The best road cycling routes in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County offers a wide array of road cycling routes, with over 180 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The terrain in Salt Lake County is incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from the demanding climbs and spectacular alpine scenery of the Wasatch Mountains, particularly in canyons like Emigration, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood, to the relatively flat and verdant corridors along the Jordan River Parkway Trail and Legacy Parkway Trail. The region also features routes with expansive views around the Great Salt Lake, such as the Antelope Island Loop.

Yes, Salt Lake County has several excellent options for beginners and families. The City Creek Canyon Trail offers a scenic and often car-free experience near Salt Lake City. The Jordan River Parkway Trail is another extensive, paved, and relatively flat path, perfect for leisurely rides. The Legacy Parkway Trail also provides a flat, scenic, and low-traffic option.

For challenging climbs, head to the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains. Emigration Canyon is renowned for its consistent ascent, while Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons offer dramatic, rugged views and significant elevation gains. Routes like Little Mountain Summit – Big Mountain Pass loop from University of Utah and Holladay City Park – Guardsman Pass loop from Meadowbrook provide substantial challenges with rewarding descents and views.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning scenery. The Wasatch Boulevard provides elevated views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. The Antelope Island Loop offers panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake and opportunities to spot wildlife. For specific viewpoints, consider routes that pass by the Living Room (Viewpoint), which offers expansive vistas.

Salt Lake County features several popular loop routes. The Little Mountain Summit – Utah's Hogle Zoo loop from Stadium is a favorite, incorporating segments of Emigration Canyon. Another option is the Little Mountain Summit – Parleys Canyon loop from Skyline High School. The Antelope Island Loop also provides a unique approximately 25-mile cycling experience with expansive lake views.

Yes, Salt Lake City's public transport system, UTA (Utah Transit Authority), offers options for accessing various trailheads. Many buses are equipped with bike racks, and the TRAX light rail system can also transport bikes, making it possible to reach different starting points for your road cycling adventures.

Many popular road cycling routes in Salt Lake County have designated parking areas or trailheads. For instance, Emigration Canyon is known for its easy access and ample shoulders. Wasatch Boulevard also serves as a popular starting point due to its accessibility and connections to several canyons. The Jordan River Parkway Trail has numerous access points with parking along its extensive length.

The best time for road cycling in Salt Lake County is generally from spring through fall. The autumn months are particularly vibrant in canyons like Big and Little Cottonwood, offering breathtaking scenery. While some lower elevation routes may be accessible in winter, many mountain roads and canyon climbs can be affected by snow and ice, making spring and summer ideal for higher elevations.

While many road cycling routes focus on mountain passes and canyon roads, some areas offer proximity to natural water features. For instance, the Bells Canyon area, accessible via routes like Little Mountain Summit – Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead loop from Midvale Center, is home to the beautiful Bells Canyon Lower Falls. Higher up in the Wasatch Mountains, you can find stunning alpine lakes such as Lake Blanche and Lake Catherine, though these might require a short hike off the main road.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Salt Lake County, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 33 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain climbs to scenic valley rides, and the stunning natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. The well-maintained roads and variety of routes for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Salt Lake County offers several long-distance road cycling options for those seeking extended rides. Routes such as the Wasatch Viewpoint on Bike Path – Legacy Nature Preserve loop from 900 South can take you on journeys of over 80 kilometers. The extensive Jordan River Parkway Trail also allows for significant mileage, connecting various parks and urban areas along its nearly 73-kilometer length.

Many road cycling routes in Salt Lake County are easily accessible from urban areas, meaning you'll often find coffee shops, cafes, and other amenities nearby. Routes starting from Salt Lake City, such as the City Creek Canyon Trail, or those passing through towns like Holladay, offer convenient access to refreshments before or after your ride.