Forest Trail in Park City – Wasatch Crest Trail loop from Big Cottonwood Creek
Forest Trail in Park City – Wasatch Crest Trail loop from Big Cottonwood Creek
4.6
(4220)
10,336
riders
Forest Trail in Park City – Wasatch Crest Trail loop from Big Cottonwood Creek
06:00
55.7km
1,620m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps
You may need to carry your bike.
After 5.08 km for 6 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
20.7 km
Empire Pass Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
27.5 km
Scenic Dirt Path
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
36.1 km
Forest Trail in Park City
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
36.9 km
View of the Wasatch Mountains
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
40.8 km
Forest Path
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
42.0 km
View of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
45.1 km
Wasatch Crest Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
49.3 km
Desolation Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
55.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
33.7 km
15.5 km
3.48 km
3.06 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
35.7 km
13.7 km
3.47 km
1.45 km
1.20 km
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (3,010 m)
Lowest point (2,220 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 13 July
27°C
10°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking an epic mountain biking adventure that truly tests your limits, the Forest Trail in Park City – Wasatch Crest Trail loop from Big Cottonwood Creek delivers. This difficult 34.6-mile (55.7 km) route, with a staggering 5313 feet (1619 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 59 minutes, is a prime example of advanced mountain bike trails in Park City, Utah, offering a full day in the saddle for experienced riders.
What to expect on Forest Trail in Park City – Wasatch Crest Trail loop from Big Cottonwood Creek
This loop takes you on a journey through diverse terrain, from buffed singletrack to challenging rock gardens and exposed roots, with some sections of doubletrack and even paved road. The scenery is a constant reward, unfolding panoramic views of the Wasatch Range, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the sprawling Park City valley. You'll traverse open alpine meadows, lush aspen groves, and dense fir forests, with iconic landmarks like Desolation Lake coming into view. Be prepared for significant effort; sections like the notorious "Puke Hill," a strenuous climb of around 350 vertical feet in half a mile, will test your endurance, and technical features like "The Spine" are often walked. This route is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders with strong fitness and technical skills.
Planning your visit
Given the high-altitude nature of this Wasatch Crest Trail mountain biking experience, the riding season is typically limited from July through September or October, depending on snowmelt. It's crucial to be aware of specific trail restrictions; for instance, upper Mill Creek Canyon trails are open to bikes only on even-numbered calendar days. While this loop starts from Big Cottonwood Creek, making it a self-supported ride, understanding the Wasatch Crest Trail parking options in Big Cottonwood Canyon is helpful for planning your start. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Trail details
- Distance: 34.6 miles (55.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 5313 feet (1619 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 59 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free