The best cycling routes around Cottonwood Heights

Cottonwood Heights offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 75 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, ranging from easy riverside paths to challenging mountain ascents.

Yes, Cottonwood Heights has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Jordan River Parkway – View of the Jordan River loop from Fashion Place West, an 11.8-mile paved trail that follows the scenic Jordan River corridor with minimal elevation gain.

Experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge will find plenty of options in Cottonwood Heights. Routes like the Mill D North Fork Trailhead loop from Pine Cove East offer substantial climbs and panoramic mountain views over 34 miles. Another demanding route is the Dimple Dell East Trail loop from Union Park Ave @ 7175 S, which covers 31.1 miles with significant elevation changes.

Many touring cycling routes in Cottonwood Heights are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Little Mountain Summit – Knudsen's Park loop from Midvale Center, which is a longer, more challenging loop, and the previously mentioned Jordan River Parkway loop for an easier ride.

The terrain in Cottonwood Heights is quite diverse. You'll find extensive paved multi-use paths like the Jordan River Parkway, ideal for smooth rides. For more adventurous touring, there are mixed-terrain options with dirt, gravel, and crushed stone surfaces, particularly in areas connecting to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail or within Dimple Dell Regional Park.

Touring cycling routes in Cottonwood Heights offer stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley. You can also encounter natural attractions like Lake Blanche, the Bells Canyon Lower Falls, and various mountain peaks such as Mount Olympus. The Jordan River Parkway also provides serene views of the river and local wildlife.

The touring cycling routes in Cottonwood Heights are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from challenging mountain climbs with breathtaking views to the peaceful, flat paths along the Jordan River. The variety of routes catering to all ability levels is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Cottonwood Heights is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which is served by Utah Transit Authority (UTA) buses and TRAX light rail. Many routes and trailheads, especially those closer to urban centers or along the Jordan River Parkway, are accessible via public transport, often with bike racks available on buses.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and parks throughout Cottonwood Heights. For routes accessing the Jordan River Parkway, you can often find parking at adjacent parks or designated trail access points. For mountain-oriented routes, specific trailheads like those for Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons usually have parking facilities, though these can fill up during peak times.

The best time for touring cycling in Cottonwood Heights is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and mountain routes are free of snow. Lower elevation paths like the Jordan River Parkway can be enjoyed year-round, though winter rides may require appropriate gear for colder temperatures.

Yes, Cottonwood Heights offers several longer touring cycling routes for those seeking extended rides. The Dimple Dell East Trail – Knudsen's Park loop from Midvale Center is a substantial 47.2-mile route, providing a significant distance challenge with varied terrain and considerable elevation gain.