Thinking about a mountain biking trip? The biking trails near Park City are a world-class destination that should be at the top of your list. With over 400 miles of gold-level singletrack, two massive lift-served bike parks, and trails for every single skill level, this Utah mountain town is a true paradise on two wheels.
Planning a trip here can feel overwhelming, but a specialized travel agency in Park City can handle all the details, leaving you more time to focus on the ride.
TL;DR: Park City is A Gold-Level Rider Experience
Park City, Utah, is an IMBA-certified Gold-Level Ride Center with hundreds of miles of trails. Beginners will love the gentle slopes of Round Valley, intermediates can’t miss the classic Mid-Mountain Trail, and experts flock to the epic Wasatch Crest Trail.
For downhill fun, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain offer some of the best lift-accessed riding in the country.
Why is Park City a Mountain Biking Paradise?
So, what makes this place so special? It’s not just the sheer quantity of trails; it’s the quality and variety.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has designated Park City as one of only a handful of Gold-Level Ride Centers in the world. This is a huge deal. It means the trail system is top-tier, offering everything from beginner-friendly loops to rugged, backcountry adventures, all connected and easy to navigate.
The entire system is brilliantly designed. You can ride directly from historic Main Street and be on world-class singletrack in minutes. The community is deeply invested in the trails, with organizations like the Mountain Trails Foundation doing an incredible job of maintaining and building new routes. This commitment means you’ll find well-marked trails, accurate maps, and conditions that are consistently amazing all summer long.
Best Biking Trails Near Park City for Beginners and Families
If you’re new to the sport or riding with little ones, Park City is one of the most welcoming places you can visit. There are plenty of non-intimidating trails where you can build skills and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
Round Valley
Ask any local where to take a first-timer, and they’ll all say the same thing: Round Valley. This 700-acre nature preserve is a playground for beginners.
- The Vibe: A network of wide, smooth, and gently rolling hills. The high-desert landscape means the trails dry out faster here in the spring than anywhere else in town.
- What Riders Say: It’s the perfect place to get your “dirt legs” under you. Trails like Matt’s Flat are exactly what they sound like, offering a perfect introduction to singletrack. For a bit more fun, Fast Pitch introduces flowy, confidence-inspiring turns that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
For the most relaxed, scenic ride possible, the Rail Trail is an absolute gem. This nearly flat, 28-mile path follows the route of an old railway line, offering a peaceful journey away from any technical challenges.
- The Vibe: Perfect for families with kids, hybrid bikes, or anyone wanting a leisurely spin. The trail meanders past beautiful wetlands and offers fantastic views of the Wasatch Mountains.
- What Riders Say: It’s the ideal choice for a recovery day or a casual family outing. You can ride out as far as you like and turn back, or even plan a lunch stop in a nearby town.
Lost Prospector
Ready for a taste of real singletrack without the scary stuff? Lost Prospector is your trail. It winds along the hillside just above town, offering fantastic views and a fun, flowy experience.
- The Vibe: This trail feels like a journey. It’s a rolling path with very little climbing, making it a local’s favorite for a quick after-work lap.
- What Riders Say: Riders describe it as the perfect “step-up” from Round Valley. It introduces the feeling of a classic cross-country trail while remaining 100% beginner-friendly. The views of Old Town are a huge bonus.
Top Intermediate Trails for Classic Park City Riding
This is the heart and soul of the biking trails near Park City. Once you have your confidence, a massive, interconnected network of trails opens up, climbing through aspen groves to breathtaking vistas.
The Armstrong & Spiro Loop
This is arguably the most classic intermediate loop in Park City. It’s a perfect showcase of what makes the riding here so good.
- The Vibe: You start by climbing Armstrong Trail, a beautiful, shaded path that is designated for uphill bike traffic only. This is a game-changer, as it lets you find your rhythm without worrying about fast-moving downhill riders. After a good climb, you’re rewarded with the Spiro Trail descent—a fast, fun, and flowy ride back to the base.
- What Riders Say: Experts and locals agree this loop is a must-do and a perfect representation of the biking trails near Park City. The climb is steady but manageable, and the downhill on Spiro is pure joy, with endless switchbacks through the trees.
Mid-Mountain Trail
An official IMBA Epic trail, the Mid-Mountain Trail is a legendary 20-mile path that traverses the mountains at a stunning 8,000 feet of elevation.
- The Vibe: This is the ultimate cross-country trail. It connects Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, serving as a superhighway for countless other trail connections. It’s not overly technical but requires good fitness due to the sustained altitude.
- What Riders Say: It’s a “must-ride” for any intermediate biker visiting Park City. The views are incredible as you pedal across ski slopes and through deep forests. You can ride it as an out-and-back or use it to create your own epic loops.
Epic Rides for Advanced & Expert Bikers
If you’re looking for a serious challenge with big-mountain views, Park City delivers in a huge way.
Wasatch Crest Trail
The crown jewel of Utah mountain biking. The Wasatch Crest is a high-alpine masterpiece that every serious mountain biker dreams of riding.
- The Vibe: This is a true backcountry adventure. Most riders use a shuttle service to get to the top of Guardsman Pass (nearly 10,000 feet high). From there, the trail follows a stunning ridgeline with 360-degree views that will leave you speechless.
- What Riders Say: It’s often described as an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime ride. The trail itself is a thrilling mix of smooth singletrack, technical rock gardens, and exposure. The infamous “Spine” section is a jagged rock feature that challenges even the most skilled riders. This trail is advanced due to the altitude, remoteness, and technical sections.
Lift-Served Fun: Park City’s World-Class Bike Parks
Want to skip the climbs and get straight to the descent? Park City’s two bike parks offer some of the best lift-served terrain on the continent.
Deer Valley Resort
Known for its pristine, manicured trails, Deer Valley is the place to go for high-speed, flowing fun. Many of their signature trails were built by Gravity Logic, the team behind the Whistler Bike Park.
- Beginner Fun: Start on Holy Roller, a green trail that’s wide, smooth, and full of small rollers and gentle turns designed to teach you the fundamentals of downhill riding.
- Intermediate Bliss: Tidal Wave is one of the most famous flow trails in the world. It’s a blue-level masterpiece of tabletop jumps and perfectly sculpted berms that you can ride all day long.
Park City Mountain
As the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City Mountain offers a massive and diverse network of downhill trails.
- Get Started: From the Crescent Express lift, beginners can cruise down Mojave, a smooth and flowy green trail that’s perfect for getting comfortable with lift-served riding.
- Intermediate & Advanced: The resort has invested heavily in machine-built trails for all levels. For a more rugged, natural challenge, experts can head to the Canyons Village side to tackle steep and technical classics.
Planning Your Trip with a Travel Agency in Park City
With so many options, planning the perfect biking trip to Park City can be a challenge. Where do you stay? How do you get from the airport? Where do you rent bikes? This is where getting help from a local travel agency can transform your vacation from good to unforgettable.
A knowledgeable travel advisor can handle all the logistics for you. They understand the entire network of biking trails near Park City and can secure the perfect lodging close to your preferred rides, arrange airport transfers, and even book bike rentals and shuttle services for rides like the Wasatch Crest. Instead of spending hours on research, you can arrive with everything perfectly arranged, allowing you to maximize your time on the trails.
At Labbe Travel, we specialize in creating these kinds of custom-tailored adventure vacations.
Pro Tips for Riding in Park City
To make your trip safe and fun, keep these local tips in mind.
- Respect the Altitude: Park City’s base is at 7,000 feet. Take it easy on your first day and drink way more water than you think you need.
- Check Trail Conditions: Before you head out, check the daily trail report from the Mountain Trails Foundation. Please avoid riding muddy trails, as it causes significant damage.
- Watch the Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer. Plan to start your rides early to avoid getting caught in a storm at high elevations.
- Know the Rules of the Trail: Uphill riders always have the right of way. Be kind, say hello, and yield to hikers. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has a great guide on trail etiquette.
Ready to hit the trails? Park City offers an unbeatable combination of world-class trails, stunning scenery, and a vibrant mountain town atmosphere. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun new activity or an expert rider seeking an epic adventure, you’ll find it here.
When you’re ready to start planning your perfect biking getaway, give us a call! Labbé Travel is here to help design a seamless and unforgettable experience.