In the picturesque Heber Valley, the trails that weave through the foothills have become a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts across all seasons. Whether it's hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, or fat biking, the trails are alive with activity year-round. This remarkable network, comprising over 175 miles of singletrack, is not merely a coincidence of nature; it is the product of vision, dedication, and countless hours of planning and labor spearheaded by the Wasatch Trails Foundation (WTF). Scott House, the president of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, reflected on the state of the trails prior to the formation of the organization. "Heber had trails before [Wasatch Trails Foundation], in places like Dutch Hollow, but no one was taking on the maintenance of those trails," he said. This acknowledgment marked the beginning of a community effort to rejuvenate and expand the trail system. The origins of the Wasatch Trails Foundation can be traced back to 2011, when a group of passionate advocates for non-motorized trails, including former Park City councilperson Becca Gerber and Wasatch County trails planner Don Taylor, came together. Their goal was to maintain and expand the existing trail network in Heber Valley while also connecting it to Park City's extensive trail system. This initiative gave birth to the precursor organization, the Wasatch Trails Alliance, which laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Wasatch Trails Foundation. One of the flagship projects of the foundation is the WOW (Wasatch Over Wasatch) Trail, which runs for over 10 miles, ascending 2,900 feet from Heber Valley's Wasatch Mountain State Park to Guardsman’s Pass. This trail is regarded as one of Central Wasatch's premier mountain biking routes, comparable to the Crest Trail and the Mid-Mountain Trail. The development of the WOW trail gained significant momentum shortly after the foundation's establishment, with collaboration from Don Taylor and the Mountainland Association of Governments. By 2016, the trail was included in the Wasatch County Regional Trails Masterplan, and with the support of the Mountain Trails Foundation, most of the WOW trail was completed by 2017. For much of its history, the Wasatch Trails Foundation has relied heavily on volunteers. However, a transformative shift occurred in 2022 when they appointed Mia Yue as the organization’s Executive Director. Mia, originally from Minnesota, brought a wealth of experience in community engagement and outdoor recreation. Before joining WTF, she had worked in hospitality management and co-founded a vegetable gardening business. Her passion for community building led her to join Heber City’s Parks, Open Space, Trails and Trees Committee, where she met Scott House. Mia's leadership has sparked significant advancements in the foundation's mission to maintain and build a robust trail system. Under her guidance, the foundation has implemented a strategic plan and established governance policies, allowing them to enhance their operational capacity. They now employ a full-time crew of four for trail building and maintenance during the warmer months, with one part-time crew member focusing on winter tasks. The impact of these changes is evident in the successful completion of several key projects. In November 2025, the foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Whoa Trail, Wasatch Mountain State Park's first hand-dug, advanced/expert downhill-only trail, and completed crucial connector trails between the WOW and Bonanza Loop Trails. These newly finished trails, named Wowza and Tall T, significantly enhance the connectivity between Heber Valley and Park City, fulfilling a vision that began over a decade ago. Looking ahead, the Wasatch Trails Foundation recently secured a $40,000 grant from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed valley foothills trail stretching from Wasatch Mountain State Park to Soldier Hollow. Mia Yue expressed optimism about the future, indicating that if funding allows, construction could begin as early as 2027 or 2028. Even during the winter months, when the trails lie dormant under snow, the foundation continues to engage the community. They groom trails for snowshoeing and fat biking and collaborate with the Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park to host events like Moonlight Snowshoe Hikes and the upcoming Wasatch Mountain State Park Winter Festival on February 7, 2026. Mia's dedication to the community is palpable. She emphasizes that trails are not just pathways; they are vital spaces for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. "Providing that space for people is what it’s all about," she stated. With a vision for the Wasatch Trails Foundation to thrive as an advocate for trails for generations to come, the organization remains committed to fostering an active and engaged outdoor community in the Heber Valley.