
Orson Smith Park and Trailhead
A family-friendly park and trailhead offering a popular, easy hike to a thrilling suspension bridge with scenic valley views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Orson Smith Park and Trailhead
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly park and trailhead offering a popular, easy hike to a thrilling suspension bridge with scenic valley views.
"This park is a peaceful and practical place to enjoy the outdoors, perfect for families and hikers."

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to snag a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The sandy descent can be tricky. Wear good hiking shoes for better grip and stability.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
Trailhead at Orson Smith Park
A thrilling, shaky bridge offering stunning valley views and a unique hiking experience. Not for the faint of heart!

Orson Smith Park Playground
Orson Smith Park
A convenient and enjoyable spot for families, with a playground and picnic areas perfect for a relaxed outing.

Scenic Valley Views
Along the trail
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Salt Lake Valley, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Suspension Bridge
Dog-Friendly Fun, But Mind the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to snag a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The sandy descent can be tricky. Wear good hiking shoes for better grip and stability.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure! Remember to keep them on a leash.
💧 Restrooms & Water Available
Facilities are available at the trailhead, making it convenient for families and longer hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to snag a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The sandy descent can be tricky. Wear good hiking shoes for better grip and stability.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure! Remember to keep them on a leash.
💧 Restrooms & Water Available
Facilities are available at the trailhead, making it convenient for families and longer hikes.
📸 Capture the Shaky Bridge
The suspension bridge is a highlight! Enjoy the wobble and the unique photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Orson Smith Park for its family-friendly amenities and its role as the trailhead for the popular Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike. The bridge itself is a highlight, offering a fun, shaky experience and great views. While generally easy, the sandy descent requires caution. It's a highly recommended spot for a convenient outdoor adventure.
"Orson Smith Park is a great spot to relax, especially for families. It has a small playground and restrooms, making it convenient for kids and parents alike. You can sit back, enjoy the view, and easily keep an eye on your children while they play. It also serves as the trailhead for the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike, which is a nice bonus. The parking lot is conveniently located, though the park can get a bit busy on weekends. Overall, a peaceful and practical place to enjoy the outdoors."
julie S
"Great walking trail, we had 3 ActionTrack chair riders and several walking up to the suspension bridge loop."
William Clements
"I loved this hike!
We went at 9am and that was the perfect time, it was getting very busy as we were leaving!
The only downside was going down at the end was all sand and kinda unsteady, but doable! Dogs are allowed and my dog had a great time. Not too hard! We also saw a really large spider that was cool, i was unable to take a pic because there was alot of people around it hahahha.
The bridge was also super cool and shaky, it also makes noise but cool:)"
Autumn Hale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orson Smith Park is located in Draper, Utah. You can find it by searching for 'Orson Smith Park' on your GPS. The trailhead for the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike is located at the back of the park.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at Orson Smith Park. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can get busy.
Information on public transportation options to Orson Smith Park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the trailhead.
From Salt Lake City, take I-15 South towards Provo. Take exit 293 for 12300 South and turn east. Turn right onto South Mountain Road, and Orson Smith Park will be on your left.
Orson Smith Park is close to other hiking trails in Draper and offers easy access to the Salt Lake Valley. It's also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Orson Smith Park or the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike. Access to both the park and the trail is free.
Orson Smith Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The trailhead is accessible during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike. It's a public trail, and you can access it anytime during park hours.
The main restriction is that dogs must be kept on a leash. Otherwise, access is generally open to the public during park hours.
While the park is generally open from dawn to dusk, it's best to complete the hike before dark for safety reasons. The suspension bridge can be challenging to navigate in low light.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. It's a 2-mile round trip with about 400-450 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
The hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views and the bridge.
Yes, the hike is very dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed on-leash, and many visitors bring their pets along for the adventure.
The park offers restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a great spot for families and gatherings [^T2, Reviews].
Comfortable hiking attire is recommended. Given the sandy descent, sturdy shoes with good traction are advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing beautiful, soft illumination. The valley views are particularly stunning during these times.
Absolutely! The suspension bridge itself is a unique subject, and the panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley offer fantastic backdrops. Keep an eye out for interesting flora and fauna too.
You can capture shots of the bridge from various angles, including walking across it (if you're brave enough!), or from the trail leading up to it. Wide-angle lenses are great for the expansive views.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
Use a faster shutter speed to minimize blur from the bridge's movement. Experiment with different angles to capture the sense of height and motion. Be patient and wait for moments when the bridge is relatively still.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge Experience
While the bridge is the main draw, the hike itself is also rewarding. The trail is well-maintained for the most part, offering pleasant scenery as you ascend. However, be prepared for a sandy and potentially unsteady descent, which some hikers have noted as a minor challenge. This section requires careful footing, especially if you're hiking with children or pets.
Many visitors recommend this hike for its combination of natural beauty and a touch of adventure. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for an accessible yet exciting outdoor activity in the Draper area.
Family-Friendly Amenities at Orson Smith Park
Beyond the playground, the park offers picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed family meal or snack amidst nature. The open spaces also provide room for kids to play and explore. The park's layout allows parents to easily supervise their children while enjoying the surroundings [Reviews].
Combined with the relatively easy access to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge hike, Orson Smith Park serves as a perfect starting point for a family adventure. It balances the excitement of a hike with the practical needs of families, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor fun.
Dog-Friendly Hiking in Draper
Many TikTok videos highlight the joy of hiking with dogs here, showcasing happy pups enjoying the trail. The 2-mile loop is a manageable distance for most dogs, offering enough stimulation without being overly strenuous. The varied terrain, from packed dirt to sandy patches, provides an interesting experience for furry explorers.
It's important to remember that while dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash at all times. This ensures the safety of your pet, other hikers, and the local wildlife. The sandy sections on the descent might require extra attention if you're hiking with a dog, so be mindful of their footing as well.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit