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NatureHiking

This Utah Nature Preserve Trail Makes For The Perfect Outdoor Day Trip

Published Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Utah is one of the most remarkable places if you wish to spend time outdoors. Yes, we have incredible national and state parks but if you want to step away from the crowds, I recommend heading to a nature preserve. The Legacy Nature Preserve is one of the handful of nature preserves in the state and it is located in Woods Cross. While the preserve is not open to the public, you can view it from the Legacy Parkway Trail, a delightful day trip destination.

Welcome to the Legacy Nature Preserve. Located at 2100 West 500 South in Woods Cross, this nature preserve is home to 2,100 acres of land.

A serene wetland scene with tall grasses, a calm water body, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Asa DeGroff/Google

Here, you will find mudflats, wet meadows, marshes, and open water channels. This preserve is the link between the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and the Wasatch Mountain ecosystem.

While you may not be able to roam around the nature preserve, you can still enjoy its beauty, observe wildlife, and more all from the Legacy Parkway Trail.

A stone monument with "Legacy" engraved, beside a paved path and grassy fields under a cloudy sky.
Chris Dimalanta/AllTrails

The Legacy Parkway Trail is a 12.8-mile, point-to-point trail that is paved and quite easy to traverse. There are a few inclines but they are not too challenging.

You can certainly go for a short walk on this trail and turn around wherever you desire, but for a day trip the entire family will enjoy, I recommend hopping on your bike and exploring the entire trail.

A wide, open landscape with a winding metal path and distant snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.
Brian McBride/Google

The trail takes you right along the Legacy Nature Preserve and you will want to take your time. No matter if you walk or cycle, admire the scenery and search for animals as you go.

Sunset over a grassy field with distant mountains and a wooden fence in the foreground.
Fernando Braganca/Google

I’ve run on this trail multiple times and I particularly love running on the trail at sunset. The fiery skies will make you fall in love with this area.

A serene sunset over a calm water body, with silhouettes of plants and trees against a colorful sky.
Utah_Photo/Google

While you may not be able to get out and fully explore the Legacy Nature Preserve like others in Utah, the Legacy Parkway Trail provides an easy way to enjoy the area. It also makes for a delightful day trip destination whether on foot or bike.

A serene landscape featuring a pond surrounded by tall grasses and trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Katelyn Thompson/AllTrails

Have you ever visited the Legacy Nature Preserve? Did you take the Legacy Parkway Trail? Let us know in the comments.

If you want to spend even more time outdoors, explore one of the best hikes in Utah. Just make sure that you are fully prepared with the right gear!

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