The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Park City

Ride America’s Premier Mountain Biking Destination—Right from Your Basecamp at Newpark Resort

Park City is a mountain biking paradise. With over 450 miles of interconnected trails winding through alpine forests, high desert landscapes, and historic terrain, it’s the first—and only—IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center in the world. Whether you’re chasing high-alpine singletrack or scenic flow trails close to town, Park City delivers.

Even better? Many of the best rides are just minutes from your suite at Newpark Resort.

When to Ride: Park City's Biking Season

The mountain biking season typically runs from late May through October, depending on snowmelt and trail conditions. Here’s what to expect:

  • June: Dry, low-elevation trails like Round Valley and Glenwild open up early.
  • July–August: Prime riding season—every trail is open and lift-served biking is in full swing.
  • September–October: Cooler temps, brilliant fall colors, and fewer crowds.

Pro tip: Check daily trail conditions at Mountain Trails Foundation before heading out.

Gear Up: What You Need and Where to Get It

Whether you’re renting or bringing your own bike, Park City makes it easy to gear up and ride.

Essentials:

  • Mountain bike (hardtail or full suspension)
  • Helmet (required)
  • Gloves, eye protection, and padded shorts
  • Hydration pack or water bottles
  • Sunscreen and layers for changing mountain weather

Park City Trail Systems: Top Mountain Biking Areas Near Newpark Resort

Park City’s trail systems are impressively interconnected, allowing you to link cross-country rides, lift-served downhills, and scenic loops—all in a single outing.

Round Valley Trail System

📍 2 miles by bike from Newpark Resort
🛤️ Over 30 miles of trails

Round Valley is one of Park City’s most accessible and beginner-friendly trail networks, featuring open sagebrush terrain, gently rolling singletrack, and wide views of the surrounding mountains. Located just east of Kimball Junction, it’s ideal for early-season riding and easily reachable via bike from Newpark Resort.

Why ride Round Valley:

  • Quick-drying trails open early in the season
  • Wide, non-technical routes perfect for casual riders
  • Network of loops lets you ride for 30 minutes or 3 hours

Trail favorites:

  • Matt’s Flat: As smooth and easy as it sounds—perfect for warming up or young riders
  • Fast Pitch: Rolling hills and sweeping turns, great for adding some rhythm to your ride
  • Rusty Shovel and Nowhere Elks: Slightly more advanced loops with a few steeper sections and more flow

The area is managed for multi-use and includes dog-friendly and e-bike-approved trails. Quinn’s Trailhead offers restrooms, parking, and direct access to a wide variety of routes.

Lost Prospector Trail

📍 Above Old Town Park City
🛤️ Approximately 6 miles of looped and connected trails

Lost Prospector is a scenic singletrack trail that wraps around the hillside just above Historic Main Street, offering wide-open views of Deer Valley, Old Town, and the surrounding mountains. With its gentle grades and flowing switchbacks, it’s a great choice for a casual ride with big rewards.

Why ride Lost Prospector:

  • South-facing exposure means it’s one of the first to dry out in spring
  • Smooth, well-maintained tread ideal for climbing or descending
  • Convenient access from Old Town, Rail Trail, and Round Valley

Recommended route:

Start from the Rail Trail connection or Masonic Trail and ride counter-clockwise for sustained views and a mellow climb. For more mileage, link into Gambel Oak Loop or descend into Skid Row for a more technical finish.

This is a great trail for riders looking to explore above town without committing to big elevation or high-speed descents.

Glenwild Trail System

📍 Spring Creek Trailhead – 10 mins from Newpark
🛤️ Over 25 miles of interconnected trails

The Glenwild system is a favorite among locals for its fast-drying terrain, desert-like scenery, and excellent connectivity to other trail networks. Located just off I-80, it’s one of the first systems to open in the spring and remains a go-to all season long.

Why ride Glenwild:

  • Fewer crowds and a backcountry feel
  • Open sight lines and gradual climbs
  • Ideal for intermediate riders looking for longer loops with flow and views

Ride options:

  • Stealth: Smooth, rolling singletrack perfect for warm-ups and connecting loops
  • 24-7: A popular backbone trail with climbing and descending sections that loop into more technical options
  • Cobblestone: A scenic return trail with soft grades and desert vistas

Many riders use Glenwild to build custom loops by linking to nearby trails like Flying Dog, Anthem, and the Jeremy Ranch system. Expect rocky outcroppings, sagebrush fields, and panoramic ridgelines along the way.

Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR)

📍 Just west of Old Town
🛤️ Over 100 miles of trail access within the resort network

PCMR offers classic climbs, long descents, and lift-served access to Mid Mountain, Spiro, and more.

Scenic & Moderate Trails:

  • Jenni’s Trail – shaded and smooth
  • CMG (Crescent Mine Grade) – historic and mellow
  • Silver Spur – connects town to trails

Intermediate Favorites:

  • Spiro – switchbacks and forested climbs
  • Mid Mountain Trail – one of Park City’s most iconic rides, this 20+ mile high-alpine traverse winds across the mountainside at around 8,000 feet. The trail connects Deer Valley, PCMR, and Canyons Village, making it a backbone route for longer loops and one-way epics.
    • Why ride it:
      • Consistent grade and moderate terrain, perfect for endurance rides
      • Stunning views of the Wasatch Range with shaded sections through aspen and pine forest
      • Numerous access points and connection opportunities for full customization
  •  Thaynes Canyon – short and sweet techy loop

Advanced Terrain:

  • Tommy’s Two-Step to Mojave – fast, steep descent
  • Empire Link – rooty and rugged

Lifts: Payday, Crescent, and Town Lift
Base area rentals, dining, and free transit from Newpark

Canyons Village

📍 North end of Park City – 10 minutes from Newpark Resort
🛤️ Over 20 miles of lift-served and cross-country trails

Canyons Village is a hidden gem with high-elevation terrain, lift-served access, and fewer crowds. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and backcountry feel.

Lift Access:

  • Red Pine Gondola – primary bike access
  • Short Cut Lift – connects to more loops

Trail Highlights:

  • Rosebud’s Heaven – smooth and forested
  • Ambush – long descent with varied terrain
  • Holly’s Trail – versatile climb or descent
  • Iron Mountain – steep, rugged, and advanced

Post-Ride Perks:

  • Dining: Umbrella Bar, Murdock’s Café, Red Tail Grill
  • Bike shops and service in the base village

Wasatch Crest Trail

📍 Shuttle or climb from Guardsman Pass or PCMR
🛤️ 12–15 mile ridgeline epic connecting to multiple systems

The Wasatch Crest Trail is legendary—offering high-alpine terrain, jaw-dropping views, and one of the most unforgettable rides in Utah. Starting at over 10,000 feet, this ridgeline route rolls along the spine of the Wasatch Range, dropping into Park City through Millcreek Canyon or down into Canyons Village.

What makes it iconic:

  • Sweeping 360° views of Big Cottonwood, Park City, and the Heber Valley
  • Sections like The Spine offer technical challenges and thrills
  • Typically ridden as a shuttle with drop-offs at Guardsman Pass

Plan for a big ride: 12–15 miles with ~2,000 ft of climbing and 3,000 ft of descent.

Local shuttle services available (e.g., Big Rack Shuttle, Fox ‘n Rox)

Deer Valley Resort – 2025 Summer Operations

📍 East of Main Street – Lift-served
🛤️ Over 70 miles of total trail system (about 50% open in 2025)

In 2025, Deer Valley is focused on lower-mountain trails during construction of the new Pinyon Express lift. About 50% of trails are open, accessed via Silver Lake Express and Homestake Express chairlifts.

Open trail highlights:

  • Ripple – beginner flow trail
  • Regulator – intermediate with variety
  • Undertow – fast and technical for advanced riders

New Wasatch Gravity Pass ($450) includes lift access at both Deer Valley and Solitude Mountain Resort.

On-site bike rentals, lessons, clinics, and dining available.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

📍 Trailhead steps from Newpark Resort
🛤️ 28-mile gravel path

Originally built as a 19th-century railway line, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is now a multi-use gravel path stretching 28 miles from Park City to Echo Reservoir. It’s a favorite for relaxed rides, gravel biking, or scenic spins that don’t involve much climbing.

Why ride the Rail Trail:

  • Flat, non-technical terrain—great for all ages and abilities
  • Serene views of wetlands, farmland, and mountain ridgelines
  • Ideal for hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, or a leisurely ride from your hotel

Route options:

  • Ride east toward Wanship or Coalville for a quiet rural experience
  • Head into Old Town Park City and connect to Round Valley or Lost Prospector for a bigger day out

The trail is dog-friendly, open year-round, and easily accessible right from the Kimball Junction area, making it an excellent option for low-key days or active recovery rides.

Trail Network Connectivity

Most of these trail systems interconnect seamlessly. Ride from Newpark through Round Valley into town, up a lift, across Mid Mountain, and down into Canyons or Deer Valley—all in a single ride.

Use Trailforks, MTB Project, or local trail maps for planning.

Bike Shops: Rentals, Repair & Retail Sales

Whether you need a full-suspension rental, a quick tune-up, or just a spare tube, Park City’s local bike shops have you covered. These trusted shops offer expert service, gear for all skill levels, and great local advice. Storm Cycles, located just steps from Newpark Resort, is collaborating on this guide to ensure riders have the most accurate, up-to-date recommendations for equipment and service throughout their stay.

Storm Cycles

Located just steps from Newpark Resort, Storm Cycles is your go-to shop for premium bike demos and purchases, full-service repairs, and high-quality gear. Whether you’re heading to Glenwild, PCMR, or planning a shuttle to Wasatch Crest, their expert team will help you get trail-ready in minutes. Storm Cycles offers:

  • Full-suspension mountain bike demos
  • Fast and friendly repair and maintenance service
  • Local trail insights and gear recommendations

Learn more or reserve gear

Jans Mountain Outfitters

Located near the base of Park City Mountain, Jans offers a large fleet of bike rentals, a well-stocked retail store, and full-service repair.

Cole Sport

With multiple locations in Park City, Cole Sport provides a range of rentals, including electric bikes and mountain bikes. They also feature full-service repair and retail store.

Contender Bicycles

Located in Park City’s Prospector neighborhood, Contender Bicycles offers both road and mountain bike rentals, alongside a thoughtfully curated retail shop and professional bike maintenance.

White Pine Touring

Conveniently located near the Rail Trail and Lost Prospector access, White Pine specializes in guided tours. They also offer lessons and repair services.

Park City Bike Demos

Specializes in bike rental delivery to your hotel or trailhead. Try before you buy or just enjoy the best tech on the trail.

Trail Etiquette & Safety

  • Yield to hikers and uphill riders
  • Don’t ride muddy trails
  • Carry water, snacks, and layers
  • Respect wildlife
  • Pack out what you pack in

Après-Ride: Where to Refuel

  • The Eating Establishment – American fare with outdoor dining
  • Five5eeds – Aussie-style brunch
  • Red Rock Junction – Brews and burgers

Relax back at Newpark in a private hot tub or check out nearby spas.

Stay Trail-Ready at Newpark Resort

  • Complimentary bike storage, with personal locker
  • Minutes from Round Valley, Glenwild, and Rail Trail
  • Walkable to food, gear, and grocery stores
  • Suites with private hot tubs and mountain views

Helpful Apps & Resources

  • Trailforks
  • MTB Project
  • Mountain Trails Foundation

Final Tips

  • Start early – Morning rides beat the heat and the crowds, especially on lift-served days.
  • Acclimate to altitude – Park City sits above 7,000 feet. Give yourself time to adjust, hydrate often, and pace your climbs.
  • Download trail maps – Cell service can be spotty on higher or remote trails. Apps like Trailforks and MTB Project work offline.
  • Be weather aware – Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly. Carry a lightweight rain jacket and check the forecast.
  • Fuel up – Long rides require snacks and hydration. Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
  • Check for trail closures – Some trails close due to wildlife activity, maintenance, or conditions. Always check local updates before heading out.
  • Practice good trail etiquette – Yield appropriately, don’t block the trail when resting, and be courteous to hikers and equestrians.

Book Your Stay & Hit the Trails

Explore the best of Park City mountain biking from your home base at Newpark Resort. With easy access, luxury amenities, and over 450 miles of world-class trails, your perfect ride starts here.

RESERVATIONS | 877-649-3600 | reservations@newparkresort.com

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