Archuleta Bridge

 The Archuleta Bridge AKA the Archie and Lois Archuleta Bridge is probably one the most fascinating bridges I have found in the valley. It was the final piece that completed the Jordan River Parkway in 2017. Before the bridge there was a long detour around a trainyard. We’ve seen it before but we were nearby and it is a fun bridge.

Quick Details:

Length: We did about a half mile out and back, but you can keep going.
Trail Type: Out and back, connector.
Difficulty: DR2. It is paved and the long ramps are gentle.
Elevation Gain: Not sure, but not a lot.
Restroom: Normally no.
Dogs? Yes, Leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends.
Other Info:

To Get Here:

Take i15 to 4th South head west. Turn right on 900 West. Turn left at 200 South. It will be on the right after a block or 2. Find street parking. If you would prefer a parking lot there is one just to the north on North Temple. It won’t add too much.

The Trail:

Passing by the Fisher Mansion carriage house.

Neat fish art. There is a similar piece along the river just a bit north of here.

Oh. It is called Jordan River Current by artist Collette Hosmer and it is spread across 4 locations along a 7.2 mile section next to the river. I guess I should walk this section again and find the other 2. Each school has 1 colored fish. Fun. The green one here is called Decrayvion.

The Carriage House again.

Archie and Lois Archuleta. They were prominent members of the community, teachers and mentors. Champions of access to education and and civil liberties for immigrants. People worthy of being honored in such a way.

The bridge was completed in 2017, it was dedicated to them on June 17th, 2022.

While I love the story about the Archuleta’s, I would have appreciated more information about the bridge itself. For instance, I believe that it is a tied arch bridge, but I am not 100% sure of that, because there is nothing saying that.

Anyway…

Heading up the ramp. There are long, long ramps up either side.

The Gadsby Plant smoke stacks.

These condos are new. I hope they are insulated quite well being wedged between i80 and a major train line.

Continuing up.

The Gadsby Plant again.

There has been a proposal to build a ballpark here, but as far as I can tell, no plans of removing the towers. So you know, a ball park with a view of these towers. I… can’t even. But you know, I am not a sportsball person so maybe I don’t get it.

The Jordan River.

Approaching the actual bridge.

The Gadsby Plant again.

Eventually we have reached the actual bridge. Phew!

This bridge was completed in 2017 and was the final puzzle piece that completed the Jordan River Parkway.

The total span of the bridge 1200 feet, including the ramps is 2700 feet. It is 60 feet tall.

The official name.

Last time we were here it was not named.

Again. Such a neat bridge.

Continuing along.

It is a pretty high up bridge, but it is super sturdy and the high fences make me feel secure. It really doesn’t twinge my fear of heights at all. Yeah, the first time I did it I had the fear of what might come climbing the ramp, but now, it’s just fine.

View to the west.

View to the east with downtown Salt Lake City.

Back to the west with the Jordan River.

Nearing the middle.

Again.

Looking up.

East again.

West.

I think we crossed the middle at this point.

Closer.

View back.

The Gadsby Station again.

The Jordan River.

Train bridges.

The ramp down on the north side.

We have done the whole thing before, so I just wanted to see the neat stuff again as an add-on to todays adventure. So, we decided to just head back.

It is named on the north side as well.

Continuing along.

Cables.

More bridge.

East.

Downtown Salt Lake City.

Nearing the south ramp.

Train bridge.

Looking back at the bridge.

Heading down the ramp.

Looking back at the bridge again. This time without people.

Panoramic view to the east.

The new townhomes again.

Continuing down.

Looking back again.

Downtown.

Back to the Fisher Mansion and Carriage House.

Closer.

The Carriage House again. See my previous post for more info on that.

Chimney.

The Fisher Mansion.

Now this sign gives good information about the building.

Better view of the Fisher Mansion.

Warning sign.

As I learned earlier today, the 2020 earthquake made the building unsafe.

The Jordan River.

The new townhomes again. I looked it up… yeah hell no. There is absolutely no way I would pay that much to live here.

2nd south, looking towards downtown (Passenger Seat Photography (PSP)).

Downtown (PSP).

Fun clouds on our way back home (PSP).

Well, that was a fun add-on adventure to our already fun filled day at the Fisher Mansion! Like I said it is one of the if not the neatest bridges in the valley and it is not scary at all for someone who struggles with heights. 10 out of 10 squirrels.

As for difficulty, it is paved, and the ramps on either side are gentle DR2.

Dogs are allowed, leashed. Please clean up after your furry friends.