1.
Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Soldier Hollow
37.8km
02:43
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides in Deer Creek State Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Deer Creek State Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many routes available, it's hard to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want to spend your precious time riding the best, not sifting through endless possibilities.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community of local riders has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, creating a curated shortlist of the absolute standouts. We've done the legwork so you don't have to, promising to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the rides that deliver.
Touring cycling in Deer Creek State Park is defined by its dramatic setting within the Wasatch Mountain range. Expect rugged canyons, rolling hills, and challenging mountain passes, with many routes offering stunning views of the Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir. This isn't a place for casual spins; the significant elevation changes mean most of the no traffic touring cycling routes here are best suited for experienced cyclists looking for a real workout.
If you're looking for a top favorite, the Empire Pass Climb from Midway – Empire Pass Viewpoint loop from Midway is a challenging 18.7 miles (30.1 km) ride known for its substantial climb and expansive mountain vistas. For a slightly different but equally rewarding experience, the Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Soldier Hollow offers 16.25 miles (26.1 km) of varied mountain landscapes and significant elevation changes. Ready to explore? More than 50 touring cyclists have already used komoot to discover the best of Deer Creek State Park.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Soldier Hollow | 37.8 km | 770 m | Hard |
| Empire Pass Climb from Midway – Empire Pass Viewpoint loop from Midway | 30.1 km | 1,020 m | Hard |
| Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Midway | 51.7 km | 1,340 m | Hard |
| Heber City loop from Heber Valley Railroad Depot | 62.8 km | 1,440 m | Hard |
| Cascade Springs loop from Dutch Hollow Trailhead | 50.2 km | 1,210 m | Hard |
2.
Empire Pass Climb from Midway – Empire Pass Viewpoint loop from Midway
30.1km
02:33
1,020m
1,020m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Midway
51.7km
03:58
1,340m
1,340m
This difficult 32.1-mile (51.7 km) touring cycling route, taking around 3 hours and 57 minutes to complete, offers 4391 feet (1338 metres) of climbing through the majestic Wasatch Front mountains. You'll experience lush alpine landscapes, expansive views of Deer Creek Reservoir, and the unique terraced pools of Cascade Springs, making it a visually rich and physically demanding ride. The route is renowned for its picturesque scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
When planning your visit, be aware of a potential 5-mile section of "broken pavement" that transitions to "loose gravel" on Old State Road 220 during the descent back to Midway. Touring cyclists can opt for an out-and-back, or use Stringtown Road, Tate Lane, and Route 113 to bypass the gravel. The fall season is particularly recommended for the vibrant foliage, though the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, often incorporated into longer rides here, can have seasonal closures due to snow.
Beyond the challenging climbs and stunning vistas, the Cascade Springs area itself is a highlight, featuring a large artesian spring with naturally formed cascades and pools, easily explored via boardwalks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, moose, and elk. This route offers a true taste of Utah's mountainous terrain and natural beauty, making it one of the best touring cycling routes Midway Utah has to offer for those seeking a significant adventure.
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4.
Heber City loop from Heber Valley Railroad Depot
62.8km
05:30
1,440m
1,440m
This Heber City loop from Heber Valley Railroad Depot is a demanding touring cycling route that promises a true test of endurance amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. As you tackle the significant climbs and descents, you'll be rewarded with expansive views, especially from high points like the Deer Creek Overlook and the Alpine Summit. It's a journey through rugged terrain that truly showcases the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.
Starting from the Heber Valley Railroad Depot, this difficult 39.0-mile (62.8 km) ride with 4709 feet (1435 metres) of elevation gain requires very good fitness and typically takes around 5 hours and 29 minutes. Plan to carry plenty of water and prepare for direct sun exposure, as much of the route is open. The best time to cycle is during the warmer months when the mountain passes are clear of snow.
This route stands out as a rigorous challenge for touring cyclists, offering a much more strenuous experience than the easier Heber Valley Loop. It's designed for those who seek long-distance touring adventures and want to push their limits while soaking in the vast, open landscapes of Utah's mountain country.
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5.
Cascade Springs loop from Dutch Hollow Trailhead
50.2km
04:32
1,210m
1,210m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
maniboyflex
June 21, 2025, Alpine Summit
This is the highest point of the Alpine Scenic Highway—meaning if you’ve made it here, it’s time to enjoy the downhill ahead. Nearby, you’ll find access to several trails, including Willow Hollow Trail, Horse Flat Trail, Ridge Trail, and Lame Hollow Trail.
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Paul_C
May 1, 2025, Empire Pass Climb from Midway
Climbing Empire Pass westwards from Midway on the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway offers a challenging but scenic ascent into Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Prepare for approximately 11-12 miles of sustained climbing, gaining over 3,000ft to reach the 8,740ft summit. The main climb averages around 5-6%, but features steeper sections, particularly on the initial winding climb out of Midway and in the final push towards the pass, where gradients can reach 8-10%. Along the way you'll enjoy the transition from aspen forests to stunning alpine meadows as you approach the top.
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mtm05005
February 20, 2024, Heber City
Heber City is the gateway to several parks, national forests and nature areas in Utah, so it is a great place to start a ride. The city was first settled in 1859, and it still has several historic buildings that you can visit.
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Javi Jaavii
February 11, 2024, Cascade Springs
From this point, you can take the trail that, with a short, easy walk, will lead you through this area bathed by an artesian spring that forms terraced cascades and pools. You'll need to hop off the bike to explore it, but there is a parking area next to the trailhead.
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Javi Jaavii
February 11, 2024, Deer Creek Overlook
At this viewpoint, on one side of Cascade Springs Drive, you'll enjoy incredible scenic views. The best time to visit it is in the fall, when you can see the different colors of the leaves as they change.
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Matthew
December 15, 2023, Empire Pass Viewpoint
Empire Pass Viewpoint is an official overlook at the saddle between Jupiter Peak and Flagstaff Mountain. There is a large parking lot, picnic area, and trailhead for a number of trails here at the pass.
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Lisa
November 16, 2023, Empire Pass Viewpoint
It's a steep climb to reach this pass, which offers great views of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for the blazing colors of fall foliage here in the fall.
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oliviakellis
July 18, 2023, Horse Flat Trail
While just a short trail, the Horse Flat Trail offers stunning views of Primrose Canyon and Stewart Falls. In the summer, enjoy lovely blankets of local wildflowers and colorful foliage in the fall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on no-traffic touring cycling routes in Deer Creek State Park?
The routes in Deer Creek State Park are primarily located within the scenic Wasatch Mountain range, offering varied mountain landscapes. You can expect significant elevation changes, rugged canyons, rolling hills, and mountain passes. The terrain provides challenging rides for experienced cyclists.
Are there any easy no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Deer Creek State Park?
Most of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Deer Creek State Park are rated as difficult, with one moderate option. There are currently no routes specifically categorized as easy for touring cyclists in this guide. The terrain often involves significant elevation gains, making them more suitable for experienced riders.
What are some of the longer no-traffic touring cycling routes available?
For a longer ride, consider the Heber City loop from Heber Valley Railroad Depot, which covers approximately 62.8 kilometers with over 1400 meters of elevation gain. Another substantial option is the Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Interlaken, spanning about 54.1 kilometers.
Are there any loop trails for no-traffic touring cycling in Deer Creek State Park?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the challenging Empire Pass Climb from Midway – Empire Pass Viewpoint loop from Midway, which is 30 kilometers long, and the Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Charleston, covering 32.1 kilometers.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along these touring cycling routes?
The routes offer breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountain range, including rugged canyons, lush meadows, and dense forests. You can also observe various rock formations like sandstone arches and limestone walls. The large Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir are prominent features, and wildlife such as elk, deer, and eagles can often be spotted.
Is there a non-motorized trail suitable for biking near Deer Creek State Park?
Yes, the 8.03-mile non-motorized Deer Creek Trail is part of the Provo-Jordan River Parkway Trail. It's ideal for biking, hiking, and equestrian use and is situated on the western hillside above the Deer Creek Reservoir. More information can be found on the Utah State Parks website.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Deer Creek State Park to avoid traffic?
To best enjoy the no-traffic routes, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist activity might be lower than peak summer. Always check local weather conditions before your ride, especially in mountain areas where conditions can change rapidly.
Are there any particularly scenic no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning scenery due to their location in the Wasatch Mountains. The Cascade Springs – Deer Creek Overlook loop from Midway provides expansive mountain vistas and views of the Deer Creek Reservoir. The Empire Pass Climb from Midway – Empire Pass Viewpoint loop from Midway is also known for its significant climb and panoramic views.
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are covered in this guide for Deer Creek State Park?
This guide features 7 no-traffic touring cycling routes in Deer Creek State Park, ranging from moderate to difficult in terms of challenge.
What should I consider bringing for a touring cycling trip in Deer Creek State Park?
Given the significant elevation changes and mountain terrain, it's advisable to bring appropriate gear for varying weather conditions, plenty of water, snacks, and essential bike repair tools. A helmet is always recommended. Be prepared for challenging climbs and descents.
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