The best gravel rides in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes. Our guide features over 20 trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for exploration across the region.

Gravel biking in Salt Lake County offers incredibly diverse terrain. You'll find everything from hard-packed gravel and dirt forest service roads to less technical singletrack. The landscape is shaped by the surrounding Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, ancient Lake Bonneville shorelines, and numerous canyons, providing a mix of valley routes and challenging mountain ascents.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in Salt Lake County. The Wasatch Range and Oquirrh Mountains provide stunning backdrops with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. While some lower elevation trails might be accessible in winter, higher mountain routes can be snow-covered.

Yes, Salt Lake County features several excellent loop gravel bike trails. For example, the East Basin loop via Silver Quinn Trail — Park City offers varied terrain, while the McPolin Barn – Swaner Nature Preserve loop from Deer Valley takes you through natural preserves. Another option is the Swaner Nature Preserve – McPolin Barn loop from Summit Park.

While many routes in Salt Lake County offer challenging ascents, there are options for less experienced riders. The region's extensive network includes sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that are more accessible, and areas like Farmington Bay offer high-speed gravel rides with minimal traffic. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances for a more relaxed experience.

For advanced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Salt Lake County delivers. Routes like Park City to Hefner via Union Pacific Rail Trail — Summit County offer long stretches and significant elevation. The Bountiful Peak – Farmington Lakes loop from Woods Cross is another difficult option with substantial climbing. Exploring canyons like City Creek and Emigration also provides tougher gravel adventures.

Salt Lake County's gravel trails often lead through stunning natural landscapes and past notable landmarks. You can explore the ancient shorelines of Lake Bonneville, ride near the Great Salt Lake, or traverse scenic canyons like Millcreek Canyon and Parley's Canyon. Highlights include viewpoints such as Mill B Overlook and Emigration Canyon Viewpoint, or even the unique Bear Canyon suspension bridge.

Absolutely. Many gravel routes in Salt Lake County offer breathtaking views. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail provides panoramic vistas of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake. Routes that climb into the Wasatch Mountains, such as those accessing Skyline Drive above Bountiful, offer expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Exploring canyons like Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood also provides stunning natural scenery.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Salt Lake County, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 8 reviews. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse terrain, from challenging mountain ascents to scenic valley routes, and the stunning natural beauty provided by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains. The variety of surfaces, including hard-packed gravel and dirt forest service roads, is also a popular highlight.

For those seeking longer endurance rides, Salt Lake County has options. The Park City to Hefner via Union Pacific Rail Trail — Summit County is a significant route, spanning over 69 miles (111 km) and following a historic rail trail with extensive gravel sections. Other routes like the McPolin Barn – Union Pacific Rail Trail loop from Deer Valley also offer substantial distances.

While popular areas can see more traffic, Salt Lake County's vast network of trails offers opportunities for quieter rides. Exploring the desert trails west of Corner Canyon and past Yellow Fork, or the twisty climbing mining trails beyond Tooele, can provide a more secluded experience away from the main hubs. Look for routes that venture further into the U.S. National Forest lands accessible from canyons like Big Cottonwood and Millcreek for less crowded paths.

Yes, Salt Lake County prioritizes the preservation of undeveloped areas for recreation. Corner Canyon Regional Park is a prime example, offering extensive trail systems suitable for biking, and it connects to the broader Bonneville Shoreline Trail. These parks and open spaces provide a mix of terrain and scenic beauty for gravel cyclists.