The best road cycling routes around Cottonwood Heights

Road cycling in Cottonwood Heights is characterized by its proximity to the Wasatch Mountains, offering significant elevation changes. Routes often ascend into scenic canyons like Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood, which are designated State Scenic Byways. You can expect challenging climbs with routes involving over 600 meters of elevation, and even up to 900 meters on more difficult paths. For instance, the Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead – Suncrest loop from Wailes features over 900 meters of elevation gain. The area also includes flatter, paved sections like the Jordan River Parkway Trail for easier rides.

Yes, Cottonwood Heights offers road cycling routes suitable for various fitness levels, including easier options. While many routes feature significant climbs, you can find paths with less elevation. For example, the Jordan River Parkway Trail provides a scenic, paved surface for more leisurely rides. Overall, there are 3 easy routes available in the area.

For challenging road cycling with substantial climbs, the canyons are your primary destination. Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon Roads (SR-190 and SR-210) are known for their steep grades and breathtaking alpine scenery. A particularly demanding route is the Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead – Suncrest loop from Wailes, which covers 53.2 km and features over 900 meters of elevation gain. Another route, the Sunrise Point – Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead loop from Big Cottonwood Creek, offers over 550 meters of elevation gain over 37.8 km.

Road cycling in Cottonwood Heights offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and access to scenic canyons. You can experience dramatic mountain backdrops and elevated views of the Salt Lake Valley, especially along Wasatch Boulevard. Routes often pass through the valleys of Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Creeks. Notable natural features and viewpoints in the vicinity include Mount Olympus and the View of Salt Lake Valley from Mount Olympus Trail. You might also encounter the Bear Canyon suspension bridge on some trails.

Yes, you can find road cycling routes that lead to or near waterfalls in Cottonwood Heights. The Hidden Falls – Moss Ledge Waterfall loop from Cottonwood Heights is a moderate 28.5 km route that features waterfalls. Additionally, the Bells Canyon Lower Falls is a notable waterfall in the area that can be accessed or viewed from certain routes.

For family-friendly road cycling, the Jordan River Parkway Trail offers a scenic, paved surface that is generally easier and safer for all ages. Additionally, various parks like Mountview Park, Golden Hills Park, and Bywater Park provide well-maintained trails suitable for casual biking amidst lush greenery and mountain views, which can be great for families.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Cottonwood Heights are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Examples include the popular Sunrise Point – Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead loop from Big Cottonwood Creek, the challenging Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead – Suncrest loop from Wailes, and the Parleys Canyon loop from Wasatch Blvd @ 8590 S.

The best time for road cycling in Cottonwood Heights is typically from spring through fall when the weather is mild and the canyon roads are clear of snow. While the area transforms into a winter wonderland for skiing, the higher elevation canyon roads can be challenging or inaccessible for road cycling during colder months due to snow and ice. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Beyond the stunning natural landscapes, road cycling routes in Cottonwood Heights are near several points of interest. You can find the Holladay City Park, which offers green spaces and recreational facilities. For those interested in natural beauty, Lake Blanche is renowned as one of the prettiest spots in the Wasatch Mountains and can be a destination for a combined cycling and hiking trip.

The road cycling routes around Cottonwood Heights are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging canyon climbs, the scenic byways, and the diverse options available for various fitness levels. Over 1600 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, indicating a popular and well-regarded cycling destination.

Yes, Cottonwood Heights supports its cycling community with local resources. The presence of a local bike shop, Cottonwood Cyclery, indicates that cyclists can find services, repairs, and gear within the area. Additionally, the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center offers fitness facilities, which could be useful for cyclists.

There are over 10 road cycling routes available in Cottonwood Heights, catering to a range of difficulties from easy to difficult. This includes 3 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for various skill levels and preferences.