Things to do / Travel Guide
Whether you prefer paved pathways or rough rides on mountain routes, northern Utah has hundreds if not thousands of miles on which to test your tires. Bike along the riverside trails in Provo and Ogden or sail around Salt Lake City's urban routes. Bike rentals are available at most mountain resorts as well as in Brigham City, Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo, Park City, Antelope Island State Park, Vernal, as well as other towns and communities.
Mountain Biking in Northern Utah
The Wasatch Crest Trail is arguably Salt Lake City's best for mountain biking. Follow the “Backbone of Utah” on a 20-mile intermediate-level cycling segment of the trail with steep hills and complex obstacles. To get to the Wasatch Crest Trail you will begin on the Big Water Trail, which you can pick up at the end of Mill Creek Canyon on the east side of the city. After 1.5 miles, veer onto the Wasatch Crest Trail (part of the larger, Great Western Trail).
The sweeping blue saltwater of the Great Salt Lake, the towering snow-capped summits of the Wasatch Mountain Range, and antelope and buffalo ambling along - these are just a few of the things you'll see as you blaze the 20 miles of trails offered on Antelope Island. You can get to Antelope Island by car via Antelope Drive, the seven-mile, two-lane road that runs from the mainland onto the island. The 9-mile White Rock Bay Loop is a favorite for its high ascents to Beacon Knob and fast-paced double-track back to the starting point.
Track the history of the Pacific Union Rail as you spin and speed your way from Park City to Echo Reservoir. Begin this gravel trail in Park City, and follow 28-miles of back roads through Wanship and Coalville, ending in Echo Reservoir. The path is mostly flat and suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Park City's Deer Valley Resort comes highly recommended, as Mountain Bike Action magazine called it one of the 10 best mountain biking destinations in the U.S. From spring-fall, take the Silver Lake Express or Wasatch Express chairlift up the mountain and choose from the 50 miles of easy, moderate, and difficult trails that crisscross the snow-free ski slopes that provide a wide range of challenging obstacles and breathtaking panoramas.
When it comes to alpine biking, the 14-mile world-class Ridge Trail 157 through Heber Valley is decidedly challenging and rewarding. Starting in Aspen Grove, this trail features quad-burning climbs and is part of the Great Western Trail; a notch in the belt of any multi-terrain biker. River-chiseled canyons and the towering top of Mt. Timpanogos are just a few of the treats you are in for on this ride.
Road Cycling in Northern Utah
The solid 28-mile safari ride through Bear River Bird Refuge, widely considered one of the best bird watching sites in the U.S., gives you the chance to see hundreds of rare and beautiful migratory and resident Utah species free-wheeling, perching, and nesting. Start in Brigham City and travel on Forest Street for 16 miles, when you enter the refuge, you will follow signs for vehicles along well-maintained dirt roads for a 12-mile loop through marsh, mud flat, and upland habitat.
Discover the quiet, tranquil ambience of northern Utah's pastoral country roads on this 32-mile easy ride between Brigham City and Golden Spike National Historic Site. Starting out on U.S. Highway 13 from Brigham City, after you pass Corinne get onto Highway 83. Once you pass Stinky Springs (honest, that's its name!) the road takes a turn around Little Mountain. Follow signs to Promontory and then switch into a lower gear as you climb the steep, 600-foot, two-miles to Golden Spike National Historic Site.
The eight-and-a-half mile Emigration Canyon Road ride starts out on Salt Lake City's Sunnyside Avenue just at the entrance to the Wasatch Mountain Range. Pedal past This is the Place State Park and travel up the summit to Little Mountain Pass where you'll get a great view of Mill Creek Ridge, Lookout Peak, and Upper Mountain Dell Reservoir. You can then continue on U.S. Highway 65 for several miles to Big Mountain Pass for an added visual bonus.
Nothing could capture the quintessential northern Utah experience better than zipping over the Great Salt Lake on two wheels. You can bike on Antelope Drive, the seven-mile, two-lane causeway (flat as a Midwestern road) that runs from the mainland onto the island, and then give yourself an island tour by riding another six miles to the northern tip, past ooltic (lime or calcium carbonate) sand beaches, glassy turquoise water, and gentle hills.
There is no better place to burn rubber than on the 82-mile Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway. A particularly beautiful, approximately-60-mile-long section starts on the Wyoming side of the Wyoming-Utah border or in Manila, Utah and follows U.S. Highway 191 down to Vernal. You will see a red rock river gorge, bighorn sheep, sheer cliffs, and craggy outcroppings along the way.
Biking Routes in Salt Lake City, Park City, Northern Utah
Biking
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