MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Sardine Peak

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (74)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Northern Utah
  4. …Cache National Forest
  5. Snowbasin Resort
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A classic; a smooth 8-mile loop with outstanding scenery and fast flowy descents. ”

Pete Johnson
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.4

KM

95%

Singletrack

7,264' 2,214 m

High

6,130' 1,868 m

Low

1,210' 369 m

Up

1,209' 369 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Dries out in late spring, depending on the snowpack.

Overview

Very well maintained, this 8-mile loop has some of the best riding in the Ogden area. Don't miss the optional 0.5-mile spur near the top that leads you to the Coldwater Canyon overlook (well marked turnoff). Killer views of Pineview along the backside, just east of Sardine Peak itself.

Need to Know

Many people find that riding this loop clockwise is generally easier, and leads to a more sustained downhill.

Description

Park at the Maples trailhead at the back end of Snowbasin's Lot 2. From here, continue up a doubletrack for half a mile or so. To ride clockwise, continue past the turn-off on your right to the Maples Trail. Not far past this, there is signage and the singletrack begins.

Begin a steady climb for about 2.5 miles. Near the top as the trees open up, you'll see a sign for a spur out to the Coldwater Canyon overlook. If you haven't seen it, this is not to be missed. This spur is approximately 0.5 miles uphill. Otherwise, continue straight across the saddle while enjoying open views in both directions.

Once across the saddle, the trail starts to climb again, as you gain the south end of Sardine Peak. The trail does not go to the summit, but there is a social path that begins near the high-point of the trail if you want to scramble up.

Starting downhill from here, the reward begins, as a breathtaking view of Pineview Reservoir and the surrounding area opens up to your left. Enjoy several miles of smooth, buff downhill riding on fast, well-maintained turns.

Once the trail starts to flatten out and the grin on your face softens a little, you'll cross a wooden bridge. Here, the trail intersects with the Maples Trail. To return to the trailhead, turn right and head uphill a short distance to rejoin the jeep trail back to Snowbasin's Lot 2.

If you want to continue downhill on the Maples Trail, you have virtually limitless options. If you continue downhill, you can join up with the Green Pond Trail and take it right, back uphill to the Green Pond Trail, or across the road back into Snowbasin. Another option is to continue down to the Wheeler Canyon Trail, and take it (or the Icebox Canyon connector) through Wheeler Canyon to Pineview Dam.

Any way you do this, you're bound to enjoy some of the best riding in the area.

History & Background

The Sardine Peak portion (the downhill, if ridden clockwise) was built up by the USFS in 2010-2011, to connect the Coldwater Canyon Trail. Thanks to all of the trail crew for making one of the best rides in the area.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Uinta, Wasatch & Cache National Forests Office

Shared By:

Pete Johnson with improvements by Avery Cook
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 74 votes

#1

in Snowbasin Resort

#161

Overall
  4.6 from 74 votes
5 Star
65%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Snowbasin Resort

#26

in Utah

#161

Overall
18 Views Last Month
20,372 Since Apr 4, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
2%
86%
2%
11%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sardine Peak Trail - overlooking 12th street canyon - road this trail while visiting my daughter in Roy, UT.
Nov 2, 2021 near Ogden, UT
The back of Mt. Allen from the Coldwater Canyon Overlook.
Apr 4, 2013 near Ogden, UT
Overlooking Pineview Reservoir.
Aug 31, 2016 near Liberty, UT
Riding west on a little off-shoot to overlook the Ogden Canyon. Great scenery!!!
Sep 29, 2017 near Ogden, UT
Sardine Peak, near Ogden Utah
Oct 4, 2018 near Ogden, UT
Riders making their way up Sardine Peak trail near Ogden, Utah.
Oct 4, 2018 near Ogden, UT

5 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 12 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2023
Jen Shaffer
7.7mi
Jun 5, 2021
jose rene flores velez
2h 00m
May 31, 2021
Greg and Heidi Nielsen
12h 30m
Nov 6, 2020
David Josephson
7.7mi — 1h 05m
Nov 1, 2020
Chad Davis
11.4mi — 18h 24m
Oct 3, 2020
Greg and Heidi Nielsen
12h 00m
Aug 3, 2020
Greg and Heidi Nielsen
With Heidi, Jason, Courtney and Andrew — 6h 00m
Jul 25, 2020
Greg and Heidi Nielsen
Awesome. Favorite trail I've ridden so far.

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started