Mid Mountain Trail: The Unsung Hero of the Wasatch Back
While the skiing at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain gets most of the press and hype, it’s the mountain biking that truly separates Park City from other ski towns.
Originally awarded IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center status in 2012, Park City boasts more than 450 miles of non-motorized trails available to the public. From Deer Valley’s lift-assisted DH and flow trails to the epic Wasatch Crest, the cult-classic Flying Dog and beginner-friendly Round Valley, there is truly something here for every type of rider.
For me, however, the unsung hero of the entire trail network is Mid Mountain Trail.
The Mid Mountain Trail is a 26-mile IMBA Epic-certified route that traverses the Wasatch Back at around 8,000 feet, connecting Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Canyons Village and ultimately Summit Park.
More than just a trail, Mid Mountain is the backbone of the Park City trail system. It acts as a high-elevation highway, giving riders access to dozens of upper and lower mountain trails once they’ve climbed (or took the bus) up from the town. I’ve been riding in Park City for 30 years, and yet every time I hop on Mid Mountain, it’s a good time.
“Mid Mountain to me is certainly the backbone of our trail system. It’s a transitory medium that allows me to piece together epic rides in real time.”
- Local Shredder & Really Fit Guy Al Lanning
Here are some of my favorite rides that highlight Mid Mountain in all its glory:
JMO’s Cup of Coffee Lap
Daily Canyon → Tour de Suds → Mid Mountain → Deer Crest
9.3 miles | 1,295 feet of elevation gain
Start up Daily Canyon, where the trail winds past some of Park City’s incredible mining history, before tackling the old-school climb up Tour de Suds. From there, rip the Mid Mountain flowy traverse toward Deer Valley. The newest addition to the trail, past Silver Lake, has some killer views of the Jordanelle and all the new ski terrain out of East Village. Finish with a fast and fun descent down Deer Crest back toward Snow Park Village.
It’s a great combination of climbing, flow, and fun…cap off the ride with a coffee and breakfast burrito at Deer Valley Café for the ultimate morning.
The Ultimate Park City Ride
Armstrong Trail → Mid Mountain → CMG
12 miles | 1,700 feet of elevation gain
If you only have time for one ride that captures the essence of Park City mountain biking, this is a damn good place to start. Local legend Todd Fischer nailed it when he told me, “That loop is my morning sesh. I’ve probably ridden arm-mid-CMG 500 times. You can’t find a better bang for your buck. I can knock that out in 1 hour 30 if I’m moving and I love the views of Jupiter Peak on the flowy section.”
The ride begins with the smooth, steady climb up Armstrong, one of the classic climbs in town. While it is an UPHILL ONLY trail, there are some technical sections that can jam up even the most seasoned riders, so don’t be afraid to walk a section or two. Once you connect with Mid Mountain, you’ll cruise down some of the best flow Mid Mountain has to offer, through the “spooky woods,” and ultimately hit CMG. The descent is fast and loose, providing the perfect exclamation point to the ride.
Local’s Tip: Stop into Silver Star Ski & Sport at the Armstrong Trailhead before or after your ride. It’s a convenient spot for snacks, basic maintenance, or some local trail beta.
Mid Mountain: Wall to Wall
Deer Valley → Park City Mountain → Canyons Village → Pinebrook
26 miles | Approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain
This is the coup de grâce.
Start at Silver Lake Village in Deer Valley and follow the trail west across the Wasatch Back. You’ll traverse Deer Valley, Park City Mountain and Canyons Village before ultimately finishing in Pinebrook.
While the trail is never particularly technical, the combination of distance, elevation, and sustained climbing makes the wall-to-wall traverse a legitimate day in the saddle.
There’s also something pretty sweet about riding across the entire town on singletrack. To me, this is what makes Mid Mountain so special. It isn’t the gnarliest or most epic trail; it’s simply the one that ties it all together.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a spare tube. Once you pass the dropout at Spiro Trail, there aren’t many easy bailout or support options.
