Hike to Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
One of the many things I love about Utah are the plethora of hikes through beautiful country. There are long and short hikes across mountain desert or meadows of wildflowers. But the hike to the 185′-long Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge in Draper is a great hike for families.
Here are a few pointers to help you find your way and know what to expect.
Prepare for the Hike and the Trailheads
Utah weather can be unpredictable. It can change quickly. But if you’re planning to hike to the suspension bridge during the summer months, bring enough water for everyone in your group. Summer temps can reach above 100 degrees. Hats and sunscreen are important, too. There is little shade along the trail.
There are two primary trailheads used to access the bridge. Draper City has put out a map of the trails leading to the suspension bridge.
Orson Smith Park in Draper – 2 miles round trip
Orson Smith Park is the more popular starting point for this trail. The parking lot can accommodate about 30 cars, along with a few RVs. Many people park on the street when the parking area is full. Just be sure to not park illegally.
The trail starts with a steady .25-mile uphill climb. There are a few switchbacks to help you reach the Aqueduct Trail. The wider trail has gravel and sand, so closed-toed shoes are best. Follow the aqueduct trail to the connector trail that leads to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
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The suspension bridge spans Bear Canyon and connects the Bonneville Shoreline Trail so hikers don’t have to hike around the canyon – they can just go over it.
Once you’re done playing on the bridge, head south to the next connector trail that will bring you back down to the aqueduct trail, and then to Orson Smith Park.
Hidden Valley Park in Sandy – 2.5 miles round trip
Hidden Valley Park isn’t as popular of a starting point for a hike to Bear Canyon, but it connects to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which connects to Bear Canyon. This trail doesn’t have as steep of an initial ascent, but it is a little bit longer.
The parking area has about 40 parking spots, but there is also a church parking lot nearby that provides more parking if needed.
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From Hidden Valley Park you can hike a couple of routes – connect to the Aqueduct Trail, and then use the connector trail just north of Bear Canyon to access the suspension bridge. Or you can start on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which takes you right to the bridge. You can return on the aqueduct trail if you want to make a loop out of it.
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