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The Salt Lake Valley is a dream for riders, with mountain singletrack on one side and miles of flat paved paths down the middle. These are the trails locals actually ride, whether you want a heart-pounding descent or an easy cruise with the kids.
This is the crown jewel of valley mountain biking, with miles of well-built singletrack tucked into the Draper foothills. Locals rate it for the flowy machine-built descents like Rush and Ghost Falls, where you get berms and smooth turns, plus mellow trails in Little Valley for folks just getting started. The vibe is busy but friendly, and you can build a loop for almost any ability.
A free public bike park at the base of Corner Canyon built to make you a better rider. It packs in jump lines from beginner to expert, a dual pump track, a tiny strider track for little kids, and a technical skills course all in one spot. Locals use it to warm up before the canyon trails or to give the kids a safe place to session.
Miles of dirt singletrack riding the old Lake Bonneville bench right above the city. You get big valley views without leaving town, and the famous Bobsled descent with its high-speed banked turns is a local rite of passage. It is the kind of trail you can hop on after work and feel like you escaped.
A mostly flat, paved path that follows the Jordan River for around 45 miles through the middle of Salt Lake County. It is the backbone of valley cycling, connecting parks, wetlands, and neighborhoods, and it is perfect for a long ride with no climbing. Locals love that you can ride for hours and never touch a hill.
An 8-mile paved path linking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the Jordan River Parkway, rolling through Sugar House and along the S Line streetcar. It threads through Parley's Historic Nature Park with creek views and the Wasatch right in front of you. It doubles as a great car-free commute if you live nearby.
A 630-acre natural ravine running east to west through Sandy with more than 15 miles of trails. The wide main path along the creek is great for an easy ride, and sandy singletrack spurs give mountain bikers a fun challenge close to home. It feels surprisingly wild for a trail tucked into the suburbs.
A flat, paved loop a little over 3 miles around Oquirrh Lake in the Daybreak community. It is the go-to family ride on the west side, smooth and stroller-friendly with water views the whole way around. Easy parking and a relaxed pace make it a stress-free first ride for new cyclists.
A paved linear parkway along an old railroad corridor near 900 South, running between Redwood Road and the west side of the city. It is smooth, gentle, and easy to follow, and it connects toward the Jordan River Parkway. There is even a small bike park along the route at 700 West for a little play.
A wide, easy gravel path running from Wheeler Historic Farm along the Jordan and Salt Lake Canal. It is short and calm, which makes it a relaxed pick for a casual spin or a ride with the kids. The Wheeler Farm end gives you a built-in reason to make a morning of it.
For road riders who want to suffer in the best way, this paved canyon climb up SR-190 is one of the toughest and most rewarding in Utah. You start near the canyon mouth and grind up past creek and granite walls toward Brighton. Locals treat reaching the top as a real badge of honor.
The steepest and most famous road climb near the valley, running about 8 miles up SR-210 toward Alta and Snowbird at a punishing grade. It is the same finish the pros tackle in the Tour of Utah, so reaching Snowbird's tram building feels like a real accomplishment. The scenery up the scenic byway is stunning the whole way.
The best bike trail for you in the Salt Lake Valley comes down to one question: pavement or dirt. The valley splits cleanly between the two. Down the middle you get long, flat, paved paths like the Jordan River Parkway that work for any bike and never make you climb. Up against the foothills you get dirt singletrack like Corner Canyon and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, where you want a mountain bike and a little fitness.
Think about who you are riding with and what season it is. Paved paths stay open all year and are easy for kids, beginners, and road bikes. Dirt trails ride best in the dry months, roughly spring through late fall, and you should stay off them when they are muddy so they do not get torn up. For a big day, the canyon road climbs out of Cottonwood Heights are the valley's hardest and most rewarding rides. Match the trail to your bike and your legs and you will have a great day.
Keep exploring Salt Lake Valley: The Best Hikes Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Waterfall Hikes Near the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Scenic Drives Near the Salt Lake Valley. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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