The best MTB trails in Salt Lake County

Experience challenging mountain biking on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Dry Creek, and Bobsled Loop with city views and a thrilling downhi

Tackle the difficult Big Mountain Loop via Great Western Trail, a 20.8-mile mountain biking route with 3312 feet of elevation gain.

Experience the challenging Terror Ridge and Bobsled Loop mountain biking trails, a 7.2-mile ride with stunning views near Salt Lake City.

The Emigration Canyon Miners Trail offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, starting with gentle grades before progressively challenging you with loose rocks and steep, rough sections. As you climb this difficult 7.0-mile (11.3 km) route, you'll pass through changing landscapes, from scrub oak to forested areas, and enjoy scenic overlooks of Red Butte Canyon and distant views of Salt Lake City. With 2038 feet (621 metres) of elevation gain, it's a workout that rewards you with varied terrain and impressive vistas.

Planning your ride on this trail is straightforward, given its proximity to downtown Salt Lake City. It's a popular spot, and you can bring your dog along, as some areas allow off-leash activity. While accessible year-round, the best time for Emigration Canyon mountain biking is from spring through fall; winter rides might require special gear due to snow. The trail's progressive difficulty means you can choose how far to push yourself, making it adaptable for different skill levels, though the full 1 hour and 34 minutes ride is a significant effort.

Beyond the ride itself, the Emigration Canyon area is rich in history, serving as a significant route for pioneers and the Pony Express. The Miners Trail specifically follows an old jeep trail used to access now-gated mines, with an old mine entrance still visible if you know where to look. This blend of natural beauty, historical context, and a challenging ride makes it a notable destination for mountain bikers in the Salt Lake City area.

The Tunnel to Corner Canyon – Peakview Trailhead loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience with a mix of terrain and stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. You'll navigate through both doubletrack and singletrack sections, encountering loose ground and some steep climbs that keep the ride engaging. This moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) loop, with its 1343 feet (409 metres) of elevation gain, provides a rewarding workout that typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Corner Canyon trail system is easily accessible from Draper and offers ample parking. Its lower altitude means a longer riding season compared to higher Wasatch trails, making it a great option for early spring or late fall. The interconnected network allows for many customizable loops, so you can tailor your adventure to your fitness and skill level.

What truly sets this area apart is its vast and versatile trail network, making it a mountain biking gem in the Salt Lake Valley. The Peak View trail, a key component of this loop, is even suitable for Adaptive Mountain Bikes (aMTB), highlighting the system's inclusive design. It's a fantastic choice for intermediate riders looking for a well-maintained system with diverse challenges and beautiful scenery.

The Maple Hollow Trailhead Park mountain biking trails routes offer a diverse network where you can craft your own adventure, often combining sections that wind through forested areas of oak brush and maple. As you climb, you'll be treated to scenic views of the Salt Lake Valley, making the effort worthwhile. This moderate 6.1-mile (9.8 km) loop, with 845 feet (258 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete, providing a satisfying ride for intermediate mountain bikers.

Planning your visit to Maple Hollow Trailhead Park is straightforward, with amenities like running water and a bathroom available at the trailhead. Parking is generally ample, but arriving earlier in the day is recommended, especially on weekends. The best season for mountain biking here is usually from May through November, but always check trail conditions, as wet weather can make shaded sections of the trail very slippery and hazardous.

This area is particularly notable for its customizable mountain biking loops, allowing riders to combine trails like South Maple Hollow for climbing with other segments for varied descents. While the expert-level Maple Hollow DH is downhill-only, this particular loop offers a balanced experience. The views of Utah Valley, including Utah Lake, and the Wasatch mountains to the east are a highlight, adding to the appeal of this Draper, Utah mountain biking destination.

This demanding mountain biking route, the Maple Hollow Trailhead Park – Peakview Trailhead loop, offers a true test of skill and endurance near the Draper Utah Temple. You'll navigate a mix of singletrack and challenging terrain, with climbs through forested sections of oak brush and maple, eventually opening up to expansive views of Utah Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. The trail's 21.0 miles (33.8 km) and 2958 feet (901 metres) of elevation gain make it a difficult undertaking, typically requiring around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is key, as the prime season runs from May to November, though some south-facing slopes can be ridden in winter. Trailheads in the Maple Hollow area usually provide convenient amenities like parking and restrooms. Always verify current trail conditions, especially if you're considering the more advanced mountain biking routes around Peakview Trailhead, as some sections can be technical with loose surfaces.

This loop is part of the extensive Corner Canyon trail system, known for its diverse offerings that cater to various skill levels, from easier intermediate singletrack to expert-level downhill runs. The area's unique geography provides stunning scenic viewpoints, making the effort worthwhile for the vistas alone. It's a fantastic option for experienced riders looking for a substantial challenge and a rewarding day out on the trails.