This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
From the mountain loops in the north to the slickrock trails in the south, Utah is known for its top-notch bike trails. While there are dozen to try, here are The Tribune's list of Top 10 Utah rides.
1. Mid Mountain
Moderate- to intermediate-level trail with a couple of technical areas.
Details • It's not the views or the sweet rolling single track that makes this trail the best in Utah, it's the options it gives riders. This trail above Park City is frequently ridden from Deer Valley Resort to Canyons, with most riders taking a shuttle back to Deer Valley. One favorite route is to take the Spiro trail from Park City, over to Deer Valley, explore and then work your way over to Canyons before riding the road or trail back to the Spiro trailhead. Leaving your car here cuts the need for a shuttle.
2. Slickrock
Intermediate to expert trail with rocky ledges and short steep climbs.
Details • This is the trail that put Utah on the map as a mountain-biking mecca. Everyone should pay homage, by leaving a little skin and blood, on this classic 12-mile trail in Moab.
3. Wasatch Crest
Moderate to technical trail with a few challenging climbs and a couple of technical areas that can be walked.
Details • The amazing views make this one of Utah's most popular rides. It is often ridden by starting above Big Cottonwood, then heading down into Mill Creek. Another good option is to start at the Spiro trail in Park City, then ride up and over.
4. Bonneville Shoreline
Moderate ride with a few technical spots to navigate.
Details • This trail stretches from one end of the valley to the other and has redefined "lunch break" for many a rider who has taken advantage of its proximity to cities for a quick spin. It's a mostly rolling trail with a few rocky sections.
5. White Rim
Moderate with a few technical spots to navigate.
Details • A 100-mile loop through Canyonlands in southeastern Utah that can be explored with overnight camping or a one-day epic ride. Get a permit, then get some fun.
6. Dark Hollow
Intermediate to expert, due to the technical, rocky areas and tight switchbacks.
Details • Still a well-kept secret near Brian Head ski resort, this trail swoops downhill in Parowan in a test of riders' technical skills.
7. Gooseberry Mesa
Intermediate to expert.
Details • A beautiful mesa near Zion National Park offers single-track, technical areas and will test your ability to navigate dips and ledges.
8. Porcupine Rim
Moderate to expert. Strong moderate riders can handle this, but it does have some areas that should be walked.
Details • Known as Moab's best downhill, this advanced technical trail has one grunt to the Rim, then paces riders down a long descent. But don't let the word "descent" fool you; riders need to be in good shape for this ride.
9. Mueller Park
Easy to moderate. One of the friendlier trails for beginners, after an initial stiff first climb.
Details • A wonderful, gentle single-track ride that starts above Bountiful, this can be ridden as an out-and-back or a loop with a bit of road riding back to the car. Popular for its shaded areas in summer and family-friendly gradients.
10. Blackhawk loop
Moderate to intermediate. Lots of variety to make several levels of riders happy.
Details • This single-track loop in Payson Canyon offers good options to explore the Nebo Loop area.