Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through a tunnel carved by nature and emerge into a beautiful park with a spring, a waterfall, and a stunning view of the valley? If so, you should visit Tunnel Springs Park, a hidden gem in North Salt Lake, Utah, that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
In this blog post, I will share my experience of visiting the tunnel springs park, as well as some tips and recommendations for making the most of your trip. I will cover the following topics: the facilities and amenities of the park, the photography opportunities and tips, the best time to visit the park, the nearby attractions of the park, and the directions and contact information for the park.
Directions: How to Get Tunnel Springs Park
The tunnel springs park is located at 1120 E Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. You can use the following methods to get to the park:
- By car: You can drive to the park using the I-15 or the US-89 highways. You can use Google Maps or the Waze apps to find the best route and traffic conditions. You can park your car at the park’s parking lot for free.
- By bus: You can take the UTA bus route 455 or 470 to the Eaglepointe Dr stop, which is about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the park. You can use the UTA website or the Transit app to find the bus schedule and fare.
- By bike: You can bike to the park using the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which connects the park to the surrounding areas. You can use the Trailforks or the AllTrails apps to find the best bike trails and conditions. You can park your bike at the park’s bike rack for free.
Best time to visit
The tunnel springs park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the park is less crowded. The park has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperatures and precipitation for each season are as follows:
- Winter: The average high temperature is 37°F (3°C), and the average low temperature is 21°F (-6°C). The average precipitation is 1.8 inches (46 mm). The park may experience snow, ice, or fog during this season. You may want to wear warm and waterproof clothes and shoes, and bring a hat and gloves. You may also want to bring a flashlight or a headlamp, as the tunnel and the park may be dark and slippery.
- Spring: The average high temperature is 63°F (17°C), and the average low temperature is 40°F (4°C). The average precipitation is 2.4 inches (61 mm). The park may experience rain, wind, or hail during this season. You may want to wear light and breathable clothes and shoes, and bring a jacket and an umbrella. You may also want to bring a camera or a phone, as the park may be colorful and photogenic.
- Summer: The average high temperature is 89°F (32°C), and the average low temperature is 61°F (16°C). The average precipitation is 1.2 inches (30 mm). The park may experience heat, drought, or thunderstorms during this season. You may want to wear cool and comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hat and sunglasses. You may also want to bring a water bottle or a filter, as the park may be hot and dry.
- Fall: The average high temperature is 66°F (19°C), and the average low temperature is 43°F (6°C). The average precipitation is 2.1 inches (53 mm). The park may experience frost, mist, or rain during this season. You may want to wear warm and cozy clothes and shoes, and bring a scarf and a raincoat. You may also want to bring a binoculars or a magnifying glass, as the tunnel springs park may be scenic and diverse.
Facilities and Amenities
Playgrounds
The park has two playgrounds for children, one near the tunnel entrance and one near the pavilion. They have swings, slides, climbing structures, and benches for parents. The playgrounds are well-maintained and safe for kids to play and have fun.
Pavilion
The park also has a large pavilion with tables, chairs, and a fireplace that can be reserved for events. The pavilion can accommodate up to 100 people and has electricity and water. The pavilion is ideal for hosting parties, reunions, weddings, or other gatherings. You can reserve the pavilion online or by phone for a fee of $50 per hour.
Picnic
There are also several picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the tunnel springs park. You can use them for free on a first-come, first-served basis. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can order from the nearby restaurants and cafes. The park has trash cans and recycling bins for your convenience.
Restrooms
The park has two restrooms, one near the tunnel entrance and one near the pavilion. They are clean and well-maintained. They have toilets, sinks, soap, and paper towels. They are open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Water Fountains
The tunnel Springs Park has two water fountains, one near the tunnel entrance and one near the pavilion. They provide fresh and cold water from the spring. You can drink from them or fill up your bottles. The water is safe and tested regularly.
Parking
The tunnel springs park has a spacious parking lot near the tunnel entrance. There is no fee for parking. The parking lot can fit up to 50 cars and has handicapped spaces. The parking lot is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Fire Pit
The fire pit in Tunnel Springs Park is a cozy and inviting feature that adds warmth and ambiance to the park. The fire pit is located near the pavilion and the playground, and has a circular seating area made of large boulders. The fire pit is fueled by natural gas and can be turned on and off by a switch. The fire pit is a great place to gather with friends and family, enjoy a picnic, roast marshmallows, or listen to stories. The fire pit also offers a beautiful view of the Main Post and the historic barracks. The fire pit is open from dawn to dusk, year-round, and is free to use.
Historical Features
The Tunnel
The park is a rare and valuable example of a natural tunnel formed by water erosion. The tunnel is about 200 feet long and 15 feet high, and it connects the park to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The tunnel was created over thousands of years by the water from the spring that carved its way through the limestone rock. The tunnel is cool and dark, and you can see the water dripping from the ceiling and the walls.
Natural Spring and A Creek
The tunnel springs park also has a natural spring that feeds a small waterfall and a creek that flows through the park. The spring is located near the tunnel entrance and has a wooden bridge over it. The spring is the source of the water for the park and the nearby areas. The spring is clear and clean, and you can see the fish and the plants in it.
The waterfall is located near the pavilion and has a wooden platform next to it. The waterfall is small and gentle, and you can hear the soothing sound of the water. The creek is located along the park and has some rocks and pebbles in it. The creek is shallow and calm, and you can walk or splash in it.
Main Post and Historic Barracks
The Main Post and the historic barracks in Tunnel Springs Park are part of the Jefferson Barracks Military Post, the oldest operating U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River. The Main Post is the area where the original stone buildings from the 19th century are located, such as the headquarters, the hospital, the guardhouse, and the officers’ quarters.
The historic barracks are the long red brick buildings that housed the soldiers and the cavalry horses. These buildings now serve as museums for permanent displays, special exhibits, tours, classes, and seminars. The Main Post and the historic barracks are rich in history and heritage, as they witnessed many events and personalities that shaped the nation’s military and civil affairs.
Nearby attractions
Eaglewood Golf Course:
A 18-hole golf course that offers scenic views and challenging courses. It is located about 2 miles (3 km) from the park. You can play golf, rent a cart, or join a tournament. You can also enjoy the lake, the clubhouse, or the restaurant.
Lagoon Amusement Park:
A family-friendly amusement park that features rides, games, shows, and a water park. It is located about 9 miles (14 km) from the tunnel springs park. You can have fun, thrill, and adventure at the park. You can also visit the pioneer village, the animal farm, or the campground.
Antelope Island State Park:
A state park that encompasses a large island in the Great Salt Lake. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as bison, antelope, deer, and birds. It also offers hiking, biking, camping, boating, and swimming opportunities. It is located about 25 miles (40 km) from the tunnel springs park. You can explore, learn, and relax at the park.
Salt Lake City:
The capital and largest city of Utah. It is known for its cultural, historical, and religious attractions, such as the Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, the Salt Lake Temple, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It also offers shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment options. It is located about 12 miles (19 km) from the tunnel springs park. You can discover, experience, and enjoy the city.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail:
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a wonderful place to explore the natural beauty of Utah. The trail follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, a huge lake that existed thousands of years ago. The trail starts at Tunnel Springs Park in North Salt Lake and ends at Parley’s Canyon in Salt Lake City. The trail is about 13.5 miles long and has an elevation range of 4,600 to 5,400 feet. The trail is mostly easy to moderate, with some steep sections and switchbacks.
The trail is suitable for hikers and bikers of all ages and skill levels. It is also child and dog friendly, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the history and nature of Utah.
Restaurants and Cafeterias
There are two restaurants or cafeterias near Tunnel Springs Park. One is Tunnel Springs Coffee and Market, which is located at 800 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-30101. The other is Sunshine Cafe, which is located at 20 S Orchard Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054-25382. Both of them offer American and vegetarian-friendly food options.
Tunnel Springs Coffee and Market
It is a cozy and friendly place that offers coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. It is located at 800 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-3010, which is about 6.5 miles away from Tunnel Springs Park. To get there from the tunnel springs park, you can take the I-25 S and exit at Central Ave, then turn right and drive for about 0.3 miles to reach there.
Sunshine Cafe
It is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves American and vegetarian-friendly cuisine. It is located at 20 S Orchard Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054-2538, which is about 1.4 miles away from Tunnel Springs Park. To get there from the park, you can take the US-89 S and turn left at Center St, then turn right at Orchard Dr and drive for about 0.2 miles. The restaurant is on the right side of the street.
Contact Information
You can use the following methods to contact the tunnel springs park staff and get the latest information and updates about the park:
- By phone: You can call the tunnel springs park office at (801) 335-8700 to speak to a park staff member or leave a message. The park office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- By email: You can email the park staff at tunnelspringspark@nslcity.org to ask a question or request a reservation. The tunnel springs park staff will reply to your email within 24 hours.
- By website: You can visit the park’s website to find more information and resources about the park, such as the park map, the park brochure, the park history, and the park events.
- By social media: You can follow the park’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news and updates about the park, such as the tunnel springs park photos, the park videos, the park reviews, and the park contests.
Conclusion
Tunnel Springs Park is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and beauty. The park has something for everyone, whether you want to play, picnic, photograph, or learn. The park is also close to many other attractions and destinations that you can explore and enjoy. The park is open, free, and accessible for everyone to visit.
FAQs
Where is Tunnel Springs Park?
Tunnel Springs Park is located on the east mountain range in North Salt Lake, Utah.
How do I get to Tunnel Springs Park?
You can take the I-15 N and exit at 2600 S, then turn right and drive for about 2.5 miles. The tunnel springs park entrance is on the left side of the road.
What are the park hours?
The tunnel springs park is open from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Is there a fee to enter the tunnel springs park?
No, the park is free to the public.
What are the park amenities?
The tunnel springs park has a large pavilion, a playground, a restroom, a water fountain, a fire pit, and a parking lot.
How can I reserve the pavilion?
You can reserve the pavilion online through the North Salt Lake City website. The reservation charges are $50 for cleaning purposes. Pavilions can be booked between 15th April to 15th October.
What are the rules for using the park?
You must follow the tunnel springs park rules posted at the entrance and on the website. Some of the rules are: no alcohol, no smoking, no littering, no fireworks, no glass containers, no amplified music, and no overnight camping.
What are the activities to do at the park?
You can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, playing, and relaxing at the park. The tunnel springs park is also the starting point of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a scenic trail that follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville.
What is the best time to get to the park?
The park is beautiful all year round, but especially in the spring and fall when the grass is green and the hills are colorful. The park is also a great spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
What are the nearby attractions?
There are many attractions within a short drive from the tunnel springs park, such as the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park, Lagoon Amusement Park, Salt Lake Temple, and Utah State Capitol.
What are the reviews of the park?
The tunnel springs park has mostly positive reviews from visitors who praise its beauty, cleanliness, spaciousness, and tranquility. Some of the negative reviews mention the crowds, the noise, the lack of shade, and the bugs.
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