Feasibility study underway for 50-mile non-motorized trail linking cities along Highway 89

Momentum is building for a countywide trail system in Sanpete County, and local residents are being invited to play a vital role in shaping its future. Jones and DeMille Engineering hosted a public open house in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, April 29, to update citizens on the ongoing feasibility study for the Sanpete County Trail — a proposed multi-use, non-motorized trail that will eventually connect Fairview to Gunnison along U.S. Highway 89.

This was the third community meeting held as part of an effort to involve the public in the early stages of trail planning. The Sanpete County Trail aims to create a safe and scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists to travel between cities while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

“We’re really excited to see this project taking shape,” said a representative from Jones and DeMille Engineering. “Community feedback will shape this trail to create spaces that truly reflect Sanpete County’s needs and vision.”

The feasibility study, conducted by Jones and DeMille, is focused on evaluating the best route and alignment for the trail while taking into account environmental impacts, land usage, and safety. The long-term goal is to construct a 48- to 50-mile trail that runs from Fairview in the north to Gunnison in the south, following the U.S. 89 corridor with some possible scenic bypasses and alternate routes.

The first section of the trail, connecting Mt. Pleasant to Spring City, is already underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. That segment is being seen as a model for future construction and a key early success in the broader trail network.

Funding for the trail project is being sourced through a mix of city and county contributions, support from the Utah Department of Transportation, and federal grants. A significant boost has come through the federal RAISE, or Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, grant program, which required sponsorship from a local government. Spring City stepped forward to sponsor the grant application, and UDOT is assisting with administration of the awarded funds.

As construction continues, future funding will rely on additional grant opportunities and collaborative support from the cities along the trail corridor.

The current plan envisions most of the trail running adjacent to U.S. 89, though the design team is also exploring alternative alignments and scenic diversions where feasible. Community members are encouraged to weigh in on where the trail should go — and what features it should include.

For those who were unable to attend the open house, there is still time to participate. Jones and DeMille is gathering community input through an interactive website at http://www.thesanpetetrail.com. The site features a dynamic trail map that allows users to click on proposed trail segments and leave comments, suggestions, or concerns about those specific areas. Visitors can also submit general feedback or identify opportunities and constraints along the trail corridor.

“Now is the time for residents to get involved,” said the project team. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help design a recreational and transportation asset that will benefit Sanpete County for decades.”

In addition to providing a new recreational resource, trail supporters hope the system will contribute to community health, tourism, economic development, and quality of life throughout the region.

The trail effort is still in its early phases, and local leaders are eager to hear from farmers, business owners, residents, and recreation enthusiasts about how the trail can best serve their communities.

Public comments will be accepted for the next two weeks through the project website.

Have an idea for the Sanpete County Trail?

Visit http://www.thesanpetetrail.com to explore the interactive map and leave feedback.