If you're introducing your kids to mountain biking, or, like me, you're a beginner yourself, there are plenty of trails around Salt Lake City and Park City that offer smooth surfaces, mellow grades, and plenty of opportunities to build confidence on two wheels.
Having just inherited a friend’s used but high-quality mountain bike last year, this is the season to check out what the trails (not covered in snow) are all about. My 6-year-old has a mountain bike, but he’s never ridden it on anything but pavement (to and from school). So, he and I hit up five beginner-friendly rides where we could get our footing and enjoy Utah's beautiful mountain scenery.
1. Round Valley Practice Loop | Park City
Best for: First-time mountain bikers and young kids
Difficulty: Beginner
Terrain: Smooth, wide dirt trail
Climbing: Minimal
If you're looking for the perfect place to introduce someone to mountain biking, start at Round Valley.
The Practice Loop is designed specifically for riders who are learning the basics. The terrain is relatively smooth and forgiving, with gentle grades and plenty of room to practice braking, turning, and shifting without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the biggest advantages of Round Valley is that you don't have to commit to a long ride. Start with a short loop and, if everyone is having fun, gradually explore more of the surrounding trail system. It's also a great place for families because riders of different abilities can find their own comfort zone.
2. RTS Trails | Park City
Best for: Families ready to graduate from a practice area
Difficulty: Beginner
Terrain: Smooth, flowing singletrack
Climbing: Gentle
Ready to move beyond the basics? The RTS area near Utah Olympic Park offers a fun next step.
The trails here provide a little more of a true mountain-bike experience while remaining approachable for newer riders. You'll find smooth, flowing sections, gentle turns, and beautiful mountain scenery.
The aspen-lined surroundings make this ride particularly scenic, and there's enough variety to keep kids interested without throwing a bunch of technical obstacles at them.
It's a great choice for families who have already mastered the basics and want to experience a longer ride. As one of the first trails for my 6-year-old, we took lots of stops and breaks, which was totally fine. Don’t focus on speed. Keep it casual, pressure-free, and focused on building comfort and confidence.
3. Perimeter Trail around Jordanelle Reservoir
Best for: Families looking for a longer, scenic ride
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate depending on the section
Terrain: Narrow dirt trail
Climbing: minimal
The Jordanelle Perimeter Trail winds along the reservoir, connecting the park's Rock Cliff, Ross Creek, and Hailstone areas. While the trail can get quite narrow at parts, the majority of the trail is very kid and beginner-friendly.
Don’t let the listed distance (29-mile out and back) scare you. You don't have to ride the entire trail (we didn’t). The trail offers beautiful views of Jordanelle Reservoir, the surrounding mountains, and plenty of opportunities for “RWS” - rest, water, and selfie, before moving on.
We started at Ross Creek Recreation Area, where you can access the Perimeter Trail as well as the shorter Wada Way and Keetley loops. Parts of the trail get narrow with shrubs, so if you have shin pads or high socks, I’d wear them.
4. Popperton Park | Salt Lake City
Best for: Kids learning bike-handling skills
Difficulty: Beginner
Terrain: Purpose-built flow trails
Climbing: Minimal
You don't have to drive to the mountains to give your kids a great mountain-biking experience.
Popperton Park in Salt Lake City offers a setting where young riders can practice their skills on purpose-built trails. The short loops make it easy to repeat sections, work on technique, and build confidence.
For kids who aren't quite ready for a multi-mile mountain-bike ride, this can be a great place to start.
We loved it here because it was close to our house, and because the trails are so short, it was easy for us to wrap up and call it when we got tired and hangry.
5. Downward Dog & Round Valley Trails | Park City
Best for: Families looking for a longer, mellow ride
Difficulty: Beginner
Terrain: Wide, smooth dirt trail
Climbing: Gradual
Round Valley earns another spot on this. The extensive trail network makes it so easy to customize your ride.
Downward Dog and nearby trails provide a chance to explore farther while sticking to relatively smooth, mellow terrain. Compared with some of Park City's more technical mountain-bike trails, this area feels much more approachable for beginners.
The wide trails and gradual grades made it easier for my kid to maintain his confidence and control, while I was able to enjoy the scenery instead of constantly scanning for rocks and obstacles.
Tips for Your First Family Mountain Bike Ride
Start shorter than you think. It’s surprising how far a mile can feel when you’re getting your footing, not familiar with the trail, and confidence is lower because you’re learning.
Look for smooth conditions. Dirt trails that are wider, relatively flat, with minimal rocks and obstacles will be your best bet. Get comfortable with rhythm, balance, and speed on these easier trails.
Let the slowest rider set the pace. I always stayed behind my 6-year-old. I wanted him to feel like the leader, so he dictated when we’d stop and rest. Lastly, going at his pace and staying behind let me see where he struggled and whether he needed help.
Bring water and snacks. This is a must because…kids.
Don't be afraid to turn around. If a trail becomes too steep, rocky, or intimidating, there's nothing wrong with heading back. We tried a couple of trails not on this list and ended up leaving, and that was ok. We scoped out some other trails and kept things positive.
