Gearhead's® Guide To Mountain Biking Salt Lake City

Gearhead’s® Guide To Mountain Biking Salt Lake City

Explore iconic trails, savor local cuisine, and experience the ultimate biking destination.

Salt Lake City is a mountain biking haven, offering a diverse array of trails for every skill level. Surrounded by the stunning Wasatch Mountains, this destination provides everything from thrilling downhill runs to scenic singletracks. With its vibrant local culture, top-tier dining, and easy access to world-class trails, Salt Lake City is a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Trail Highlights

Salt Lake Valley Trails

Why We Love It: The Salt Lake Valley Trails deliver diverse riding experiences with easy access to the city. From flowy descents to technical challenges, this area has it all.

Key Trails

I-Street Jumps: A globally recognized freeride spot featuring jumps and wooden elements for all skill levels.
19th Avenue: A flowing downhill trail with sustained excitement for intermediate riders.
Lost Lad: Experience gap jumps, berms, and a thrilling rush through forested sections.
Bobsled: Known for its iconic “rusty car gaps” and massive berms, this trail is a local favorite.
Terror Ridge: A steep, technical descent with sharp turns and jagged features.

Millcreek Canyon

Why We Love It: Millcreek Canyon’s serene environment and breathtaking views make it a perfect escape for riders of all abilities.

Key Trails

Pipeline: A scenic singletrack offering flow and mild technical sections for intermediate riders.
Upper Pipeline: Extends the Pipeline trail with challenging climbs and rewarding views.

Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons

Why We Love It: These iconic canyons offer rugged terrain, dramatic landscapes, and trails that challenge even the most seasoned riders.

Key Trails

Wasatch Crest To Millcreek: A demanding 28-mile route with climbs, descents, and stunning vistas.
Quarry Trail: A moderate trail that’s family-friendly with technical features for adventurous riders.
Big Mountain Trail: A long descent packed with switchbacks and tight berms.

Lift Service Resorts

Draper Trails

Why We Love It: Draper’s Corner Canyon Trail System is a treasure trove of flow trails, technical descents, and jumps. With something for everyone, this area is perfect for both training and casual rides.

Key Trails

Maple Hollow DH: Combines flowy sections with challenging switchbacks.
Vertigo: A wide, fast trail with massive berms and optional jumps.
Levitate: Features mandatory gap jumps for advanced riders.
Zooropa: A smooth trail with rolling terrain and fun berms.
Jacob’s Ladder: Known for its steep climbs and fast descents with rewarding views.
Carpe Diem: A flowing trail with exciting berms for intermediate riders.
Exit Stage Left (Rush): A fast-paced trail with quick transitions and sharp turns.
Limelight (Rush): Combines flowy sections with small jumps, making it engaging for all levels.

Gear Essentials For Every Ride

Wearable Riding Essentials

Hydration: Fanny pack, backpack, or vest.
Apparel: Jerseys, padded shorts or pants, and gloves.
Protection: Helmets, knee and elbow pads, and chest protectors.

Ride Kit Must-Haves

Flat Repair: Tire plugs, patch kit, CO2 inflator, and spare tubes.
Tools: Allen keys, chain tool, spoke wrench, and tire levers.
First Aid: Always carry emergency supplies and contact information.

Mountain Bike Resources

Navigating and optimizing your mountain biking adventures is seamless with the right tools. One standout resource for riders is Trailforks.

Why Trailforks is the Perfect On-Trail Tool

Trailforks is much more than a map app; it’s a comprehensive tool tailored for mountain bikers.

Extensive Trail Database: Access a vast, community-driven database with detailed information on trails, including descriptions, difficulty ratings, photos, and user reviews.
Offline Access: Download trail maps for offline use, ensuring you stay on track even in remote areas without cell service.
Trail Conditions: Stay updated with real-time reports on closures, maintenance, and conditions to avoid surprises on the trail.
Elevation Profiles and Heatmaps: Plan your ride with elevation charts and heatmaps, perfect for gauging difficulty and popularity.
Emergency Features: Utilize GPS tracking and location-sharing tools for added safety during rides.
Community Insights: Tap into valuable local knowledge contributed by other riders, including tips, hidden gems, and trail etiquette.

Salt Lake's network of famous trails can get overwhelming (even for us locals). Trailforks is a must-have tool for all riders, so you spend more time hooting and less time lost.

Bike Shops

Having the right gear and bike setup is essential for an unforgettable ride. Fortunately, SLC is home to excellent bike shops (including our very own!) that provide rentals, repairs, and expert advice:

Backcountry Retail Store

What we offer: Full-service bike shop with rentals and access to a vast inventory.
Why riders love it: Convenient location and expert staff who ensure you’re ride-ready.

Dining In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City / Millcreek Dining

Sit-Down Restaurants

Red Iguana: A legendary spot for Mexican cuisine, known for its flavorful mole sauces and vibrant atmosphere.
The Copper Onion: A Salt Lake staple serving creative farm-to-table dishes, including their famous house-made pasta.
HSL: This trendy eatery offers innovative American fare with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Eva: A cozy spot featuring small plates inspired by Mediterranean and American flavors.
Provisions: Elevated dining with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, serving modern American cuisine.
Takashi: Salt Lake City’s top sushi destination, offering creative rolls and fresh sashimi in a minimalist setting.
Settebello Pizzeria: An authentic Neapolitan pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas and simple, high-quality ingredients.
Finca: A Spanish-inspired restaurant serving tapas, paellas, and a curated wine selection.
Facil Taqueria: A vibrant taqueria offering modern takes on traditional tacos with bold, fresh flavors.
Tosh’s Ramen: A favorite for hearty, authentic ramen bowls in a welcoming atmosphere.

Quick Bites

Pretty Bird: Famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, served with perfectly crispy chicken and tangy slaw.
Millie’s Burgers: A retro-style burger joint serving classic American favorites, including juicy burgers and thick milkshakes.
Fillings and Emulsions: A bakery specializing in artisan pastries, tarts, and their renowned Cuban sandwiches.
Caputo’s: Known for gourmet deli sandwiches and a curated selection of imported cheeses and chocolates.
Tulie Bakery: A charming bakery offering artisan bread, pastries, and desserts made fresh daily.
3 Cups: A specialty coffee shop serving high-quality brews and light bites.
Real Taqueria: Authentic Mexican street food, known for its tacos filled with bold and fresh flavors.

Bars

TF Brewing: A locally loved brewery offering craft beers in a laid-back setting.
Fisher Brewing: A modern brewery with an impressive selection of small-batch beers and a dog-friendly vibe.
Beerhive: A classic downtown bar known for its ice-lined bar top and extensive beer menu.
Beer Bar: Features an expansive craft beer selection paired with gourmet sausages and fries.
Handle Bar: A bicycle-themed bar offering creative cocktails and a fun, casual atmosphere.
Whiskey Street: An upscale bar with an extensive whiskey collection and elevated bar fare.
Grid City Beer Works: A brewery focused on precision-brewed beers served in a lively, industrial space.
Water Witch: A cozy neighborhood bar known for its inventive cocktails and friendly staff.

Draper Dining

Sit-Down Restaurants

Montauk Bistro: A refined dining experience offering a diverse menu of creative dishes, perfect for a post-ride celebration.
Royal On Ridge: Known for its elegant ambiance and expertly crafted menu, this restaurant is a local favorite for upscale dining.
Garage Grill: A lively, car-themed grill offering hearty American fare, including burgers, steaks, and sandwiches.

Quick Bites

Oh Mai: A Vietnamese eatery specializing in banh mi sandwiches and flavorful pho, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
In-N-Out: A West Coast classic serving fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries.

Grocery Stores

Harmons Emigration Market: A high-end grocery store with a fantastic selection of fresh produce, artisan goods, and prepared meals.
Central 9th Market: A community market offering local products and specialty items.
Macey’s Parley’s Way: A convenient stop for everyday grocery essentials and fresh produce.

Cottonwood Canyons Dining

Sit-Down Restaurants

Cotton Bottom Inn: A local favorite known for its famous garlic burgers and laid-back atmosphere.
Porcupine Pub & Grille: Situated at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this pub serves hearty sandwiches, burgers, and refreshing drinks.
Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant: Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this cozy lodge offers rustic charm and comfort food like sourdough pancakes and hearty stews.
The Lodge Bistro: Located at Solitude Mountain Resort, this elegant bistro provides a menu of gourmet dishes paired with breathtaking mountain views.

Quick Bites

General Grits: A popular spot for quick and hearty Southern-style comfort food.
Lone Star Taqueria: Renowned for its fresh, authentic tacos and lively atmosphere.
In-N-Out: A classic West Coast burger joint serving fresh, made-to-order meals.
Spitz: Offers Mediterranean-inspired street food, including wraps, bowls, and fries loaded with unique toppings.

Bars / Pubs

Tram Club: A casual après-ski or ride bar at Snowbird Resort, offering cold drinks and comfort food.
Goldminer’s Daughter: Located at Alta, this bar provides a cozy spot for a post-ride drink with a warm, mountain lodge vibe.
Hog’s Wallow: Known for its live music, extensive drink menu, and rustic charm.
Molly Green’s: A charming slope-side pub with a relaxed atmosphere and hearty bar bites.

Hotels & Lodging In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City boasts a variety of lodging options, from premium hotels to Airbnb accommodations that cater specifically to mountain bikers. Many Airbnb properties in the Salt Lake Valley are designed with riders in mind, offering convenient access to trails and secure bike storage for added convenience.

Hotels

Salt Lake City Marriott University Park: Located near the University of Utah, this hotel offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and close proximity to trails in the foothills.
Hyatt Place Salt Lake City / Cottonwood: Nestled at the base of the Cottonwood Canyons, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and easy access to Big and Little Cottonwood trails.
Solitude Resort Lodging: Located at Solitude Mountain Resort, this lodging option combines mountain luxury with direct access to the resort’s trails.
The Cliff Lodge: Situated at Snowbird Resort, this iconic hotel features stunning mountain views, high-end amenities, and quick trail access.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Salt Lake City: A reliable and affordable option offering clean, comfortable accommodations with convenient city and trail access.

Airbnb
Salt Lake City is a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts, and its wide array of Airbnb options provides the perfect base for your adventure. From modern downtown lofts to cozy homes near the Wasatch Front, these rentals cater to bikers with features like secure bike storage, spacious garages, and easy access to trailheads.

Best Time To Visit Salt Lake City

The best seasons for mountain biking in Salt Lake City are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). These months offer mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer rides are ideal in the early mornings or evenings, while winter opens up opportunities for fat biking.

Why Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City combines world-class trails, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and a thriving biking culture with a welcoming cast of like-minded residents who are usually eager to spill the best beans to visitors.

Gear up and start your adventure—Salt Lake City is waiting!

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