Popperton Park

Park Overview

Situated in the upper Avenues area of Salt Lake City, Popperton Park spreads across 5+ acres of diverse terrain. It's perfectly positioned for easy access to numerous Foothills trails, including Dry Creek Canyon and the eastern Avenues neighborhood.

The park blends the best of both worlds - a developed section with grassy athletic fields and a playground, alongside wilder natural areas for hiking and exploration. One of the park's highlights is the spectacular views of downtown Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains.

Mountain Biking

If you're new to mountain biking or have little ones eager to try, Popperton Park offers good options. The park features 0.9 miles of beginner-friendly trails arranged in a loop configuration - excellent for kids and first-timers to build confidence.

The pump track attracts riders of various skill levels, from novices to experienced cyclists. The trails are well-suited for practicing essential skills like climbing and cornering, making it a good spot to learn the basics or improve your technique.

Seasonal Activities

When winter blankets Salt Lake City in snow, Popperton transforms into a winter sledding destination with slopes accommodating all ages and skill levels. Just be careful to watch out for trees and poles in some areas as you zoom down the hillside.

During warmer months, the open grassy spaces become perfect spots for spreading out a picnic blanket, tossing a ball around, or simply lounging in the sunshine. The park also attracts bird watching enthusiasts who come to spot local feathered residents in their natural habitat.

Upcoming Improvements

Exciting changes are underway at Popperton Park, with construction scheduled for completion in spring 2025. The renovations include additional parking spaces, a welcoming plaza featuring a trailhead information kiosk, and upgraded facilities within the park.

You'll soon find a new precast concrete restroom with two toilets and a water fountain to make your visit more comfortable. Some parking improvements have already wrapped up, with more enhancements on the way.

Trail Connections

The park acts as a gateway to the popular Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST), with a paved connector trail that leads to the BST at the bottom of Dry Gulch. Many outdoor enthusiasts combine this connection with 11th Avenue to create a convenient road return route when riding the City Creek and Avenues sections of the trail.

For your convenience, hiking and bicycle trails are separated into east and west sections, giving everyone their own dedicated space. Dog owners will appreciate the trail system for walks with their four-legged friends.

Additional Features

Popperton Park is also home to the Popperton Plots Community Garden, with room set aside for potential expansion. As you explore, you'll discover vantage points offering views of nearby landmarks including Shriner's Hospital, the University of Utah Medical Center, and portions of the Aviary.