The Basin’s newest hiking trail, the Run-A-Muck, also sports a unique feature. You can legally walk your dogs off leash on the two miles of trails over 43 acres that are enclosed by a fence.
We had a chance to try out the new trail over the weekend. We hesitate to tell you how great it was, because we’d like to keep this gem to ourselves. It’s so good, though, that we know that won’t happen. The trail averages 3-4 feet wide as it winds through the sage and trees, below the UOP ski jump. The view is out over Kimball Junction to the valley where the Swaner Preserve lies. The trail does rise and lower but was easy enough that our aging dogs and toddler had no problem with it. It should be good for most anyone who isn’t looking for an absolutely exhilarating hike.
The trail is dirt, so avoiding it during the wet periods is essential. It also looks like it will be a challenge once there is a foot of snow, as the trail isn’t marked with poles (at least yet). Those minor things aside, this is a great trail and we recommend it wholeheartedly. We hope it’s so successful that the County decides to build a series of these around the Basin.
If you are interested in try it, the easiest way is to use the parking lot at the trail head. You access it by driving up the hill toward the Utah Olympic Park. The parking lot will be on your left a little bit after the round about. Once you hike it, you may decide you want to access it from the Millennium Trail, instead of driving. That looks equally easy.
We can’t say enough good things about this trail. Good job Basin Rec!
