For decades, Summit and Wasatch Counties have lived like siblings sharing a backyard fence—friendly enough, quietly competitive, and always keeping score. Whose trails are better? Whose views are bigger? Whose climb hurts more (but in a good way)?
Well, sharpen your Strava segments and holster your side-eye, because the rivalry just got… connected.
In Spring 2026 (conditions permitting), the first official backcountry trail connection between Summit and Wasatch Counties will open to the public: the BLT (Bonanza Loop Trail) to WOW Connector Trail. Five miles of singletrack diplomacy. One narrow ribbon of dirt proving that neighbors can get along—especially when bikes, boots, and trail runners are involved.
A Trail Ten Years in the Making
The BLT to WOW Connector Trail has been quietly simmering for more than a decade, originally conceived by Rick Fournier, former Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) trails manager, and Scott House, current Wasatch Trails Foundation (WTF) board president. Like all great ideas, it took time, patience, and just the right mix of persistence and grit to move from “wouldn’t it be cool if…” to “holy WOW, it’s actually happening.”
The result is a thoughtfully designed backcountry trail system that doesn’t just link maps—it links communities.
At its core is Tall T, the main multiuse, bidirectional connector that makes the county-to-county magic official. From there, the system fans out with something for just about everyone:
- WOWZA DH, an intermediate downhill MTB trail with advanced options for those who like their adrenaline spicy.
- WOWZA, an MTB climb and multiuse trail that earns its name one switchback at a time.
- Boulder Dash, a hike-only spur for those who prefer their joy delivered on foot.
More Than Dirt and Distance
The WOW trail system isn’t just about recreation—it’s about relationships. Lora Anthony, Executive Director of the Mountain Trails Foundation, puts it best:
“The entire system of WOW trails isn’t just connecting communities through trails, it is a shining example of what long-term, supportive relationships between many partner organizations can bring to bear.”
Translation: this didn’t happen by accident. It took collaboration, trust, and a whole lot of meetings where people chose progress over turf wars. Mountain Trails Foundation proudly served as one spoke in a very effective wheel, with Wasatch Trails Foundation steering the project home.
WTF Board Member, Scott House, highlights the deeper purpose behind the build:
“Its location speaks to the Foundation’s commitment to balance wilderness and open space protection, while still providing meaningful trail connections.”
This is modern trail design at its best—integrating natural features, respecting sensitive landscapes, and delivering a sustainable experience that will keep riders and hikers stoked for years to come.
The Hard Part (a.k.a. Everything Else)
Of course, no great trail story comes without a few “are we sure this is going to work?” moments. Or several.
Funding came through three separate grants—two from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (UORG and RTP) and a grant from the Wasatch County TAP (Trails, Arts, and Parks) Tax. Approvals were secured. Mountain Trails Foundation was hired as the contractor. Construction began in Spring 2024 with a firm completion deadline of Fall 2025.
Then came the real challenges: wildlife mitigation areas, shifting political landscapes in Park City, and the not-so-small matter of building across the steep, dramatic terrain of Tall T Peak (elevation 9,360 feet).
Current WTF Executive Director, Mia Yue, doesn’t sugarcoat it: “There were multiple times over the last three years that I was convinced this connection was dead in the water.”
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Thanks to the unwavering support of the WTF Board and the relentless partnership with Mountain Trails Foundation, the project crossed the finish line—and the county line.
A New Chapter in Local Trail Lore
When the BLT to WOW Connector Trail opens, it will mark more than a milestone—it will mark a mindset shift. Competition gives way to connection. Boundaries blur. And trail users gain a seamless backcountry experience that feels bigger than either county alone.
So whether you’re clipping in from Summit, lacing up from Wasatch, or just happy to see neighbors finally agree on something, this trail is definitely for you.
Because sometimes the best way forward… is straight through the middle.
To support future trail projects and become a member of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, visit wasatchtrails.org.
