Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons are known for their world-class ski resorts with the “Greatest Snow on Earth” and some of the steepest inbound runs in America, but what lies beneath the powder stashes of Alta-Snowbird is equally appealing!
Some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in Utah’s Wasatch Front begin right here in the higher reaches of the Little Cottonwood Canyon. Spring thaw and mud season begins around mid-May (perfect for fat biking), the high elevation trails are best from late June through to first snowfall, or take a fitness test mountain biking the slopes of the Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Resort.
From casual cruises through fields of wildflowers and glistening alpine lakes to rugged, rocky, high-elevation climbs with panoramic views over the Wasatch mountain peaks, there’s a scenic mountain bike trail at Alta and Snowbird for every adventurer. Always remember, mountain bikers are always expected to yield to hikers on the trails.
Albion Basin Summer Road
Easy – Intermediate
The Albion Basin Summer Road is a local service access road that winds from the Albion base area parking to the upper ski trails of the Alta Ski Area. This is a great bike ride for beginners and intermediates with a gradual climb of about 800 feet over 2.9 miles. Albion Basin Summer Road also accesses the trailheads for Catherine’s Pass and Cecret Lake and passes one of Alta’s top summer attractions, the wildflowers in Albion Basin. Please note that biking is prohibited on the Cecret Lake Trail.
Catherine’s Pass Trail
Intermediate
Join the intermediate level Catherine’s Pass Trail from Albion Basin Road or the parking lot near the top of Alta’s Sunnyside Lift for a shorter ride. This rugged alpine trail is 1.6 miles from the trailhead and climbs above Albion Basin to an alpine meadow and mountain spring, then on to Catherine’s Pass with panoramic views of Albion Basin, Alta Ski Resort, Brighton Lakes, and Sunset Peak. Expect to see an abundance of wildflowers in spring, beautiful Aspen groves in fall, and moose and wildlife roaming the meadows as you peddle past.
Devil’s Castle Loop Trail
Upper Intermediate – Advanced
This popular and challenging Alta mountain bike trail begins either on Albion Basin Summer Road or from the Albion Basin Campground (limited parking is available). The rugged single-track trail loops around Albion Basin climbing 1,300 feet in elevation towards the jagged limestone cliffs of Devil’s Castle. The Devil’s Castle Loop trail is strenuous, the altitude climb can be challenging, but the views of the basin, mountain peaks, and endless fields of wildflowers are simply breathtaking.
Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
Upper Intermediate
The Little Cottonwood Trail (also known as Temple Quarry Trail) follows the creek upstream from the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon to the Tanners Flat Campground near Snowbird. The 3.5 mile single track trail is mostly shaded and has an elevation gain of 1,300 feet with some steep rocky sections to test your skills, creek crossings, bridges, giant granite walls, and gorgeous scenery. The further you go, the more beautiful it gets – spring and summer wildflowers, vibrant fall foliage, wildlife sightings, and scattered historic ruins from Alta’s early inhabitants. Park at the Temple Quarry Trailhead or Lisa Falls Trailhead for a shorter ride.
Snowbird Center Summer Trails
Easy-Intermediate
Snowbird Resort no longer offers lift-served access for mountain biking but you can still ride the summit or the trails from the Snowbird Center. From the Snowbird Center, 7 miles of mountain bike trails wind through the lower elevations of Snowbird Resort’s ski slopes for beginners and intermediates, all connected by the Creek Road trail. The Little Mountain Trail is a great practice loop for beginners, the Mid-Way/Baby Thunder/Dean’s Delight trails form a classic loop through aspen forests, or ride Chauner’s Loop round the Snowbird Mountain Coaster.
Peruvian Gulch Trail
Intermediate
The Peruvian Gulch Trail is a 3.7 mile access dirt road that climbs 2,400 feet in elevation from the Alta Bypass Road to the 11,166 foot summit of Snowbird’s Hidden Peak. A number of steep, technical switchbacks lead up to Peruvian Ridge with spectacular views of the Cottonwood Canyons and Wasatch Mountain peaks. The trails continues on to the Snowbird Aerial tram station at Hidden Peak where the Summit Restaurant is open for a pit stop, cold brew, and refuel before you head back down Mt. Baldy to the base area.
Big Mountain Trail
Advanced
The Big Mountain Trail is Snowbird’s bucket-list mountain biking trail from the summit of Hidden Peak down to the Snowbird Center. Starting about 50 yards below the Aerial Tram, the Big Mountain Trail is a downhill only trail descending over 2,400 feet in 7 miles. Mountain bikers should expect steep switchbacks, tight turns, technical rocky sections, high speed, and lots of jumps. Winding through Snowbird Ski Resort, this mountain biking trail offers amazing down canyon views from the summit to the base.
Alta-Snowbird Bike Rental Shops
If you’re traveling to Alta by air, or don’t own a bike, no problem! Snowbird Ski Resort has a choice of sports outfitters with bike rentals and accessories for the whole family, and local tips on where to hit the trails! All you need to do is reserve your rentals in advance!
Christy Sports
Snowbird Center
Phone: (801) 742-2871
Snowbird Sports
Snowbird Center
Phone: (801) 933-2418
Snowbird Creekside Sports
Creekside Day Lodge
Phone: (801) 933-2414
Cliff Sports
Cliff Lodge
Phone: (801) 947-8222
Alta-Snowbird Vacation Rentals
Hit the trails from home with Alta Chalets! Our selection of Alta and Snowbird luxury slopeside vacation rentals offers the perfect base to mix outdoor adventure with ultimate relaxation at home. Enjoy easy access to some of the best Utah mountain bike trails from your doorstep and return to luxurious creature comforts, hot tubs to soothe your weary legs, and breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains for a peaceful and rejuvenating evening – we’ll even arrange a private chef! At Alta Chalets, we are locally-owned and operated and pride ourselves on creating personalized experiences for our guests. Call our team today at (801) 424-2426 to experience the Alta Chalets difference!
