Runners and hikers in Utah benefit from 20 miles of fresh trails, defying the pattern of trail closures due to reductions in federal funding.
## New Wilderness Trails Open in Utah, Bucking Nationwide Trend
In a welcome development, the Washington County trail system in Utah has expanded, adding 20 miles of new wilderness trails. The new trails, named the 'Cliffrose trails', are located near the Candy Cliffs and Diamond Valley areas, five minutes west of the Candy Cliffs area, above Diamond Valley.
The Cliffrose trails are suitable for hikers and trail runners of all abilities, with easy green trails featuring gentle grades suitable for less experienced hikers and trail runners, as well as hand-built descending trails for advanced trail runners and mountain bikers seeking a more challenging experience.
Joey Vanstaveren, recreation specialist at the Dixie Forest Service, described the new Cliffrose trails as "a place for everyone". The trails offer stunning views of the Snow Canyon State Park and Pine Valley mountains, making them an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, the completion of the new trails comes amidst a nationwide trend of trail closures due to mass spending cuts to the National Park Service and National Forest Service. Thousands of temporary and full-time workers have lost their jobs in a government-wide effort to reduce federal spending, leading to staff shortages and the subsequent closure of routes up and down the country due to lack of maintenance and visitor safety measures.
Despite these challenges, the Cliffrose trails were completed by National Forest Service workers, with assistance from the Greater Zion Tourism Board and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
While the Washington County area is currently impacted by ongoing wildfires and related restrictions, the new trails provide a glimmer of hope for outdoor enthusiasts seeking new trails to explore. The region's reputation as a hub for outdoor recreational activities continues to grow, with the addition of these new wilderness trails.
Trail runners and hikers can now explore the new Cliffrose trails, offering a place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy sports and take in stunning views of Snow Canyon State Park and Pine Valley mountains. Unfortunately, the completion of these trails contrasts with a nationwide trend of trail closures due to budget cuts, signifying a challenging time for outdoor sports enthusiasts across the country.
