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Park City Epic - IMBA EPIC

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (60)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Salt Lake City and Wasatch Front
  4. Park City
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“A superb loop that will challenge the legs and lungs. ”

Leslie Kehmeier
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Map Key

25.6

Miles

41.2

KM

85%

Singletrack

9,878' 3,011 m

High

6,659' 2,030 m

Low

3,533' 1,077 m

Up

3,586' 1,093 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Situated above the ski town of Park City Utah lies one of the most diverse trail systems in the western US. The Park City trails include more than 350 miles of non-motorized trail on state, federal and over 7000 additional acres of preserved open space. Within this massive trail system lies a superb loop sure to challenge the legs and lungs.

The ride should be done in a clockwise direction in order to enjoy the climbing only trails for the massive ascent.

Need to Know

The Park City trail network is multi-use and sees plenty of foot and bicycle traffic. Further back into the trail system, be prepared to see equestrian traffic as well.

The trails are located at altitude above high mountain deserts. Bring plenty of water, food and clothing and be prepared for large temperature fluctuations and variable conditions throughout.

There are multiple intersections along the route that can lead into other drainages or even other towns. Have a map, have a plan and be prepared for a long day out.

Description

Park at the Park City base area, and begin climbing up the Silver Spur trail (note that the GPS track for this ride starts at the former Spiro Trail neighborhood access, but that access has been permanently closed). From Silver Spur, turn right on Armstrong and settle in for 10 miles of climbing to the high point of the ride.

Armstrong is steady up but a fairly easy pedal while Pine Cone will test you a bit. The punchiest parts come right before topping out on the Wasatch Crest.

Bask in the awesome views to west from the Crest. Ride north along a generally descending route with a few little climbs here and there.
These are in the form of a series of red dirt bluffs called the Fakies.

After the technical rock ridge, keep descending to the Dog Lake intersection. Stay right for a short easy climb.

After this climb, continue to stay left at the intersections that lead to view points on the ridge until arriving at a big meadow. Here a Y intersection will take users back to Park City or into Salt Lake City. Staying right into Park City is the only way to go. There is a big brown sign on the left hand trail saying No Bikes Allowed.

From the meadow intersection, the trail continues to descend with a short climb on the Crest Connector trail to the Mid Mountain Trail intersection. Bear left here and continue down to Ambush.

Follow Ambush to the end and bear left to ride out to Hwy 224, pedaling back to the beginning of the ride. You can avoid most of the highway by picking up the Farm Trail paved bike path.

Contacts

Local Club: Mountain Trails Foundation

Feb 2, 2024: Winter Trail Etiquette

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Matt Hawkins and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 60 votes

#1

in Park City

#232

Overall
  4.6 from 60 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Park City

#31

in Utah

#232

Overall
45 Views Last Month
41,609 Since Jul 12, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Near the top of the Wasatch Crest Trail, looking down into Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Sep 4, 2016 near Park City, UT
Heading down Pinecone, high above Park City!
Sep 4, 2016 near Park City, UT
Evening ride on mid-mountain, Park City.
Jul 28, 2016 near Park City, UT
Beginning one of the many descents on the Wasatch Crest Trail with Solitude Ski Area in the background.
Sep 4, 2016 near Park City, UT
Flowy singletrack, what is not to like?
Oct 12, 2016 near Snyderv…, UT
The balancing act on top of the spine section of the Wasatch Crest Trail. Photo by Mike Swim // mikezswim.com
Jun 13, 2018 near Snyderv…, UT

11 Comments

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Check-Ins

Aug 2, 2024
Chad Smith
Sep 20, 2022
Kori Neessen
Aug 29, 2022
Private User
Jun 29, 2022
Mike Kosel
Great trail, pretty much rides as described. The effort to climb up to the Wasatch Crest was absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views. — 4h 00m
Jun 29, 2022
S Vande
Aug 23, 2021
Nick Erickson
Unreal ride. Definitely lives up to the hype. If you go up Armstrong to pinecone and think you are done peddling up. You are NOT! 22mi — 5h 00m
Jun 28, 2021
Svein Olslund
Quite doable for an intermediate rider. Tougher on the cardio than the technical skills.
Jun 10, 2021
Larry Rupe

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