Oakridge Preserve

The Oakridge Preserve in Farmington is a paved pathway along some swampland. while it was alright, I don’t think it’s worth going out of your way for it. The little “preserve” is situated between HW89, i15 and Park Lane, and then townhomes on the other side. I felt the same way about this “trail” as I did about Haight Creek. In that, it wasn’t really a trail. It was just me today so I thought I would come check this out as it is paved and no real climb, so it seemed pretty safe to do by myself. Plus, I like to explore these trails as sometimes they are a miss, like today. And something they surprise me and are quite enjoyable like Shepard Creek City Section.

Quick Details:

Length: 1.24 mile balloon. Or there are a couple additional options to make it longer or connect to nearby trails. Like Shepard Creek.
Difficulty: DR2. Paved, flat, easy.
Elevation Gain: None
Restroom: No. Closest one would be the Maverick on Shepard Ln (alternate TH option).
Dogs? Yes, leash required.

To Get Here:

Take HW89 in Farmington to exit 296, Shepard Ln. Head west  Take the first left onto Frontage Rd. Go about 500 feet and turn right on Shepard Church Dr. Park.

The frontage road looks like you are just getting on the freeway so if that startles you like it did me, you can take the next left, Shepard Creek Parkway. Then turn left onto Spring Creek Lane, and Left onto Shepard Church Dr. Follow the curve to the right and park.

Or, park at the Maverick on Shepard Ln., and add about 500 feet to your walk.

The Trail:

The trail will head south behind the church, next to this canal.

The little canal. I imagine this is diverted from Shepard Creek.

The mountains above.

There is the Farmington Trails sign! I don’t think there is one at the beginning.

Now we are by the townhouses.

First little pond. It looks fairly frozen.

At the south end of the pond you will come to the trail split that makes this a balloon trail. I went left.

Duckies!

The pond again.

Good to know.

This got me to thinking. They developed the west side, with a lot of pushback since it is primary wetland habitat. So, they take this marshland, that is prone to flooding, and probably couldn’t be developed upon anyway and call it a preserve. Gee, thanks.

Lagoon.

This one to show how close the trail is to the frontage road and HW89 next to that. Also, this segment of the trail appears to be an old road.

Small field.

Farmington Canyon.

The creek again.

Now we appear to be on normal paved bike path. That is Park Lane up there.

Marshland.

The creek again.

Nice little forested area.

The creek and some ponds.

Now we are approaching i15.

Nice mountain view.

Another little pond.

Found an American coot.

The pond with the mountains above.

The next trail split. Right will get you back to where you started, left will continue along to the Oakridge Golf Course. The Farmington Trails page lists a trail around that as well, but we haven’t done that one yet.

Now we are back to being about 30 feet from the back doors of these townhouses. I don’t know why, but it just kind of makes me uncomfortable.

The pond again.

More ducks and coots.

The meadow from the other side.

Back to the first pond.

Last leg.

Back to the trailhead.

If I lived in this neighborhood I would probably walk around this area fairly often, but I didn’t think I will return. It wasn’t horrible, but definitely not my favorite. It is a good, super easy option to do in winter to get some exercise. I guess I just don’t like feeling I am walking through peoples back yards even if it’s an official trail. Eh, I will go with  3 squirrels.

As for difficulty, it is completely paved and flat. DR2.

Dogs are allowed, but should remain on a leash. Please clean up after your furry friend.