The best traffic-free bike rides in Utah

The Union Pacific Rail Trail and Round Valley Loop offers a dynamic gravel biking experience, blending historic rail trail with varied singletrack. You'll cruise along packed dirt and gravel, passing through wetlands near Silver Creek Canyon where wildlife like bald eagles are often spotted, before transitioning to the velvety rolling hills of Round Valley, dotted with oak trees. This 17.3-mile (27.8 km) route, with 835 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain, provides a moderate challenge over an estimated 2 hours and 17 minutes, perfect for riders who enjoy diverse scenery and terrain.

Multiple access points and parking lots are available along the trail's length, making it easy to start your adventure. Round Valley is particularly known for being one of the earliest trail systems in Park City to shed its snow in spring, making it an excellent option for early-season rides. Be prepared for some rougher, gravely sections on the northern parts of the rail trail, where puncture-resistant tires are a wise choice.

This route stands out for its historical significance, following a former Union Pacific railroad line crucial for Park City's mining past, with 16 plaques detailing its history. It combines the gentler, educational rail trail with the more dynamic, sometimes rugged, terrain of Round Valley, offering a comprehensive gravel biking adventure that caters to various skill levels and preferences.

The Daves Hollow Loop offers a scenic gravel biking experience through the Dixie National Forest, winding through beautiful ponderosa pine forests and open meadows. You'll ride on a largely unpaved doubletrack dirt road, which can become muddy and rutted after rain, particularly past the old watering troughs. Keep an eye out for an osprey family nesting in the trees, especially when traveling south towards Tropic Reservoir, adding a touch of wildlife viewing to your ride.

This 10.1-mile (16.2 km) route, with 512 feet (156 metres) of elevation gain, is rated as difficult and typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes. It's easily accessible directly from Ruby's Inn guest rooms and RV/campground sites, making it a convenient option for those staying nearby. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, and note the spring along Dave's Hollow for water refills.

The Daves Hollow Loop is notable for its historical interest, traversing an old sheep herding area from the late 1800s, complete with 120-year-old dug-out trees that once served as watering troughs. It's also part of the Great Western Trail - Utah and connects with the Bryce Canyon Multi-use Path, offering a versatile and well-maintained path that's even groomed for cross-country skiing in winter.

The Navajo Lake Loop Trail offers a unique gravel biking adventure, circling the beautiful Navajo Lake through diverse terrain. You'll ride through cool pine, fir, and aspen forests, encountering sections of packed dirt and singletrack. A distinctive feature is navigating ancient lava fields on the eastern side, where the trail can be bumpy with "toothed boulders" and broken lava chunks, providing a memorable experience for those seeking natural features on Navajo Lake gravel biking routes.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally open from late June through September, providing a high-altitude escape from summer heat. No permits or fees are typically needed for day use, and leashed dogs are welcome. Given its popularity, arriving early for parking is advisable, and always carry enough water for this 7.6-mile (12.2 km) loop.

This difficult route, with 272 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 59 minutes, is notable for its unique geology, as the lake itself was formed by an ancient lava flow. It also connects to other trails like the Virgin River Rim Trail, offering options for extended rides. The high altitude, around 9,100 feet, adds an extra layer of challenge and makes it a cool destination.