The best traffic-free bike rides in Salt Lake County

Komoot offers nearly 40 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Salt Lake County. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 19 easy, 17 moderate, and 1 difficult option to explore.

For an easy, flat ride, consider the Riverfront Parks loop from Fashion Place West or the Riverfront Parks – View of the Jordan River loop from Draper. These routes follow the Jordan River Parkway, offering a leisurely experience away from vehicle traffic. The Jordan River Parkway and Legacy Parkway Trail are generally known for their flatter, paved paths.

Yes, for a more challenging experience, the Big Water Trailhead – Elbow Fork Trailhead loop from Holladay is a difficult route with significant elevation gain. While not entirely car-free, routes like Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon offer serious climbs and stunning mountain views, often with wide shoulders or dedicated lanes, though they may have some vehicle traffic.

Salt Lake County's routes offer diverse scenery. You can cycle through the protected nature preserve of City Creek Canyon, or enjoy views of the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range. Some routes might bring you close to the Great Salt Lake, offering unique landscapes. Highlights you might encounter include the Utah State Capitol, the Emigration Canyon Viewpoint, or the Mill B Overlook.

The best time for road cycling in Salt Lake County is generally from spring through fall. Summers offer warm, dry conditions, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Some higher elevation routes in the Wasatch Mountains may be inaccessible due to snow in winter, but lower elevation paths like the Jordan River Parkway can often be ridden year-round, weather permitting.

Yes, City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular and largely car-free paved route directly accessible from Salt Lake City's center, especially during designated car-free hours. The Jordan River Parkway and Legacy Parkway Trail also offer extensive paved paths that are separated from vehicle traffic.

Parking availability varies by route. For routes like the City Creek Canyon Trail, you can often find parking near the canyon's entrance in downtown Salt Lake City. For routes along the Jordan River Parkway, there are numerous access points with parking lots in various parks along its length. It's advisable to check specific route details for recommended parking areas.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Salt Lake County, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning mountain backdrops, the variety of routes from flat river paths to challenging canyon climbs, and the accessibility of car-free options like City Creek Canyon directly from the city.

Many routes, especially those originating near Salt Lake City, are accessible via public transport. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates buses and TRAX light rail, some of which can accommodate bicycles. For routes like City Creek Canyon, you can easily cycle to the trailhead from downtown public transport stops. Check UTA schedules and bike policies for specific routes.

Yes, several loop routes are available. For example, the Big Water Trailhead – Elbow Fork Trailhead loop from Holladay offers a challenging loop. The Riverfront Parks routes also provide loop options along the Jordan River. Many of the multi-use paths like the Jordan River Parkway can be combined to create various loop configurations.

Routes closer to urban areas, such as the entrance to City Creek Canyon or sections of the Jordan River Parkway, will have cafes, restaurants, and other amenities nearby. For routes deeper into the canyons, amenities become scarcer, so it's recommended to carry sufficient water and snacks. Wasatch Boulevard, connecting the mouths of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, also has some services.