I would love to tap into the knowledge of the group regarding rides in Salt Lake City. I have never been, but will be there all next week, staying at the downtown Hilton. I am flying out my cross bike and will have 2-3 hours a day for some rides departing from the hotel. I really have no idea where to go, although some of the canyons look promising.
What are the good rides from downtown? I love road, dirt, fire roads, and most all safety!
If anyone has some routes they would recommend I would greatly appreciate it.
I’ve lived in or near Salt Lake almost my whole life. The riding is great here. If you want to stay close to downtown, your best bet would probably be Emigration Canyon or City Creek Canyon. Emigration is one of the most popular routes in the area for cyclists and is pretty mild in terms of average % grade, and Ruth’s diner about a mile up the canyon is a pretty popular restaurant with cyclists as well. If you want to wander a little further from downtown (10-15 minute drive), I would highly recommend Big and/or Little Cottonwood Canyon if you’re looking for some real good climbs. Both are pretty tough rides. Park City riding is hard to beat too but is about a 30 min drive from downtown. Lots of great places to ride, hopefully this gives you a few places to start.
Since you will have your cross bike, I recommend catching the Bonneville Shore Line Trail
which is easy access from downtown. The section between DryCreek and City Creek canyons is popular as a multi use trail and has great views of downtown.