By Spencer W. Belnap | [email protected] 

Pedestrian tunnel underneath 1300 East

While there are crosswalks around the intersections near Sugar House Park (1330 East 2100 South), there is a safer alternative path for pedestrians and bikers — a tunnel that runs underneath 1300 East and connects Sugar House Park with Hidden Hollow. This urban tunnel runs through the Parley’s Trail, Salt Lake City’s 8-mile paved path that covers all the way from Parley’s Canyon to the Jordan River. On a typical sunny day, there are dozens of joggers, bikers and walkers opting for the less congested tunnel. Residents that live in nearby apartment complexes west of the park make use of the easy access, and avoid the busy intersections of 1300 East and 2100 South. A rather unique element of this area is the red rock design project by environmental artist Patricia Johanson that runs along the sides of the tunnel and outside them along the trail further east. Johanson designed the Sego Lily Dam and “The Draw at Sugar House,” an infrastructure waterway project that will allow for better flood control along Parley’s Trail, preventing floods that could come from Sugar House Park’s detention basin. The sides replicate the slot canyon walls of Echo Canyon, and offer some neat environmental art for people who use the tunnel.

Ensign Peak hiking trail

Salt Lake City offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and hiking is one of the most popular. Trails are everywhere along the Wasatch Range, and many within a half an hour’s drive from Sugar House and downtown. One accessible and easy hike just north of the Utah State Capitol (350 N. State Street) is Ensign Peak. This is a popular hike good for all ages, and is about 1 mile round trip. Be prepared for sun exposure, as there isn’t much shade along the trail. Once you make it to the peak, you’re treated with expansive views of the Great Salt Lake as well as the entire Salt Lake valley. You can catch amazing sunsets from this part of the city. There is a stone monument at the top and space for folks to enjoy a picnic. As with any hike, be sure to take water. The trailhead is easily identified, and located near the back of an LDS church (125 N. Sandrun Road) parking lot. 

What do you love about Sugar House and Salt Lake City in the summer?

Laura Gurr

“Sugar House comes alive in the summer. The local businesses and restaurants have many different offerings that accommodate a wide variety of people. Sugar House is one of the more diverse communities that support various types of backgrounds. Salt Lake City as a whole is very LGBTQ-friendly, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

Erin Esplin

“Ahh… SLC in the summertime. I love the Oquirrh and Wasatch mountains that hug the periphery of the city. The art and music scene is ever expanding, the local food joints are fantastic, and the bar scene is satisfactory. There are wonderful music venues, my favorite being Red Butte Garden concert series. But if you don’t like Salt Lake, just take a hike. No for reals, a 15 to 40 minute drive will take you to a myriad of gorgeous hikes, because that’s just how cool this place is.”