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This section of the Jordan River Parkway is actually pretty nice and feels removed from the city. I have done it before, but I noticed something that I wanted to check out called Mystic Spring. I noticed a sign in the city about it so I thought I would see what it is. I mean, Mystic Spring sounds pretty cool! Anyway, I found a Mystic Spring Way on the map next to a pond so I thought I would go. I learned it is at the end of a private neighborhood, so I had to turn back. However, looked like I could reach it off of the Jordan River Trail so that is what I did.
Quick Details:
Length: It is almost exactly a mile between Shields Lane and 106th south, plus about 3/10ths of a mile side spur to the pond and back comes to 2.3 out and back.
Trail Type: Connector, Out and back.
Difficulty: DR2. It is completely paved and generally flat.
Elevation Gain: Not enough to register.
Restroom: There are vault toilets at Shields Lane Park.
Dogs? Yes, leashed. Please be sure to clean up after your furry friends.
Other Info: Cites: South Jordan. JRP Mile Markers: 20
To Get Here:
From the north, Take i15 to 90th south head west. Turn left on Sandy Parkway. turn right on 10000 S (Shields Ln). Turn left into Shields Lane Park.
From the south. Take i15 to 106th south. Head west. Turn right on Jordan Gateway. Left on 10000 S (Shields Ln). Turn left into Shields Lane Park.
The Trail:
Fun trail sign.
New boat ramp.
Some American coots.
The trail.
Duckies!
There is an equestrian trail right next to it, so you might see a horse.
Nice view of Lone Peak above the river.
Nice forested bit.
Mountains again.
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Panoramic.
The river.
More trail.
At about a half mile you will see the side trail that connects to the neighborhood above.
It goes up the gentle hill.
The pond.
Little better.
There are a few signs saying revegetation area, so you can’t get any closer.
The upper arm.
So, I am not sure if this is Mystic Spring, or from another thing I saw, Pond Leone. Or maybe Mystic Spring feeds Pond Leone? Either way, its not terribly exciting.
After doing a little more digging, yes, the street above is called Mystic Spring Way, but it might be named for an area to the north that is coming soon. Odd there would be signs for it already but meh. So, I am thinking this is Pond Leone.
Whelp, end of the line. There are similar signs on the other end of the neighborhood which is why I choose not to drive in and park on the street. I suppose you could… but I wasn’t going to risk it. I also wasn't going to risk getting chased off by a rent a cop so I turned back instead of trying to go around the pond some more.
Mountain views.
The pond again.
Through the phragmites.
Back to the Jordan River Parkway. I decided that was a little short, so I would continue up to 106th South at least.
More ducks.
Red-winged blackbirds.
The trail again.
Ponds on the golf course.
Little stream. I imagine it is the outflow from the ponds on the golf course.
The trail again. You can barely make out Steep Mountain through the haze.
The golf course again.
River hazard.
Mile Marker 20.
The river again.
Some amenities on the golf course.
Before long I reached 106th south. I decided to check out the murals underneath.
Looks like American coots. Cute.
Super cute.
Fun.
I like that it is actual murals and not just graffiti.
Cute fox.
I think that is a kingfisher,.
The river again.
Okay, I think it is time to head back.
It is kind of pretty through here.
Back to Mile Marker 20.
More trail.
Mountains.
You can just see Mount Timpanogos peaking up behind Lone Peak.
The river again.
The stream coming out of the golf course.
More trail.
High river bank with some nest holes. They could possibly belong to bank swallows or kingfishers.
More ducks.
More trail.
I love how each city has their own style of bench along the river.
Super tall phragmites.
Beaver activity.
More trail.
More forest.
More trail.
The river.
Trail.
The river with Mount Jordan again.
Duck!
The river heading under Shields Lane.
I do enjoy this section of the Jordan River Parkway. The pond, meh, more work than it was worth. But the rest of the trail was nice and had some nice views. I also enjoyed that its a nice wild section. 8 out of 10 squirrels.
As for difficulty, its paved and pretty flat. DR2.
Dogs are allowed, but should remain leashed at all times.
