Highline Trail unofficially open, awaits final improvements

The graffiti-covered signs still warn that trespassers will be prosecuted and — officially — the trail is still closed. However, the Highline Trail, which is slated to open in late spring or early summer, is, according to some Cache officials – unofficially – open to the public.

“We’re not enforcing the trail,” said Lt. Bret Randall, a Logan City police officer, “unless they leave the trail or they’re doing damage to the trail.”

According to Cache County trails planner Dayton Crites, there are still some final safety improvements to be made before the official opening. The improvements include the addition of a few more fences in places with cliff exposures, retaining elements to contain rock slides and signage.

“It’s still not open, technically,” Crites said.

The Highline Trail starts at the mouth of Logan Canyon and sits atop the canal that runs down it. When the canal company covered the structure in 2013 it had inadvertently created a nearly flat walking path that snaked along the side of the canyon.

After the unofficial trail gained in popularity, so did the problems surrounding the area. Graffiti on the old canal structures and the canyon’s rock faces, in addition to excessive litter, plagued the trail. After community complaints, Cache County officials placed “No Trespassing” signs at both ends of the trail, a message that county and city police heavily enforced.

At least until now.

“Enjoy the trail,” Randall said. “If you’re on the trail to commit crimes and be a hooligan, the police are going to be called.”

Even when the trail is officially open, going off the trail will still be trespassing. The land the trail passes through is owned by the canal company, Utah State University, Cache County, Logan City and the U.S. Forest Service.

The trail easement has public passage, but not all the area around it, Crites said.

Utah State University freshman Kenzie Moran was on the trail March 21.

“We went because it looked cool,” she said. “It’s definitely a place I’d go running.”

Moran said her group of friends weren’t too worried about the trespassing signs, but she did think the graffiti detracted from the views.

“I thought it was kind of sad, because it’s such a pretty view and the graffiti kind of ruins it,” she said.

And officials hope that those who enjoy the trail and the view will keep it from being further vandalized.

“If you’re excited about the trail and the possibility of more trails, don’t be the person doing graffiti and littering,” Crites said. “If you see anybody, don’t turn a blind eye, call the police and Logan parks. It’s really a detriment to the entire community. If you like trails you need to have the best possible behavior.”

Crites estimates having to remove additional graffiti would cost around $3,000 per incident. Money that, according to Crites, is not budgeted.

Crites said he’d like the trail to open sooner rather than later, so the community can keep an eye on the area.

“Hopefully there won’t be the ability for people and their peanut brains to continue doing things to the mountain,” he said.

When open, the Highline Trail will be an additional connection between the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the River Trail.

— jacksonmurphy111@gmail.com