Jordan River Parkway Trail bridge crossing Jordan River near Winchester Park in Murray, Utah (Featured Photo)

Jordan River Parkway Trail bridge crossing Jordan River near Winchester Park in Murray, Utah (Featured Photo)
Our chief editor Scotty Reed on a fitness craze decided to walk his extra pounds away while photographing some of Utah’s best running, hiking, biking and walking trails. Come follow his journey!
*High Resolution photo’s may be downloaded and used for personal use providing credit is given with a link to UtahAgenda.com. Sorry no Hot-Linking permitted.
Natural hot springs in Monroe, Utah. Soothing soaking, grassy tent campsites, pioneer cabins, tropical fish ponds, hiking, biking & more!
Mystic Hot Springs creates an authentic environment which raises self-awareness by direct experience with nature, art and antiquities.
Producer/Director/Artist Mike Ginsburg was traveling in his bus back to Denver from the last Vegas Dead shows in 1995, when he stumbled into Mystic Hot Springs. Instantly he realized that everything he was looking for was right there. Miraculously he was able to purchase the resort. Having worked since 1996, he is still at it! His artistic talent has been used to add new Soaking areas, restore pioneer Cabins, promote many wonderful Concerts, produce DVD’s, create stunning Lampwork glass Jewelery and bring a special energy to this wonderful place.
History of Mystic Hot Springs
The Indians that were in this area were nomadic bands from the Ute, Shoshone or Piute tribes. They would make their camps on the warm ground near the hot springs. They would soak in the springs for warmth and comfort. It is told that the Indians would paint themselves with the red mud to keep them safe. Later as the settlers arrived the hot springs became popular as a resting place along the “Old Spanish Trail”.
Homesteaded in 1886 by the Cooper family, Mystic Hot Springs (formerly known as Monroe Hot Springs) has gone through many changes in the past 100 years. During the early part of the century a collecting pool was made of wood at the bottom of the hill. Soon a dance floor was added and people would come from miles around in their horse and buggys to dance and soak the nights away. Their motto “The home of mirth and merriment” still rings true today.
When Mike first began running the hot springs, there was only one cabin on the property (the Grow cabin). He knew he needed more of them because he rented it frequently. When he realized how much new cabins would cost, he started poking around the valley thinking he may be able to aquire old shacks from the 40’s or 50’s. The first building he purchased was one of the first Pioneer cabins in the valley from 1865. He was amazed that anyone would want to part with such a unique piece of history. He came to realize that a lot of people in the area see them as eyesores, and many cabins have already been destroyed to make room for things such as parking lots. He started acquiring more of them, especially the ones that seemed to not be cared for.
Soaking $10.00 per person Day use
Camping $20.00 per person includes soaking Overnight
Cabins $40.00 for 1 person each additional person $20.00
Buses $40.00 for 1 person each additional person $20.00
Dorm Room $40.00 for 1 person each additional person $20.00
Concerts $5.00 extra per person
Today I begin my walk at Germania Park, 5400 South Murray Pkwy Ave (about 1100 W). It’s a sunny January Saturday, 37 degrees with snow still on the ground. I’m going to first cross the river to take a look at the leash free dog park then I’ll head north.
Click, Drag & Drop Gold Person (top left corner) for Panoramic View. It’s Fun!
Google Earth Map of my walk, how cool is that!
Bridge to cross the Jordan River to Millrace Park in Taylorsville
Off-leash Dog Park, Millrace Park, Taylorsville, Utah
Leash-Free Dog Park, Millrace Park, Taylorsville, Utah
Kids playground at Millrace Park in Taylorsville, Utah
Equestrian Trail for riding horses at this section of Jordan River Parkway
Restrooms not open here in winter like they were at Winchester Park in Murray, Utah. Picnic pavilion, children playground and grass sports field here.
Large Sports Field with Wasatch Mountains in background
Trail Runners enjoying the January Utah Sun
Murray City plows the snow on the trail in winter. Can you believe it!
Overlook Point to view the Marshlands
Outdoor Amphitheater for summer performances
Beautiful frozen ponds in Marshlands
Early Utah Pioneers – Snarr Settlement
Beautiful view of the Jordan River
Walkway to protect the Marshlands
Turnaround point for the day. 4800 S Murray Taylorsville Rd. Just shy of 2 miles.
On my return headed south. Grab a few new light photo’s.
Magical Trees! There’s something special about a leafless winter tree.
Another one of those birdhouses in a wickedly awesome tree
Creekside Petroglyph Mural to reduce graffiti. Neat idea!
Today I continue my Jordan River Parkway walking tour at 4800 South in Taylorsville, Utah by heading north along the river and walking to my day’s turnaround point at 3900 S in South Salt Lake. Murray, Utah is south across the street from here.
It’s January 19th, the temperature has been maxing out at freezing until this week of sun where it’s been approaching 40 degrees. It’s an enjoyable time to walk because there are few people and the air is refreshingly chilled with a relaxing sense of quiet.
Click, Drag & Drop Gold Person (top left corner) for Panoramic View. It’s Fun!Still snow on the ground. We’ve had snow cover since November this year due to the temperature hovering below freezing for two months.
Tunnel looking south beneath 4800 South headed to Murray, Utah
Trail not quite as well maintained as in Murray. Snow and ice patches were common.
Good view of Jordan River from this section of path as well as a good view of Apartments.
Self Portrait Silhouette becoming my Signature
Bird House again, they are all along the trail. Who’s placing these? Great winter trees!
Dam here to divert water into a canal that runs all the way to the Great Salt Lake.
School have tried to combat Graffiti by painting the walls of the tunnel beneath 4500 S in Taylorsville, Utah
Trail follows along 4500 S before turning into Apartment Complex Area, moving away from the river for awhile.
Trail winds through Apartments, making me wonder if I’m still on the Jordan River Parkway Trail
Once out of the apartments you enter South Salt Lake wooded area. This section is quite nice with some good views of the river.
Jordan River with Wasatch Mountains in background.
Bridge crosses river to 3900 S Street Bridge.
Jordan River Parkway Trail 3900 S Street Bridge in South Salt Lake, Utah
General Holm Park, 3900 South South Salt Lake, Utah. I turn around here and head back. Good-bye til another day.
Heading north from Winchester Park in Murray, Utah. It’s January and the restrooms are even open, impressive.
Winchester Park in Murray, Utah is well maintained with a pretty pond, ducks and geese, a playground for the kids, restrooms and picnic tables.
Winchester Park Playground
Jordan Parkway trail following the Jordan River
It snowed heavy in November this year and the temperature has remained under freezing keeping the snow for almost two months now.
A very pretty sunny day today
Not to many people on trail today, still a bit cold for most.
Trail crosses river here
Interesting story about Native American Indians in early Utah
A little reflecting time…
Path crosses beneath Belt Route 215
Some say there are ghosts under here
There’s beauty in a leafless tree
Great tree-house tree!
This is the second birdhouse like this I’ve seen along the trail. Think it’s a science project?
Hickman Fort, I never knew
Where the houses are was Hickman Fort
Lot’s of quiet open space and blue sky’s
Few people walking their dogs
Approaching 5400 South and Millrace Park
5400 South rest stop with restroom, drinking fountain (weather permitting) and picnic pavilion. I’ll turn around here for now and head back home.
Jordan Parkway Trail is great for bicycling too.
Jordan River looking pretty
Walking her dog
View of the Wasatch Mountains from trail. Good-bye for now. I’ll be back.
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Related Links & Information
Discover miles of scenic trails that allow you to explore the resort and connect with Park City’s massive trail network. Trailheads are located at the base area and mid-mountain near Red Pine Lodge.
This summer, we will also be running the High Meadow chair lift from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, providing access to the family-friendly Red Pine Loop. There is no additional charge for riding this lift and bike racks will be available. Also be aware that sheep grazing occurs on these mountains. Keep pets leashed at all times and avoid herd dogs as they may become aggressive. Note: Helmets are required for those biking at the resort.
Mountain bike rentals are available at a number of locations in the Resort Village. Trail Maps are available at Canyon Mountain Sports in the Resort Village and can be downloaded from our website.
25 hour and 6 hour Solo and Team Endurance Mountain Biking Events through the rugged desert landscape. Come join us in this premier endurance event in southwest Utah.