Already one of the most popular outdoor activities in Utah, mountain biking has had a huge spike in popularity this year. Due to the state’s rocky mountain topography and dry desert climate, everyone from thrill-seekers to casual riders has been taking advantage of some of the most popular Utah bike trails across the region’s breathtaking mountain ranges.
As we welcome autumn’s cooler temperatures and stunning foliage, now is the ideal time to plan your next mountain biking adventure. No matter what level of rider you are, our list of some of Utah’s best mountain biking trails below are all worth making plans to visit.
Spectacular views and memorable experiences await all season long. Happy riding!
Wasatch Crest Trail
At just over 11 miles long, this thin, winding trail stretches across the top of a stunning mountain range just west of Park City. This high alpine trail provides riders with full 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and canyons below for their entire rides.
To reach the trail’s peak, drive or grab the shuttle car from Millcreek Park to Guardsman Pass. You’ll have to earn your stripes afterward, however, climbing up what’s playfully known as Puke Hill – a steep incline riders must tackle to reach the Crest.
This Utah bike trail is great for experienced riders and runs through scenic landscapes, including lots of wildflower sightings in the warmer months.
Mid Mountain Trail
Running 23 miles long, Mid Mountain Trail is neatly tucked in the heavily forested mountain ranges behind Park City. This point-to-point alleyway of singletrack runs through dense groves of Aspen and Pine trees, as well as wide-open meadows filled with wildflowers.
Situated between two of the area’s biggest ski hills, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, Mid Mountain Trail has many access points for riders to reach the ridgeline. Touting spectacular views of Park City along the way, make sure you keep an eye out for other wildlife sharing the trail with you. Both moose and deer are regularly spotted on Mid Mountain.
Learn about some of our favorite outdoor hobbies that will keep you active year-round in Salt Lake City on some of our other blog posts here, including:
- Our Top 4 Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City Utah
- Our Favorite Spots for White Water Rafting Near Salt Lake City
- 4 Things to Do in Utah’s Zion National Park
Rush Trail
Located right next to Draper, Utah, and just a few minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Rush Trail is conveniently situated for mountain bikers in the surrounding cities to enjoy regularly. The three-mile downhill-only track in Corner Canyon Regional Park is exclusively sectioned off for mountain bike riders.
This 3.5-mile trail descends an average of 300 feet per mile and is full of fast turns, gaps, and double jumps – all of which can be bypassed by less-advanced riders. The downhill trail runs from fairly open stretches of the mountain into thicker forests at the bottom.
Rush Trail also has many amazing look-out points along the track with some exceptional Salt Lake valley views.
Wheeler Creek
Wheeler Creek’s nine-mile-long looped trail is a comfortable ride that avoids steep climbs and has a spacious, wide track meant to accommodate bikers, hikers, and horseback riders all enjoying the hillside nature this trail provides.
Only a few minutes east of Ogden, people of all ages love to flock out to Wheeler Creek to appreciate the variety of beautiful surrounding greenery, ranging from trees to mountain wildflowers – made all the more pretty when the leaves begin changing colours in autumn.
Are you interested in moving to the Salt Lake area and adopting the mountain bike lifestyle? Read more about what it’s like to live here in my Relocating to Utah guide.
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