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Salt Lake City bike trails cover a wider range than most visitors expect. Within a short drive of downtown you can find paved river corridors, rail-trail style greenways, foothill singletrack and a few longer loops that reward riders who are ready for real climbing. The challenge is picking the right one for your fitness, your bike and the time you have. This guide compares seven of the most useful options, focusing on surface, length, elevation gain and how easy each one is to reach without a car. Selection was based on published trail specifications from city and county sources, the mix of surfaces each route offers, and common patterns in rider feedback about access and conditions. Nothing here reflects personal testing, and trail conditions change with season and maintenance, so check current status before you ride.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan River Trail | Easy car-free commuting and family rides | Long, mostly paved corridor along the river |
| Bonneville Shoreline Trail (Salt Lake segments) | Foothill hikers and riders who want views | Ridge-line singletrack with big elevation changes |
| Parleys Historic Nature Park Loop | Beginners and casual riders near the canyon mouth | Gentle, scenic paths with short climbs |
| Emigration Canyon Road Cycling Route | Road riders who want sustained climbing | Steady grade with a pronounced canyon setting |
| Murray Park Trail Network | Mountain bikers wanting varied short loops | Mixed surfaces inside a compact park |
| Millcreek Canyon Road | Riders who want a quiet, shaded climb | Traffic-restricted canyon road on set days |
| Ensign Peak and Foothill Connector Paths | Quick rides from downtown | Short, urban-adjacent connections |
Jordan River Trail
This is the backbone of car-free riding in the valley. It suits commuters, families with kids on balance or pedal bikes, and anyone who wants a long, low-stress ride without managing traffic. Most of the route is paved, so it works well for hybrids, cruisers and touring bikes with slick tires.
Key specs
- Mostly paved multi-use path, running north and south along the Jordan River corridor
- Very low grade, with elevation change minimal along most sections
- Connects to several neighborhood and park access points, so you can ride in segments
Pros
- Easy surface for most bike types
- Good for long, flat distance training
- Multiple entry points make it easy to shorten or extend a ride
Cons
- Shared with walkers and joggers, especially on weekends
- Limited scenery compared with foothill routes
Bonneville Shoreline Trail (Salt Lake segments)
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs along the bench above the valley and offers some of the best views in the region. It is best for riders with solid climbing legs and good bike handling, since many sections are narrow and steep. Mountain bikes with suspension are the most comfortable choice here.
Key specs
- Primarily singletrack and doubletrack surfaces, dirt and rock
- Significant elevation gain on several segments
- Access points from several foothill neighborhoods
Pros
- Strong valley and lake views on clear days
- Good technical challenge for intermediate riders
- Rich variety of terrain in a single ride
Cons
- Not suitable for road or hybrid bikes
- Shared with hikers, so speed control matters
Before committing to a long foothill ride, read the guidance in Planning Day Bike Trips: Short Rides, Big Rewards for pacing and turnaround planning.
Parleys Historic Nature Park Loop
Parleys Historic Nature Park sits at the mouth of Parleys Canyon and offers gentle, scenic paths that suit beginners and casual riders. The grades are modest, and the setting along the creek gives a sense of getting away without a long effort.
Key specs
- Mix of paved and packed gravel paths inside the park
- Short climbs with mostly gentle grades
- Loops can be combined with nearby trails for a longer outing
Pros
- Easy to reach from the east side of the valley
- Relaxed pace and good for first off-road outings
- Creek and canyon scenery throughout
Cons
- Limited distance on a single loop
- Can be busy with families on weekends
Emigration Canyon Road Cycling Route
Emigration Canyon is a classic climb for road cyclists. It is best for riders who want a sustained, steady grade rather than rolling terrain. Expect a serious effort on the way up and a fast descent on the way back.
Key specs
- Paved two-lane canyon road with shoulder riding
- Sustained climbing over several miles
- Out-and-back format makes route planning simple
Pros
- Clear, predictable climb for pacing practice
- Scenic canyon setting with changing views
- Easy to adjust distance by turning around earlier
Cons
- Shares the road with motor vehicles, so visibility gear matters
- Descent requires careful speed control
Visibility and rules of the road are covered in Road Safety for Bike Tourists: Visibility and Rules, which applies well to canyon riding.
Murray Park Trail Network
Murray Park offers a compact network of trails that works well for mountain bikers who want varied short loops without a long drive. The surfaces mix dirt, gravel and some technical sections, so it is good for skill practice.
Key specs
- Mixed dirt and gravel surfaces inside a park setting
- Short loops that can be repeated
- Some rolling terrain and tighter turns
Pros
- Good for practicing handling and braking
- Close to residential areas and easy to reach
- Short loops allow flexible ride lengths
Cons
- Limited total mileage on the trails
- Can feel crowded during peak hours
Millcreek Canyon Road
Millcreek Canyon is a shaded, quiet canyon road that many riders prefer on warm days. Traffic restrictions on set days make it more pleasant for cyclists, but schedules vary, so verify current rules before you go.
Key specs
- Paved canyon road with a steady climbing grade
- Traffic restrictions on certain days and times
- Tree cover for much of the ride
Pros
- Shade and cooler temperatures in summer
- Good for steady climbing practice
- Strong canyon scenery
Cons
- Restrictions can change, so check before riding
- Some sections have narrow shoulders
Pacing for a long climb and water planning matter here. See Food and Water on Bike Tours: Safety and Planning for general guidance on carrying enough fluid.
Ensign Peak and Foothill Connector Paths
These short connector paths near the foothills are useful for quick rides from downtown. They work well as warm-ups or as add-ons to longer rides, and they suit riders who only have an hour or two.
Key specs
- Short, urban-adjacent paved and packed surfaces
- Steep sections near the peak access
- Connects to larger foothill routes
Pros
- Very close to the city center
- Good for short workouts
- Easy to link with other trails
Cons
- Limited distance on their own
- Steep grades can be tiring for less experienced riders
Buying Guide
Choosing among salt lake city bike trails comes down to your bike, your fitness and the time you have. The following criteria will help you narrow the list quickly.
Selection criteria
- Surface: Paved, gravel, dirt or rock. Match this to your tires and suspension.
- Elevation gain: Valley floor routes are flat. Foothill and canyon routes can gain well over a thousand feet.
- Access: Can you ride from your door, or do you need a car to reach the trailhead?
- Crowds: Multi-use paths are busiest on weekends and evenings.
Important features to consider
Tire width and tread matter more than most riders expect. Wider knobby tires help on loose dirt, while slicks or semi-slicks suit paved corridors. Brakes should feel strong on long descents, which is important on canyon routes.
Specs to check
- Total distance and whether the route is a loop or out-and-back
- Total elevation gain, listed in feet
- Surface breakdown, especially the percentage of singletrack
- Seasonal closures and trail-use rules
Choosing by need
- Commuting or family rides: Start with the Jordan River Trail.
- Views and challenge: Choose the Bonneville Shoreline Trail segments.
- Beginner practice: Parleys Historic Nature Park is a good first stop.
- Steady road climbing: Emigration Canyon is the classic choice.
Things to watch out for
- Altitude and dry air can make the foothills feel harder than expected.
- Afternoon heat in summer is significant, so ride early when possible.
- Trail conditions change after snow and rain, and some singletrack stays muddy longer than you expect.
For broader trip planning, Planning Scenic Bike Rides in Parks and Byways covers how to pick a route around your schedule.
FAQ
What are the best salt lake city bike trails for beginners?
The Jordan River Trail and Parleys Historic Nature Park are the most approachable options. Both have gentle grades and wide, predictable surfaces.
Are there bike trails in Salt Lake City that do not require a car?
Yes. The Jordan River Trail and several neighborhood connector paths can be reached by bike from many parts of the city. Check the route map before you leave, since some access points are spaced far apart.
Do I need a mountain bike for the foothill trails?
For singletrack sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a mountain bike is strongly recommended. Hybrids can manage the doubletrack, but road bikes are not suited to the rocky surfaces.
Is Millcreek Canyon Road always closed to cars?
No. Traffic restrictions apply on set days and times, and they can change. Confirm the current schedule with the managing agency before planning a ride.
How much elevation should I expect on canyon climbs?
Canyon routes like Emigration Canyon involve substantial sustained climbing. Check current route profiles before riding, since published figures vary by source.
What should I bring on a foothill ride?
Carry more water than you think you need, a basic repair kit, a helmet and layers, since temperatures drop as you climb. Weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Is it safe to ride these trails alone?
Most popular routes are busy enough for typical solo riding, but tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry a phone and a way to signal for help. Riders with medical concerns should consult a health professional before strenuous climbing.
Conclusion
The best of salt lake city bike trails depends on what you want from a ride. The Jordan River Trail suits commuters and families, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail rewards experienced mountain bikers with views and technical terrain, and Emigration Canyon is the choice for road riders who want a sustained climb. Start with the route that matches your bike and fitness, check current access rules, and build up distance gradually. Trail status and rules change, so confirm details with local land managers before you head out.
