These 5 SLC hikes are on public land proposed for possible sale
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White Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios
Sen. Mike Lee's proposal to sell public lands to housing developers includes some of the most popular hiking areas in Salt Lake County, according to an analysis by the Wilderness Society.
- The conservation nonprofit's map shows federal lands not exempt from sale under the latest draft of the measure.
Between the lines: Much of the land that's eligible for sale may not be desirable or realistic for housing.
- Yes, but: The language of the proposal only describes housing-friendly qualities that should give a tract high "priority" for sale. It doesn't eliminate specific lands from consideration, even areas heavily used by the public.
Here are five trails on land that could be sold.
Upper Mill Creek Canyon: The dog-friendly trails around Dog Lake draw hundreds of hikers each day.
- Nearby Mount Aire and Alexander Basin are also unprotected from sale.
Mill Creek Pipeline Trail: The path is wildly popular among cyclists.
Grandeur Peak: It's one of the most prominent mountains above Salt Lake's skyline.
Mill D North Fork: The Big Cottonwood Canyon approach to Dog Lake is a magnet for hikers, cyclists and skiers.
White Pine Lake: The alpine wonderland in Little Cottonwood Canyon is home to wildflowers, moose and more.
