plans for sharing the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the trail among state, federal, and local governmental entities and private organizations; (h) any anticipated problems of policing the trail; and (i) any anticipated hazards to private lands adjacent to the trail. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 344, 2009 General Session

Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title79/Chapter5/79-5-P3.html?v=C79-5-P3_1800010118000101Fetched: 10/26/2026