The Full Wasatch Crest Trail

Blue Sky in Utah? Oh, that's a rarity..

There are several variations, permutations, and branches available to a mountain biker longing for a great ride on the full length of the Wasatch Crest Trail. All involve an indulgence in bliss, with sections of smooth singletrack, doubletrack, great ridgeline views, and mostly moderate riding with a few technical sections.  Certainly one of the best rides involves covering the full mileage of the trail from the top of Guardsman’s Pass and taking a network of trails and roads to the mouth of Millcreek Canyon.

Liz across the purple fields.

A OK taking the less technical variation on the Spine.

This variation is only legal on even numbered days of the month, in an apparent effort to cut down on either trail erosion, or mountain bike and dog/dog owner interaction. Rangers spotting bikers on the trail on the wrong day will definitely give them some grief, so plan accordingly.

The fall colors are already fading, but the riding is fine!

Liz heads down the red clay.

Shadow, sunlight, shadow, sunlight..

Liz in camo..

As it is, I’ve struggled to manage an outing on the Crest on an even day so far this season, so was pleased to finally ride the full Wasatch Crest Trail. This version goes like this: ascend Big Cottonwood Canyon by any means necessary. Past Solitude ski resort, take the Guardsman Pass road another few miles (about 3) to the top, where the pavement ends and a meager dirt parking zone appears. From there, take the unmarked dirt road which heads generally Northwest. About a hundred yards up, take Scott’s Bypass on the left hand side. Stay on Scott’s Bypass until you hit another dirt road which intersects the singletrack. Follow that road up and up, and up – this section is the aptly named Puke Hill. With its elevation and steep angle, many riders end up pushing their bikes for a bit to avoid becoming Puke victims..

A OK skidding on a ridge.

This short section is reminiscent of the question, 'Cake or Death?' Some people's cake is death for others, who choose to walk the steep, rocky section.

Following Puke Hill, the terrain undulates for several miles. Beyond the Spine, an unmistakable rocky section, the trail splits. It is here that, on odd days, all bikers go left to the Mill D exit. On even days, bikers are allowed to head right to Dog Lake, then to the Great Western Trail, followed by the Big Water trail. This singletrack bliss takes riders to the head of Millcreek Canyon, where they meet pavement and cruise down the road for several miles. Eventually, the Pipeline trail appears on the right, just beyond the toilet shacks at the Mount Aire trailhead. Follow Pipeline for about six miles until you come to Rattlesnake Gulch, and either grin or grimace as you navigate the rocky section back to the road. Point it downhill on the road for a few minutes until you reach the toll shack near the bottom of the canyon. Bikers must stop, sayeth the sign. No toll is necessary, however. From there, exit and ride back to your car. All told, it’s nearly 30 miles of some very fine mountain bike riding. If you’re wise and lucky, you’ll have a vehicle waiting for you at the 3900 South & Wasatch Boulevard Park-n-Ride parking lot. If you’re very wise and lucky, you’ll have a Hydro Flask waiting in your vehicle, which will have a chilled beverage in it despite the intense sunlight beating down on your auto!

Liz on doubletrack.

Cranking up Pipeline.

It appears Liz has been taking notes from various online resources which advocate silliness upon mountain bike trails. Here, she tries to eat as many bugs as possible in a 100 foot section.

Liz out of the sunlight and into a switchback.

Riding past this gully used to be sketchy - now there's a huge wall in place which helps keep everyone safe.

Trees, colors, and mountain biking, too.