Cycling Along the Bonneville Shoreline into Logan Canyon

 

About Our Ride Along the Bonneville Shoreline into Logan Canyon

We recently took a nostalgic cycling trip back to Logan, Utah, a place close to our hearts from the first two years of our marriage. My husband planned a fantastic route linking three beautiful trails: the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, the Logan Canyon Greenway Trail, and the River Trail.

The weather was perfect, the trails were pleasantly uncrowded, and we thoroughly enjoyed being out on such a beautiful day.

While the overall experience was fun, the route presented some challenges for me. Certain downhill sections were too steep or technical for my current skill and confidence level. I found myself slowing down and occasionally having to “hike-a-bike” where the trail narrowed. Narrow, gravel paths with sharp curves and steep drop-offs can make me quite nervous, which is a stark contrast to the similar but wider gravel roads I tackle confidently at home.

Despite those moments of lost confidence, we took our time and enjoyed the stunning scenery together, making for a memorable and fun day out.

 

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) is a popular 100-mile long mixed-use path running through Logan, Utah. The trail traces the distinct horizontal line carved into the mountain foothills by the ancient Lake Bonneville, which covered much of northern Utah thousands of years ago. Offering easy access from the bench, the BST features a mix of paved and gravel sections with stunning panoramic views overlooking Cache Valley and the Wellsville Mountains. While its grade is generally easy, the trail contains numerous hills as it follows the undulating terrain. Currently 100 miles long, the BST is proposed to be extended to a continuous 280-mile mixed-use route, although there are no set dates for its completion.

 

Logan Canyon Gateway Trail

Serving as a key junction for the area, the Logan Canyon Gateway Trail is an easy, multi-use trail located at the entrance to Logan Canyon. This short, approximately 1.5-mile-long, flat section of gravel double-track is a popular connector, linking the mouth of the canyon to other major trails and local parks.

 

River Trail

The River Trail is the primary path continuing up Logan Canyon, running parallel to Highway 89. This trail begins near First Dam and passes key points like the Stokes Nature Center, Second Dam, and Third Dam, eventually linking up with the Riverside Nature Trail. For much of its four-mile length, the River Trail is an easy, hard-packed gravel double-track with only a very gradual elevation gain. However, just past Second Dam, the terrain becomes more difficult, transitioning into a single-track path that includes a few steep switchbacks.

 

Ride Overview
  • • Location: Bonneville Shoreline Trail and Logan Canyon Gateway Trail
  • • Course Type: loop with an out-and-back
  • • Course Surface: gravel and dirt
  • • Bike: Salsa Warbird
  • • Distance: 15.71 miles
  • • Moving Time: 1:48:26
  • • Average Speed: 8.7 MPH
  • • Elevation Gain: 1,060 feet
  • • Elevation Range: 4,598 to 5,094 feet
  • • Weather: 74° and sunny, climbing to 84°
  • • Date of ride: June 29, 2025
  • •  Start time: 10:05 AM

 

Fun Pictures From Riding Along the Bonneville Shoreline Trial

After leaving our friends’ home, we rode to the nearest trailhead of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, following its route south for a short distance—less than two miles of the nearly 100-mile completed trail.

 

We immediately started a short climb on the single-track trail, which quickly revealed its undulating hills—a stark contrast to the flat route I had expected along the ancient shoreline.

 

The natural habitat is home to wildlife that requires caution, such as mountain lions, moose, elk, and rattlesnakes.

 

I enjoyed this stretch of the trail immensely because it was quite easy, both for riding and for my comfort level, as it lacked steep drop-offs.

 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before steep downhills forced me to dismount and walk. Though I know I probably could have navigated them, my confidence was shot.

 

Although the steep drop-off on the side of the trail was a little unnerving, it didn’t bother me unless I had to navigate a sharp turn.

 

Soon, we caught sight of Highway 89—the road leading into Logan Canyon—stretched out far below at the canyon’s mouth, signaling our imminent departure from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

 

Fun Pictures from Riding Along the Logan Canyon Gateway Trail

Once off the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, we connected with the Logan Canyon Gateway Trail. This section was a smooth, double-track trail and easy to navigate, though we only rode it briefly.

 

Fun Pictures from Riding Along River Trail

After crossing the Logan River by bridge we turned onto the River Trail, another double-track with gradual elevation gain as we climbed into the canyon.

 

Shortly after getting onto the River Trail, we passed the Stokes Nature Center. Though we didn’t go inside, this non-profit education center is notable for its partnership with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Logan Canyon Children’s Forest.

 

As we rode into the canyon, the trail paralleled the Logan River, offering beautiful, lush scenery. The purple Fireweed blooms were a dramatic contrast to the semi-arid plants we had seen along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

 

We cruised past First Dam but paused at Second Dam for a much-needed refuel.

 

Just before Third Dam, the trail narrowed into more difficult single-track, featuring steeper climbs, switchbacks, and steep drop-offs. Given the change in difficulty, we decided this was our turnaround point and headed back toward our friends’ house

 

Back on the Bench

Once we exited the canyon, we rode along the Logan River back into the city. Naturally, the final hurdle was the climb back up onto the bench, the elevated terrace formed by the ancient Lake Bonneville, to get to our friends’ home.

 

Passing the beautiful Logan Temple, one of the oldest operating temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we were treated to a great view of the canyon we had just left.

 

Garmin Stats

Post-ride Garmin…

 

Garmin map and elevation graph…

 

Final Thoughts on the Rides

This ride truly left me conflicted: much of it was out of my comfort zone, yet the diverse trails and beautiful surrounding scenery made for an incredibly enjoyable time on the bike. Despite those moments of lost confidence, we took our time and enjoyed the stunning scenery together, making for a memorable and fun day out.

 

Questions
  • • Have you tried mountain biking? ~ My husband and I took mountain biking lessons in Moab, Utah several years ago and I was not a very good student. A mountain bike would have made parts of this ride much easier, but without the skill set I would have still been out of luck.
  • • Do you have a favorite trail you run, walk, or bike on near where you live? ~ Yes, I love our W&OD Trail!
  • • Do you stop and relax occasionally to fuel or take pictures, or barrel on through when on a long run or ride? ~ pictures, always pictures, unless I’m racing