Miller Park and Bonneville Glen are an amazing oasis in Salt Lake City, near the Harvard and Yale neighborhoods, between the University of Utah and Sugar House. I grew up in Salt Lake and graduated from the U of U and had no idea that this beautiful place existed until this month!
This is a one-mile loop (adjustable) that is adjoined, but kept up by two different groups. The lower section is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Bonneville Stake and the upper section is owned by Salt Lake City as part of it’s parks and public lands. Red Butte Creek flows through the middle of both sections. It is beautiful in every season!
Bonneville Glen
Bonneville Glen is a beautiful hidden gem. There is a parking lot at the corner of 1500 East and Bonneview Drive (about 1040 South). There is another entrance a block farther east on Bonneview Drive. We went in the main entrance from the parking lot.
We did this as a loop heading east along the north path, switching to Miller Park and continuing to the top along the north path. Then we headed west on the south path, swiched back to Bonneville Glen and finished the loop. For this post I will keep the areas separate.
The birds in this section were amazing! There were baby woodpeckers chirping away in this tree so mom and dad downy woodpecker were bringing them food constantly. I saw multiple robins and got this one singing.
There are also beautiful flowers in Bonneville Glen.
Here is the south side path in Bonneville Glen.
There is only one connection between the parks, so even though we mostly made a loop, we had to go the same way for this tiny section. It is on the north side and winds up a little higher. This is also an exit to the street, so that upper fence you see is along Bonneview Drive. This is the same section, from the bottom and the top.
Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park
The upper section is owned by Salt Lake City and is named the Charles Lee Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park. When you enter it there are signs with a map.
This first part of the trail begins above the main area, so you can look down on the trees.
There are little off-shoot paths that head down to the creek.
There is an impressive bridge that apparently was built as part of the Works Progress Administration under Franklin Roosevelt.
The kids loved skipping along the path and liked that they could see part of the backyards that border the park.
The top (east) end of the loop has a tiny bench and steps which looked a bit like a stage to my daughter. It also has a sign that explains that Minnie Miller donated part of this land in memory of her husband Charles Lee Miller.
Heading back down the south path was also beautiful. We did this hike when it was 90° F outside and it was quite comfortable with so much shade and Red Butte Creek keeping it cooler.
There are stairs which makes it hard for a stroller or wheelchair to make the full loop, but you could easily do parts of it.
Remember that there is only the north side path to return to Bonneville Glen. It looks like there might be a steep path down, but the creek is fenced between the two parks. There are some exits onto the neighboring streets.
We loved this little loop and are so glad we found it. It’s perfect for kids or anyone who just wants a shorter nature walk, but wants an escape from the city.
For details of this trail in winter, click on this post:
Stats: Distance – 0-1 miles roundtrip (depending on route)
Approximate hiking time – 30-60 minutes
Elevation gain – 82 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – No
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
City Creek Canyon, Memory Grove, Little Confluence Nature Trail, Hidden Hollow Sugar House, Living Room Lookout, Ensign Peak, International Peace Gardens, Utah State Capitol, Dimple Dell Park Loop, Thaynes Canyon / Desolation Loop, and Salt Lake Overlook are other nearby trails.
