Union Pacific Rail Trail and Round Valley Loop

This route offers a diverse experience. The Union Pacific Rail Trail is primarily gravel, with some paved sections, especially closer to Park City. It's generally flat or has a gentle grade. The Round Valley Loop, however, presents a mix, from broad cindered paths and fast, flowy singletrack to more technically challenging sections with rock gardens and sandstone slabs. You'll navigate sagebrush and oak landscapes.

The Round Valley Loop is known for being one of the earliest trail systems in Park City to be snow-free in the spring, making it a great option for an early season ride. Generally, spring through fall offers the best conditions for both parts of the trail, allowing you to enjoy the green scenery and avoid winter snow.

Yes, the Union Pacific Rail Trail is open to dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. The Round Valley trails are also generally dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is under control and follow local leash laws and etiquette.

The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park typically does not require permits or charge entrance fees for day use. It's a multi-use pathway designed for public access. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest information on the Visit Utah website or the official state park site for any updates on regulations or fees.

You can access the combined route from various points. A common starting point is near Prospector Square in Park City, which offers convenient access to the Union Pacific Rail Trail. From there, a paved connector links directly into the Round Valley trail system. Parking is generally available in designated areas around Park City that serve the rail trail and local trail networks.

The Union Pacific Rail Trail offers diverse scenery, from developed areas of Park City to rolling farmland, wildlife-rich wetlands near Silver Creek Canyon, and expansive views of the Wasatch Mountain Range. The Round Valley Loop provides beautiful vistas, especially during the green season, with velvety rolling hills dotted with oak trees.

Yes, this route is a combination of two extensive trail systems. It primarily follows sections of the Union Pacific Rail Trail and integrates with the Round Valley Loop network. Along the way, you'll also encounter segments of trails like the Silver Creek Trail, Quinns Junction Paved Connector, Silver Quinn Trail, and Hat Trick Trail, among many others within the Round Valley area.

The Union Pacific Rail Trail portion is generally considered easy with a mostly flat grade, making it very beginner-friendly. However, the Round Valley Loop introduces more moderate physical difficulty and can include technically challenging singletrack sections. Beginners should be prepared for varied terrain and potentially choose the broader cindered pathways within Round Valley for an easier experience.

Along the Union Pacific Rail Trail, you might encounter wildlife in the wetlands near Silver Creek Canyon, and there's a possibility of seeing loose cattle in certain areas. In Round Valley, grazing cows are common, and their hoof marks can sometimes affect the trail surface. Always maintain a respectful distance from animals.

While the trail itself is largely undeveloped, you'll find amenities in the communities it passes through, particularly in Park City and other towns like Wanship, Hoytsville, and Coalville. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially for the longer sections, and plan stops in towns for restrooms or resupply.

A great strategy is to start on the Union Pacific Rail Trail from Park City, which offers a gentle incline heading out. This makes the return trip generally downhill and faster. You can then connect to the Round Valley trails via a paved spur directly from the rail trail, allowing you to transition from the mellower rail trail to the more diverse terrain of Round Valley. This combination offers a varied and engaging gravel biking experience.