November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, a perfect occasion to celebrate the health, environmental, and community benefits of our nation’s trails! At Sunrise Engineering, our dedicated team is committed to designing trail systems that meet community needs, enhance local pride, and foster recreational opportunities across the West. From multi-use pathways that connect neighborhoods to scenic trails winding through natural landscapes, our expertise spans every aspect of trail design and construction.
What Sets Our Trails Services Apart
According to Joe Phillips, our Vice President and St. George Civil Department Manager, Sunrise’s trail services are unique because of our blend of technical precision and an appreciation for aesthetics. “Even though we’re left-brained, hyper-conservative, stereotypical engineers, we’ve done enough recreation projects to understand the ‘feel’ elements that are so important to a trail project,” Joe explains. “This allows us to provide the technical design necessary for smooth project implementation while incorporating the unique aesthetic qualities essential for a trail’s success.”
Our ability to work with communities from start to finish, offering a full range of services—from funding acquisition and permitting to design and construction—enables us to create functional and visually appealing trails. Joe describes how our trail design and construction approach benefits the community, noting, “Trail projects are always visible and in the forefront of the community. Unlike many other civil infrastructure projects, they become part of the culture and a point of pride.”
Community-Focused Design
Community feedback plays an integral role in our process. Joe emphasizes the importance of public involvement, explaining that input often reveals project improvements that wouldn’t be apparent at the outset. “Community feedback is of paramount importance. Public involvement helps reveal public preferences and, in many cases, leads to better alternatives that enhance the project.”
Our Vernal Civil Department Manager, Aaron Averett, shares a similar sentiment, pointing to the community pride that trails bring. “Beyond the obvious health benefits, communities often gain a real sense of accomplishment and pride with new trails. It’s inspiring to be a part of that indirect benefit that helps communities grow in meaningful ways,” he says.
Projects That Make a Difference
Our team has completed a variety of successful trail projects across the region. Joe recalls the Meadow Valley Wash Shared Use Trail in Caliente, Nevada, as particularly rewarding due to its complexity and impact. “We worked with multiple agencies and private landowners, addressing everything from permitting and floodway design to public involvement and construction,” Joe shares. “Ultimately, it all came together through great coordination, and the result was a trail that truly benefits the community.”
Aaron reflects on the Discovery Trail project in Vernal, which connects a subdivision with a nearby elementary school. The trail provides a safe route for students in an area that previously lacked bus service and was hindered by busy roads. “It’s part of the backbone of a city-wide trail system, and with the right coordination and community support, we made it happen for the kids and families who use it daily.”
Overcoming Challenges with Expertise
Trail projects often present unique challenges, from securing easements on private property to overcoming misconceptions about trail impacts. Joe notes that these linear projects frequently intersect multiple parcels, requiring strategic negotiations and a flexible approach to alignment. Aaron adds that there can be initial resistance from the community in rural areas. “We often find ways to adapt our approach to avoid conflict and work around obstacles, ensuring the project aligns with community values.”
Innovating for Local Needs
Regarding emerging trends in trail design, Joe and Aaron agree that thoughtful adaptation is critical. Joe emphasizes using widely accepted design standards that promote user safety and satisfaction, while Aaron highlights a more recent approach we’ve been using with small communities. “In Roosevelt, we provided the parks crew with a 30% design that allowed them to handle some of the grading themselves. This creative solution has enabled us to stretch funding and deliver more trail mileage within budget constraints. We’re now implementing similar strategies in other areas to maximize community resources.”
Sunrise Engineering is proud to support National Take a Hike Day and the communities we serve by designing trails that promote recreation, wellness, and connection. This November, we encourage you to explore your local trails, enjoy the outdoors, and experience firsthand the lasting impact that well-designed trails bring to our communities.