Ride On!
Photography: Steven Lloyd
MAP IT OUT
Summit County offers mountain bikers 340 miles of trails, ranging from mellow, winding rides through sage-filled meadows to grueling climbs and steep descents. Before heading for the hills, pick up a Mountain Trails Foundation map at a visitor center (525 Main Street or 1826 Olympic Boulevard), Jans Mountain Outfitters (1600 Park Avenue), Cole Sport (1615 Park Avenue), White Pine Touring (1685 Bonanza Drive), Dolly’s Bookstore (510 Main Street), Spotted Frog Bookstore (1635 W. Redstone Center Drive) or Starbucks (1700 Park Avenue).
Aside from creating THE map on local trails, this non-profit organization maintains those trails, educates users on conservation and works with landowners and government entities to promote and preserve trail access for non-motorized recreation. Trail information is available at www.mountaintrails.org or 435.649.6839.
TOP TRAILS
As Heinrich Deters of the Young Riders program points out, “If it’s too hard, it’s just not fun.” Hence, it’s best to categorize Park City’s “top” mountain biking trails by levels:
Beginner: Running approximately 28 miles from Park City to Echo, the Rail Trail offers plenty of flat and scenic terrain perfect for little ones or those adjusting to altitude. McLeod Creek also features wide paths for gentle riding. Round Valley trails are somewhat narrow, but generally obstacle-free with a mild grade.
Intermediate: Both Charlie Sturgis (co-author of “Prime Cuts,” a local mountain biking guide book) and Deters recommend the spectacular Mid Mountain Trail. Accessed by several trails, Mid Mountain offers variety and sheer distance (20+ miles). According to Sturgis, the ride can be “epic,” starting at Deer Valley and climbing and cruising all the way to The Canyons. Lost Prospector and Glenwild are similarly suited for beginning to intermediate riders, offering moderate climbs and descents plus stunning views.
Advanced: As Mountain Trails Director Carol Potter points out, the Spiro Trail is “straight-up,” but also one of the most popular intermediate-to-advanced routes in the summertime. For an all-day challenge, the Wasatch Crest Trail takes riders from the ridge between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City, through Mill Creek Canyon to Salt Lake City. Trails like Tour Des Suds can be accessed from Guardman’s Pass and numerous expert routes scattered from Deer Crest to the Canyons are well-marked on the Mountain Trails map. Keep in mind that tough rides require altitude acclimation as well as plenty of fluids.
YOUNG RIDERS
Founded in 1992, Young Riders is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport through youth cycling. The organization features a racing team as well as recreational programs, which are offered throughout the summer on a seasonal and drop-in basis.
Recreational rides are primarily morning adventures (from 9 a.m. to noon), but some afternoon rides are also available. Children and young adults, ages 6 to 18, are grouped by levels and gender; however, drop-in rides are co-ed and cater to a beginner to intermediate level. Pee Wees (6 and 7-year-olds) hit beginner trails for two hours as opposed to the older children’s three-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced rides. Week-long camps are available for $150 and single rides are $30 each (or $25 for Pee Wees). “We want it to be safe and enjoyable, and hopefully they’ll learn something too,” Deters said.
For more information, call 435.659.1188 or visit www.youngriders.com. Programs fill up quickly, so Deters recommends signing up as early as possible.
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