Top 5 Places for Mountain Biking in Utah- Brent lott
My name is Brent Lott. Keep reading if you would like to know the top best places for Mountain Biking in Utah.
Life in Orem, Utah has its own pace and offers wonderful opportunities for anyone in love with nature and willing to explore its nooks and crannies. I’ve lived here my entire life and every time I take my bike out for a ride I feel like there’s a new adventure ahead of me. Mountain biking has been my hobby ever since I was old enough to sit on a bike and I think it’s one of the best ways of experiencing the world.
Even with 9 grandchildren, I still try to find the time for a ride once a week, usually with my old friend Patrick. We take turns picking a trail for mountain biking every week and we make a friendly competition out of it. Every time my friend Patrick says to me: “Brent Lott, I’ll get you next week, you can count on it.”
Mountain biking is an extreme branch of cycling, mainly related to cycling across challenging terrains such as forests, hills, narrow muddy roads, parks or anything that can be labeled as “off-road”. The bike used for this type of ride is different from the standard one and it requires knowledge of the terrain.
As a sport, it began to develop in the 1970s and to this day a large number of bicycle models and equipment have been developed to meet the requirements of mountain biking. It’s a perfect sport when you have vast and beautiful landscapes ahead of you, and the solid ground below, which is where Utah shines. Here are some of my favorite biking trails around Utah, each requiring a different approach and offering a different perspective.
One of the most awe-inspiring tracks, this one is a must for all mountain biking enthusiasts. It’s a part of the Thunder Mountain trail and is very close to Bryce Canyon National Park. This trail is one of the most popular ones in the area and for a good reason, with a length of 24 miles and an amazing view its a great fit for everyone.
In the close vicinity of Park City, this trail offers many options with smaller paths and loops that offer shortcuts. The main track is around 22 miles long and goes through multiple different environments. From flowery meadows to dense forests, but the Mid Mountain part is where the challenge of this trail lies. The biggest advantage here is that there is a great number of smaller paths one can take for a change of scenery or challenge, and some can be used as shortcuts for a quicker descent if the trail turns out too difficult.
In between Park City and the Salt Lake Valley, lies Wasatch Crest trail which is extremely popular not only for mountain bikers but rock climbers and snowboarders among others. There are a few options available to you when deciding on how to approach this trail. You can start from Park City to experience the trail in its entirety, or start from the Guardsman Pass, which is a more crowded and popular approach but requires a car shuttle. This trail goes along the top of a mountain so it can get tricky during bad weather and especially during winter, but It is well worth it.
Another one with many branches and smaller paths that loop back to the main trail. This trail really shines during the fall, when the color orange takes over and aspen trees litter the landscape. It’s connected to many other trails like Art Nord and the Snowbasin Resort trail so you can make every ride here feel fresh by taking a different turn.
Another one in close proximity to Salt Lake City, the Rush Trail is ideal for accommodating different types of riders. Whether you’re a downhill or a cross-country rider, this trail has something to offer you. Its paths were built with multiple types of riders in mind. However, with the downhill road, this trail really lives up to its name, offering an adrenaline rush in a way that few others can. With many tight turns and gaps as it meets the valley below, this is the trail to take if the thrill of speed is what you’re after.
Although certain physical predispositions are necessary to deal with mountain biking, there are many levels to this sport, varying from professional to recreational. If you’re more interested in the experience itself than in being competitive, feel free to give this amazing hobby a try, especially if you live in Utah. it might end up being your favorite as well.
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