Mountain Biking Utah How to Get Started
Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and get fit. Gear to get started, first and foremost you need a good not excellent new mountain bike or used one. If you are concerned the sport may not be for you, several shops have bikes and gear for rent to get you on your way. Some shops offer classes on the sport if you are feeling really apprehensive about getting started. It’s a great way to learn how to operate the mechanics of the bike, like shifting gears and a very important aspect of braking. Take it slow in the beginning with easy trails and short rides till you get the feel of it. Other important gear you will need is a very good helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, and good goggles. That ought to get you off to a great start in the sport of mountain biking.
Mountain Biking Utah’s Top Ten Trails in Our Opinion
Top of our list is The Whole Enchilada
A challenging, beautiful trail ride that will take your breath away. Trailhead begins on top of La Sal Mountains and is a 26.5 mile ride descending 7000 feet to the Colorado River. The descent on the Whole Enchilada Trail will get the adrenaline pumping with it’s technical terrain. A very rewarding and challenging ride. Trail is mostly rode down but can be ridden up, which is very difficult. Make sure to pay attention at all times of your surrounds, this trail is busy especially on the weekends with other riders. You can take a shuttle to the top or hike which is 5 miles with a 2000 foot elevation gain.
Our second choice is Moab’s own Slick Rock Trail
Trail is so named for slick rock Navajo sandstone. A very popular and fun ride with locals and tourist.
Awesome trail for advanced and intermediate riders.
Our third pick is Wasatch Crest Trail
Mountain Biking Utah this a short 4.5 mile very cool scenic trail through Big Cottonwood Canyon. Or if you are up for the challenge leave from the Park City Trailhead. It’s an 18.1 mile ride taking eight and half hours roughly to complete due to it’s difficulty.
Wasatch Crest Trail if very popular with mountain bikers, hikers, backpackers and campers due to its stunning views. Best time to ride is June into October depending on weather. No dogs are allowed on trail.
Slick Rock Graphic Hoodie is Sun Protective UPF-50 with built in Facemask.
Pick Four is Porcupine Rim Trail
Porcupine Rim Trail is a 18 mile extremely technical trail that requires good fitness and excellent mountain biking skills. Terrain is quite Technical with drops, rocks and roots and has short steep climbs. Offering jaw dropping views of the Castle Valley, the Three Sisters and the Needles. Porcupine Rim Trail is best ridden with a shuttle starting at the top of the rim. Be respectful of others on the trail it is used by hikers and other mountain bikers.
Fifth Pick is White Rim Trail Mountain Biking Utah
White Rim Trail is a 103 mile loop trail ride in Canyonlands National Park. Trail has a variety of different types of terrain including dirt roads, sand and slick rock. It’s a Challenging trail of descents and steep climbs, narrow switchbacks. Trail ought to be attempted by experienced drivers and riders. Views of panoramas in Canyonlands National Park of the Colorado and Green Rivers, mesas, as well as the surrounding canyons. White Rim Trail is a popular 4 wheel drive trail, hiking, backpacking, and mountain bike destination in Utah.
Canyonlands National Park
Sixth on the List is Gooseberry Mesa Trail
Gooseberry Mesa Trail is located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Located close to Hurricane, Utah. Trail is a 13 mile loop. Gooseberry Mesa Trail has a reputation for challenging terrain that includes steep climbs, slickrock and rock gardens. Riders ought to be in good physical shape and experienced in technical terrain. Gooseberry Mesa Trail has some very beautiful views of the Virgin River Valley, Kolob Canyons, and Zion National Park. Other cool views from the trail are the Pine Valley Mountains, town of Springdale and Kolob Reservoir.
Pick Seven is Bonneville Shoreline Trail
.Bonneville Shoreline Trail is an incredible 280 mile multi-use trail system for equestrian, hiking, and bikers to enjoy an outdoor experience. Biking the Ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville has stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake Valley. Into eagles, hawks, and owls the Draper Raptor Observation Site is really great. Take a mountain bike ride along the Provo River starting at the Provo River Trailhead. Another popular ride and hike is the Parleys Canyon Trailhead. Lake Bonneville Shoreline Trail System is open year rounds. Respect others on the trails and respect the area Leave No Trace.
Eighth Pick is Dark Hollow Trail
Dark Hollow Trail is awesome 6 mile downhill intermediate to advanced 7.5% grade to the bottom. Trail has a few cool technical rock gardens and several stream crossings for a break. As well as Spectacular views of the area in every direction. Taking Dark Hollow Trail at full tilt will give you the sensation of flying. There are several shuttle services to take you to the top.
Nineth is Park City Mountain Resort Trails
.Park City Mountain Resort has several great trails, we’ve listed the few here we have ridden. Highest point on the mountain is Park City Peak with great views of the Wasatch Mountains. Great Challenging ride is Spiro Trail a Black Diamond Trail for experienced riders into a little air time. A fun intermediate trail in Mid-Mountain give you a view of the whole resort. The Mojave Trail is a Blue Trail that’s a bit more challenging than mid-mountain. If the family that ride together stays together this is a great family experience.
Last But Not Forgotten Tenth Pick is Mueller Park Canyon Trail
.Mueller Park Canyon Trail begins at the picnic area and climbs slowly through the forest to elephant rock. As you leave Elephant Rock trail heads to Ruby’s Flat. Mueller Park Canyon Trail is a popular well maintained with spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains. Trail is a 13 mile out and back trip. Mueller Park Canyon Trail is considered moderate to difficult in some areas. Stay aware riding trail is used by hikers, backpackers, and horseback riding.
Fly Fish Montana After Mountain Biking Utah
Utah can be a great and humbling experience, just as in Fly Fishing Montana Spring Creek or Yellowstone National Park
