Tunnel Springs Park - North Salt Lake, Utah -

Tunnel Springs Park is an 11-acre park located in North Salt Lake, Utah. The park is named after the natural springs that once flowed in the area. It is located on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, just off I-15. The park offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley, the Oquirrh Mountains, and the Great Salt Lake.

Tunnel Park is a popular spot for families, recreationists, and tourists alike. It is home to a variety of amenities, including a soccer field, a playground, two tennis courts, a parking lot, a shade structure, and restroom facilities. The park is also a popular spot for hiking and biking, as it is located at the base of Ensign Peak.

Activities

Hiking: The park is home to several trails, including the Ensign Peak Trail, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and the Memory Grove Trail. The Ensign Peak Trail is a challenging 3.5-mile hike that leads to the summit of Ensign Peak. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a paved, easy-to-follow 23-mile trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the Bonneville Basin. The Memory Grove Trail is a peaceful 1.5-mile trail that winds through a grove of trees.
Biking: The park is a popular spot for mountain biking and road biking. The Ensign Peak Trail is a challenging mountain bike trail that leads to the summit of Ensign Peak. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a paved, easy-to-follow road bike trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the Bonneville Basin.
Picnicking: The park has several picnic tables that are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Kite flying: The park is a popular spot for kite flying, as the open space provides plenty of room for kites to soar.
Bird watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, owls, and songbirds.

Amenities

Soccer field: The park has a full-size soccer field that is available for use by the public.
Playground: The park has a playground with a variety of equipment for children to enjoy.
Tennis courts: The park has two tennis courts that are available for use by the public.
Parking lot: The park has a large parking lot that can accommodate cars, trucks, and RVs.
Shade structure: The park has a shade structure that provides relief from the sun.
Restroom facilities: The park has restroom facilities that are open during park hours.

Location

Tunnel Springs Park is located at 1200 E. 2200 N. in North Salt Lake, Utah.

Direction to Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park hours

Tunnel Springs Park is open from sunrise to sunset, typically from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM during summer months and from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM during winter months. The park is closed on major holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Tunnel Springs Park History

Tunnel Springs Park is an 11-acre park located in North Salt Lake, Utah. The park is named after the natural springs that once flowed in the area.

The land that is now Tunnel Springs Park was originally part of the Shoshone Indian Reservation. In 1869, the reservation was sold to the United States government, and the land became part of the public domain. In the early 1900s, the land was used for farming and grazing.

The following is a timeline of the park’s history:

1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) begins construction of a park on the site. The CCC builds a pavilion, restrooms, a playground, and a tennis court.

1940s: The park is officially dedicated as Tunnel Springs Park.

1950s-1960s: The park is expanded to include additional amenities, such as a soccer field and a baseball diamond.

1970s-1980s: The park is used heavily by residents of North Salt Lake. It is a popular spot for families to go picnicking, playing sports, and hiking.

1990s-present: The park is renovated and updated. New amenities, such as a playground, a shade structure, and a restroom facility, are added. The park is also landscaped to create more open space and improve the views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Today, Tunnel Springs Park is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation. It is a valuable part of the city’s open space system and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Read Mahon Park – North Vancouver, British Columbia

Best hiking trails in Tunnel Springs Park

The park is located at the base of Ensign Peak, which offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley. The park is also home to a variety of trails, including the Ensign Peak Trail, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and the Memory Grove Trail.

Ensign Peak Trail

The Ensign Peak Trail is a 3.5-mile trail that leads to the summit of Ensign Peak. The trail is challenging, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a 23-mile trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the Bonneville Basin. The trail is paved and easy to follow, making it a popular spot for runners and walkers.

Memory Grove Trail

The Memory Grove Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that winds through a grove of trees. The trail is a peaceful and scenic place to walk or jog.

Thrilling rock climbing routes

Tunnel Springs Park offers a variety of rock climbing routes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The park’s cliffs are made of limestone and offer a variety of features, including cracks, slabs, and overhangs. Some of the most popular rock climbing routes in Tunnel Springs Park include:

Tunnel Vision: This 5.10b sport climb is a great choice for experienced climbers. It is a sustained climb with a crux near the top.
Shark Crack: This 5.10 trad climb is a classic route in the park. It is a long climb with a variety of features, including cracks, slabs, and overhangs.
Black Diamond: This 5.10 trad climb is another classic route in the park. It is a shorter climb than Shark Crack, but it is still challenging.
Redtail: This 5.11a trad climb is one of the most challenging climbs in the park. It is a long climb with a sustained crux.

If you are new to rock climbing, there are a number of guided climbing trips offered in Tunnel Springs Park.

Fishing spots in Tunnel Springs Park

The best fishing spots in Tunnel Springs Park are:

Emigration Tunnel Spring: This spring is located near the park’s entrance and is stocked with rainbow trout. It is a popular spot for fly fishing.
The Pond: This pond is located near the park’s visitor center and is stocked with trout and catfish. It is a good spot for both bait and fly fishing.
The Creek: The creek runs through the park and is home to a variety of fish, including trout, catfish, and bass. It is a good spot for both bait and fly fishing.

Picnic spots in Tunnel Springs Park

Here are 5 of the best picnic spots in Tunnel Springs Park:

The Overlook: This spot offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner.
The Pavilion: This spot is located near the park’s entrance and has a large pavilion with picnic tables. It is a great place for large groups or families with young children.
The Shady Spot: This spot is located near the Memory Grove Trail and has a large shade structure with picnic tables. It is a great place to escape the heat on a hot day.
The Soccer Field: This spot is located near the soccer field and has several picnic tables. It is a great place to picnic before or after a game of soccer.
The Tennis Courts: This spot is located near the tennis courts and has a few picnic tables. It is a great place to picnic after a game of tennis.

All of these picnic spots are located on paved trails, making them easy to access for people of all ages and abilities.

In addition to these picnic spots, there are also a number of other areas in the park where you can enjoy a picnic. These areas are not as well-maintained as the designated picnic spots, but they offer more privacy and seclusion. Read Corman Park Vet

Biking trails in Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park offers a variety of biking trails to suit all levels of experience, from beginner to expert. The park’s paved bike path is perfect for a leisurely ride, while its off-road trails offer a more challenging experience.

Here are a few of the most popular biking trails in Tunnel Springs Park:

Easy:
- Paved Bike Path: This 2-mile paved trail is perfect for a family ride. It winds through the park’s meadows and forests, offering stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Intermediate:
- North Slope Trail: This 3-mile trail offers a moderate challenge with some steep climbs and descents. It winds through the park’s foothills, offering views of the valley below.
Advanced:
- South Rim Trail: This 5-mile trail is a challenging climb to the top of the park’s ridge. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

In addition to these trails, there are also a number of unofficial trails in Tunnel Springs Park that are popular with mountain bikers. These trails are not as well-maintained as the official trails, so be sure to have a good level of experience and skill before attempting them.

Swimming pools near Tunnel Springs Park

Here are some other swimming pools near Tunnel Springs Park:

Eagle Ridge Tennis & Swim Club is located at 711 Parkway Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. It is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Northwest Recreation Center is located at 1255 West Clark Avenue, 1300 W 300 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. It is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Fairmont Aquatic Center is located at 1044 Sugarmont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. It is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Steiner Aquatic Center West is located at 855 California Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. It is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Tunnel Springs Park events

Here are some of the upcoming events at Tunnel Springs Park:

Kite Festival: This annual event takes place in May and features live music, food trucks, and of course, kites! Kids can decorate and fly their own kites, and there are even prizes for the best kites.
Ensign Peak Trail Hike: This moderately challenging hike takes you to the top of Ensign Peak, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley. The hike is about 3.5 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail Bike Ride: This scenic bike ride takes you along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which offers views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake. The ride is about 23 miles long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Memory Grove Trail Walk: This peaceful walk takes you through a grove of trees, which is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The walk is about 1.5 miles long and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Picnic in the Park: Tunnel Springs Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. There are several picnic tables located throughout the park, and there is plenty of space to spread out.
Bird Watching: Tunnel Springs Park is home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, owls, and songbirds. Bring your binoculars and see how many different birds you can spot.

Wildlife in Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is a haven for wildlife due to its diverse habitats, including foothills, sagebrush steppe, and riparian areas. Visitors can encounter a variety of animals, from small mammals to large predators. Here are some of the wildlife species that founds in Tunnel Springs Park:

Mammals:

Mule deer: These deer are commonly grazing in the park’s foothills and sagebrush steppe.
Coyotes: Coyotes are yipping in the park, especially at night. They are important predators that help control rodent populations.
Cottontail rabbits: These rabbits are common throughout the park and are a favorite food source for coyotes and foxes.

Birds:

Turkey vultures: These large vultures are often seen soaring in the sky above the park. They are scavengers and eat carrion.
Hawks: Several species of hawks, including red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks, are found in the park. They are predators that hunt small mammals and birds.
Songbirds: A variety of songbirds, including chickadees, finches, and warblers, can be found in the park. They add a splash of color and song to the park’s landscape.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

Lizards: Several species of lizards, including side-blotched lizards and sagebrush lizards, can be found in the park. They are ectothermic animals that rely on the sun’s heat to regulate their body temperature.
Snakes: Several species of snakes, including gopher snakes and rattlesnakes, can be found in the park. Snakes are important predators that help control rodent populations.
Toads: Several species of toads, including western toads and Great Basin spadefoots, can be found in the park. Toads are amphibians that spend most of their time on land but return to water to breed. Read Rice Lake in North Vancouver

Tunnel Springs Park reviews

Tunnel Springs Park has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.

Here are some of the reviews:

“Great park with a lot to offer. There is a playground, soccer field, tennis courts, and a paved trail. The views of the Salt Lake Valley are amazing.”
“We love coming to Tunnel Springs Park for picnics and walks. The park is always clean and well-maintained. The kids love to play on the playground and explore the trails.”
“This park is a hidden gem! It’s not as crowded as some of the other parks in the area, but it has just as much to offer. We love coming here to relax and enjoy the outdoors.”

Family-friendly activities in Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors. There are a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained, from hiking and biking to picnicking and playing on the playground. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities in Tunnel Springs Park:

Hiking: There are several trails in the park that are perfect for families, including the Ensign Peak Trail, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and the Memory Grove Trail. The Ensign Peak Trail is a challenging 3.5-mile hike that leads to the summit of Ensign Peak, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a paved, easy-to-follow 23-mile trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the Bonneville Basin. The Memory Grove Trail is a peaceful 1.5-mile trail that winds through a grove of trees.
Biking: The park is a popular spot for mountain biking and road biking. The Ensign Peak Trail is a challenging mountain bike trail that leads to the summit of Ensign Peak. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a paved, easy-to-follow road bike trail that follows the ancient shoreline of the Bonneville Basin.
Picnicking: The park has several picnic tables that are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. There is plenty of space to spread out, and there are even grills available for use.
Playing on the playground: The park has a playground with a variety of equipment for children to enjoy. There are slides, swings, monkey bars, and more.

In addition to these activities, there are also several special events at the park throughout the year, such as concerts, movies in the park, and craft fairs.

Dining near Tunnel Springs Park

Here are some dining options near North Springs Park:

Le Peep is a casual breakfast & lunch chain with a long menu of straightforward fare & coffee drinks. It has a 4 star rating on Google Maps.
Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant is a family-owned chain serving fried chicken & other Southern favorites in a low-key setting. It has a 4.1 star rating on Google Maps.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store. It has a 3.9 star rating on Google Maps.
Waffle House is a simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles. It has a 3.9 star rating on Google Maps.
Top Dawg Tavern – Columbia, SC is a restaurant that has a 4.1 star rating on Google Maps.

These are just a few of the many great dining options near North Springs Park. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Hotels near Tunnel Springs Park

Here are some hotels near North Springs Park in Columbia, SC:

Hampton Inn Columbia I-20-Clemson Road – Laid-back lodging with a pool & a ballroom, plus free breakfast, parking & Wi-Fi. Price: US$106 per night.
Quality Inn Fort Jackson – Straightforward hotel offering free continental breakfast & WiFi, plus a seasonal outdoor pool. Price: US$55 per night.
WoodSpring Suites Columbia Fort Jackson – Unfussy suites with kitchenettes in a straightforward extended-stay hotel offering free Wi-Fi. Price: US$69 per night.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area – Straightforward hotel with contemporary rooms & an outdoor pool, plus a business center & free WiFi. Price: US$120 per night.
Comfort Suites Columbia Northeast – Fort Jackson – Informal all-suite hotel offering a heated indoor pool, a fitness center & free hot breakfast. Price: US$109 per night.

Group tours in Tunnel Springs Park

Group tours in Tunnel Springs Park are a great way to learn about the park’s history, natural features, and wildlife. There are a variety of tours available, including guided hikes, nature walks, and birdwatching tours.

Here are a few of the companies that offer group tours in Tunnel Springs Park:

City Sights – Salt Lake City Tours: This company offers guided hikes and nature walks in Tunnel Springs Park. Their tours are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the park’s history, natural features, and wildlife.
Salt Lake Ghosts: This company offers a ghost tour of Tunnel Springs Park. Their tour tells the stories of the park’s haunted past, including tales of ghosts, murders, and unexplained phenomena.
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation: This government agency offers a variety of free and paid tours and programs in Tunnel Springs Park. Their tours include guided hikes, nature walks, and birdwatching tours.

In addition to these companies, there are also a number of private tour guides who offer tours of Tunnel Springs Park.

Fitness activities in Tunnel Springs Park

Here are some fitness activities you can do in Tunnel Springs Park:

Hiking: The park has several trails that range from easy to difficult. You can hike to the top of the hill for stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley, or take a leisurely stroll along the creek.
Biking: The park has a paved bike path that is perfect for a leisurely ride. You can also bring your mountain bike and explore the park’s many off-road trails.
Rock climbing: There are several rock climbing routes in the park that range from beginner to expert level.
Fishing: The park has a pond that is stocked with trout. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat.
Swimming: The park has a swimming pool that is open during the summer months.

In addition to these activities, you can also do yoga, tai chi, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Tunnel Springs Park is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Read Road Trip Bar and Grill

Conservation efforts in Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is committed to conservation and sustainability. The park has a number of programs and initiatives in place to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Water Conservation

Water-efficient irrigation systems: The park uses water-efficient irrigation systems to reduce water consumption. The systems are designed to deliver water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and waste.
Xeriscape landscaping: The park is landscaped with xeriscape plants, which are drought-tolerant and require less water. Xeriscape landscaping also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm the environment.

Habitat Restoration

Planting native trees and shrubs: The park is planting native trees and shrubs to restore natural habitats. Native plants provide food and shelter for wildlife, and they help to improve the quality of the air and water.
Removing invasive species: The park is removing invasive species, such as noxious weeds and non-native plants. Invasive species can harm native plants and animals, and they can disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Education and Outreach

Interpretive signage: The park has interpretive signage that educates visitors about the park’s natural resources and conservation efforts.
Environmental education programs: The park offers environmental education programs for children and adults. The programs teach participants about the importance of conservation and how to protect the environment.

Community Involvement

Volunteer opportunities: The park offers volunteer opportunities for people who want to help with conservation efforts. Volunteers can help with planting trees, removing invasive species, and cleaning up the park.
Partnerships with local organizations: The park partners with local organizations to promote conservation and sustainability. These partnerships help to expand the park’s reach and impact.

Tunnel Springs Park’s conservation efforts are helping to protect the environment and make the park a more sustainable place.

Salt Lake City tunnels

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, there is also a lesser-known side to the city, hidden beneath its streets: a network of tunnels that use for various purposes over the years.

The Origins of Salt Lake City Tunnels

The earliest tunnels in Salt Lake City were built in the late 19th century for the transportation of water and waste. The city’s rapid growth and the lack of modern infrastructure led to the need for these tunnels to keep up with the demand.

Water Tunnels

In the 1870s, the city began constructing tunnels to transport water from the Salt Lake Basin to the growing population. These tunnels were crucial for providing water to residents and businesses, as the city’s natural water sources were not enough to meet the demand.

Wastewater Tunnels

As Salt Lake City grew, so did the amount of wastewater generated. To address this issue, the city began building a system of wastewater tunnels in the late 19th century. These tunnels transported wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities outside the city.

Types of Tunnels in Salt Lake City

The tunnels under Salt Lake City can be broadly categorize into the following types:

Water Tunnels: These tunnels were crucial for providing water to the city’s residents and businesses. They transported water from sources such as the Salt Lake Basin and City Creek to reservoirs and treatment facilities.
Wastewater Tunnels: As the city’s population increased, wastewater management became a pressing concern. Wastewater tunnels were constructed to convey sewage from homes and businesses to treatment plants outside the city limits.
Utility Tunnels: These tunnels provide access and maintenance for underground utilities, including water pipes, sewer lines, electrical cables, and fiber optic networks.
Transportation Tunnels: A few tunnels use for transportation purposes, such as the pedestrian tunnel between Temple Square and the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Emergency Access Tunnels: Certain tunnels are designated for emergency access, allowing emergency responders to quickly reach critical areas of the city. Read Essence Festival – 2024

Other Uses for Tunnels

Over the years, Salt Lake City tunnels use for a variety of other purposes, including:

Power transmission: Tunnels use to transport electricity from power plants to the city.
Salt storage: Salt was an important commodity in Salt Lake City’s early days, and tunnels use to store salt for industrial and commercial purposes.
Military purposes: During World War II, Salt Lake City tunnels were used to store military supplies and equipment.

Current Use of Salt Lake City Tunnels

Today, most Salt Lake City tunnels are no longer in use for their original purposes. However, some of the tunnels are still maintained and use for various purposes, such as:

Utility access: Tunnels are use to access and maintain underground utilities, such as water pipes, sewer lines, and electrical cables.
Sewage treatment: Some tunnels are still use for wastewater treatment.
Emergency access: Tunnels are used for emergency access to certain areas of the city, such as hospitals and police stations.

The Future of Salt Lake City Tunnels

As Salt Lake City continues to grow, the potential uses for its tunnels may expand. Some experts believe that tunnels could be used for transportation, such as a light rail system or a pedestrian tunnel. Others suggest that tunnels used for storage, such as data centers or cold storage facilities.

Tunnel hours

Tunnel hours vary depending on the specific tunnel. However, most tunnels are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some tunnels may have restricted hours for certain types of vehicles, such as trucks or buses.

Here are some examples of tunnel hours:

Holland Tunnel: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Lincoln Tunnel: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Caldecott Tunnel: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week
Eisenhower Tunnel: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Mount Baker Tunnel: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 7 days a week

It is always best to check the specific tunnel’s hours of operation before you travel.

Lake Tunnel

There are several notable tunnels in the United States that pass under or through lakes. Here are a few examples:

Hanging Lake Tunnel: Located in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, this dual-bore tunnel carries Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 6 through the southern wall of the canyon, just east of exit 125. It is named after Hanging Lake, a popular hiking destination in the area.
Lake Mead Intake Tunnel No. 3: Situated in the Colorado River, below the Hoover Dam, this tunnel provides water to Las Vegas, Nevada. It is 2,400 feet long and 36 feet in diameter.
Wolf Creek Pass Tunnel: Located on U.S. Highway 160 between South Fork and Pagosa Springs, Colorado, this tunnel passes through Wolf Creek Pass, a major mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains. It is 1.7 miles long and the highest paved automobile tunnel in North America.
Moffat Tunnel: Situated in the Rocky Mountains, near Rollins Pass, Colorado, this double-bore tunnel carries the Union Pacific Railroad through the Continental Divide. It is 6.1 miles long and the longest highway tunnel in the United States.
Lake Washington Ship Canal Locks: Consisting of four locks, these structures allow ships to pass between Lake Washington and Puget Sound in Washington State. The locks pass under the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Ballard Locks, both of which are tunnels.

These are just a few examples of the many notable tunnels in the United States that pass under or through lakes.

North Springs Park

North Springs Park is a 36.5-acre park located at 1320 Clemson Road in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a popular spot for families and individuals to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Facilities