The best MTB trails in the Wasatch Range

Experience challenging mountain biking on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Dry Creek, and Bobsled Loop with city views and a thrilling downhi

This difficult 28.9-mile mountain biking route on Kyhv Peak Road offers panoramic views of Utah Valley and Mount Timpanogos.

Tackle the difficult Big Mountain Loop via Great Western Trail, a 20.8-mile mountain biking route with 3312 feet of elevation gain.

Experience the challenging Terror Ridge and Bobsled Loop mountain biking trails, a 7.2-mile ride with stunning views near Salt Lake City.

The Emigration Canyon Miners Trail offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, starting with gentle grades before progressively challenging you with loose rocks and steep, rough sections. As you climb this difficult 7.0-mile (11.3 km) route, you'll pass through changing landscapes, from scrub oak to forested areas, and enjoy scenic overlooks of Red Butte Canyon and distant views of Salt Lake City. With 2038 feet (621 metres) of elevation gain, it's a workout that rewards you with varied terrain and impressive vistas.

Planning your ride on this trail is straightforward, given its proximity to downtown Salt Lake City. It's a popular spot, and you can bring your dog along, as some areas allow off-leash activity. While accessible year-round, the best time for Emigration Canyon mountain biking is from spring through fall; winter rides might require special gear due to snow. The trail's progressive difficulty means you can choose how far to push yourself, making it adaptable for different skill levels, though the full 1 hour and 34 minutes ride is a significant effort.

Beyond the ride itself, the Emigration Canyon area is rich in history, serving as a significant route for pioneers and the Pony Express. The Miners Trail specifically follows an old jeep trail used to access now-gated mines, with an old mine entrance still visible if you know where to look. This blend of natural beauty, historical context, and a challenging ride makes it a notable destination for mountain bikers in the Salt Lake City area.

The Armstrong Trail offers a quintessential Park City mountain biking experience, guiding you through deep conifer forests and vibrant aspen groves. This singletrack climb is known for its gentle, sustained uphill grade, making it a less technical ascent than some other local trails. You'll enjoy ample shade, glimpses of old mining ruins, and views of the ski lift as you cross Thaynes Canyon, all while surrounded by diverse and picturesque scenery.

Planning your ride on this popular trail means being aware of its uphill-only designation for cyclists, though it is multi-use for hikers and horses. To avoid the busiest times, especially on weekends, aim for weekday rides or early mornings and evenings. Remember that the trail reaches elevations around 8,000 feet above sea level, so be prepared for the altitude.

This moderate 11.1-mile (17.9 km) loop, with 1641 feet (500 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes, is a crucial connector in Park City's trail network. It serves as a gateway to many other routes, including the Mid-Mountain Trail and Spiro Trail, allowing riders to create various extended loops. It's an excellent choice for strong advanced-beginners or conditioned intermediates looking for a rewarding climb and access to further adventures.

The Tunnel to Corner Canyon – Peakview Trailhead loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience with a mix of terrain and stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. You'll navigate through both doubletrack and singletrack sections, encountering loose ground and some steep climbs that keep the ride engaging. This moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) loop, with its 1343 feet (409 metres) of elevation gain, provides a rewarding workout that typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Corner Canyon trail system is easily accessible from Draper and offers ample parking. Its lower altitude means a longer riding season compared to higher Wasatch trails, making it a great option for early spring or late fall. The interconnected network allows for many customizable loops, so you can tailor your adventure to your fitness and skill level.

What truly sets this area apart is its vast and versatile trail network, making it a mountain biking gem in the Salt Lake Valley. The Peak View trail, a key component of this loop, is even suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes (aMTB), highlighting the system's inclusive design. It's a fantastic choice for intermediate riders looking for a well-maintained system with diverse challenges and beautiful scenery.

The Scenic Dirt Path – Park City Downtown loop offers an intense mountain biking adventure, winding through Park City's varied terrain. You'll navigate challenging sections with incredible views of the mountains and historic town, passing through forested areas and aspen groves. Expect a mix of technical climbs and flowy descents, particularly on trails like Sweeney Switchbacks and the true blue ribbon twisty John's Trail, making it a demanding yet rewarding 16.5-mile (26.5 km) ride.

This difficult route, with its 2594 feet (791 metres) of elevation gain, is best suited for advanced riders with good fitness levels, taking approximately 2 hours and 57 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible from Park City itself, allowing you to start your adventure directly from town. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the town's extensive trail network ensures convenient access points for mountain bikers.

Park City holds the distinction of being the first Gold Level Ride Center designated by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), boasting nearly 500 miles of purpose-built singletrack. This loop is a prime example of the region's commitment to mountain biking, linking several well-known trails like The Gravedigger to provide a comprehensive taste of Park City riding without needing an entire day. It's a testament to the interconnectedness of the local trail system.