The best MTB trails in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 120 routes available for exploration. These trails cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains.

While many trails in Salt Lake County are rated moderate to difficult, there are options suitable for beginners. For instance, the Maple Hollow Trailhead Park loop from Maple Hollow Trailhead Park is a moderate 10.3 km route that offers a good introduction to the area's riding. The region's diverse terrain ensures there are accessible trails with steady climbs and scenic views, particularly along sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Advanced riders will find plenty of challenging terrain in Salt Lake County. The Big Mountain Loop via Great Western Trail is a difficult 33.4 km trail through the Wasatch Mountains, featuring significant elevation changes. Another option is the Emigration Canyon Miners Trail, a difficult 11.3 km route with over 600 meters of elevation gain.

Absolutely. Salt Lake County is renowned for its stunning vistas. Trails like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Dry Creek, and Bobsled Loop offer panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline. The Wasatch Crest Trail, though not specifically listed in the guide's routes, is also celebrated for its incredible high-alpine views of the Wasatch Mountain range.

Yes, many mountain bike trails in Salt Lake County are designed as loops, providing varied scenery without retracing your path. Examples include the Mountainbike loop from The Avenues, a difficult 14.6 km route, and the Tunnel to Corner Canyon – Peakview Trailhead loop from Draper Utah Temple, a moderate 13.8 km option.

Salt Lake County's trails often pass by or lead to impressive natural features. You can encounter stunning mountain passes like Big Mountain Pass and Guardsman Pass. For those seeking water features, Bells Canyon Lower Falls is a notable waterfall, and beautiful mountain lakes such as Lake Blanche and Lake Catherine are accessible in higher elevations.

The mountain biking experience in Salt Lake County is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs in the Wasatch Mountains to the technical elements of trails like the Bobsled, and the extensive network that caters to various skill levels.

While specific family-friendly ratings aren't always available, trails with moderate difficulty and less technical terrain are generally suitable for families. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail, with its steady climbs and scenic views, offers sections that can be enjoyed by families. Areas like Corner Canyon also provide a variety of trails, some of which are less demanding and more flow-oriented.

The best time for mountain biking in Salt Lake County is typically from late spring through early fall. During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and most trails, especially those at higher elevations in the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, are free of snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out, as conditions can vary with elevation and recent weather.

Yes, some trails incorporate interesting features. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail, for example, includes the notable Bear Canyon suspension bridge. Additionally, the region's geological history, shaped by the ancient Lake Bonneville, means you'll encounter unique landforms and remnants of this prehistoric lake along many routes.

Many of Salt Lake County's mountain biking areas, such as Corner Canyon in Draper and various access points along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, are known to have designated trailheads with parking. For specific routes, checking the tour details on komoot will often provide information on starting points and parking availability, such as the Peakview Trailhead – Maple Hollow Trailhead Park loop from Draper Utah Temple which starts near a known trailhead.

Salt Lake County's trail networks are quite extensive and offer connections. The Wasatch Crest Trail, for instance, is a renowned route that provides a unique connection between Salt Lake and Park City, offering an epic experience with incredible views. Within the county, trails like those in Mill Creek Canyon can connect to sections of the Wasatch Crest, allowing for longer, more integrated rides.