So, you’ve gotten off work and are looking for an activity to take your mind off of things. You may also be trying to find more exercise options for you to stay fit, so why shouldn’t they be fun! Perhaps you’re an experienced mountain biker, not new to the sport, and looking to find new adventures in Utah. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Mountain biking is an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and see new places, and Utah has some of the best mountain biking in America.
Utah has tons of national parks, amazing weather, tons of bustling spots, and plenty of mountain biking trails that are more off the beaten path. On top of that, they’ve got mountain biking trails for everyone, beginners and expert bikers alike can find a trail to conquer.
If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the great adventures that Utah has to offer, you’re missing out! If you’re already into mountain biking then no doubt you already know it has a great reputation for adrenaline seekers, outdoors enthusiasts, and fitness fanatics.
5 Best Utah Mountain Bike Trails:
1. Wasatch Crest Trail – Salt Lake City
Difficulty: hard
Length: 12.5 miles
Route Type: variety
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: +388/94 ft
Spearheading our roundup is a mountain biking trail in Utah that is best tackled by advanced riders. Wasatch Crest Trail sports classic high altitude singletrack of 12.5 miles. It also offers a 9,882 ft high elevation, so you’ll have panoramic views the whole time! One of its most famous views is Desolation Lake. But for riders looking to prioritize practice and training, The Spine is a good spot to test your skills! Best be sure to ready your tires though. The trails can be a bit challenging!
If you’re also into hiking, Wasatch Crest Trail can also be the perfect place for you! It’s got enough scenic routes and spots that you can score tons of great photos.
2. Captain Ahab Trail – Amasa Back Area
Difficulty: very hard
Length: 9.1 miles
Route Type: one-way
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: +406/433 ft
Coming in at number two on our list of mountain bike trails in Utah, we have the Captain Ahab Trail. Located in the Amasa Back Area, the Captain Ahab Trail can be described as steep, technical, fast, and fun! With over 930 ft of elevation gain and 9.1 miles of round-trip distance, this trail is versatile and beautiful terrain for advanced riders in Utah.
3. The Slickrock Trail – Moab
Difficulty: hard
Length: 11 miles
Route Type: loop
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: +835/689 ft
Before anything else, it helps to know that Slickrock Trail in Utah is considered by many to be the most popular mountain biking trail in the world! It’s located a few miles northeast of the city of Moab, Utah. This trail is ranked as difficult but can still be enjoyed by riders of more intermediate skill levels. It offers around 11 miles of singletrack route, with some super steep climbs. It also offers a variety of scenic routes which makes the pedal even more rewarding!
4. Porcupine Rim – Moab
Difficulty: hard
Length: 14.3 miles
Route Type: one-way
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: +383/1 ft
Another challenging mountain biking trail is Porcupine Rim, just outside Moab, Utah! It boasts a 14.3 miles area length making for the perfect workout. This trail has been widely considered as one of the best rides in North America, and for all the right reasons! Breathtaking views are also to be expected as it’s located at the edge of Castle Valley. This is sure to be one of the most memorable rides of your life.
5. Thunder Mountain – Panguitch
Difficulty: medium-hard
Length: 16 miles
Route Type: one-way
Surface: singletrack + other
Elevation: +151/418 ft
Completing our roundup is this wonderful trail from Panguitch! Thunder Mountain is an intermediate to difficult-rated trail perfect for intermediate riders and experienced aficionados! It has been made popular for its majestic views, making it a staple for riders looking to have a good time working on their skills and spending a day enjoying the beauty!
Thunder Mountain offers around 16 miles of terrain with 55% of it being singletrack. Get your cameras ready, strap on your helmet cam, and get ready to enjoy the ride – Utah won’t soon be forgotten!
Mountain biking is easy to fall in love with, and once you start traveling to experience new and fun places, you’ll be hooked! But before heading out to any of the trails mentioned above, be sure to have a solid understanding of your skillset and invest in good quality bike parts and gear to keep you safe and comfortable during your trip to Utah. Be sure to have fun and ride safe!
