For nature-lovers and outdoor wanderers, the beautiful city of Bountiful, Utah, has a lot to offer. Located in Davis County, this Salt Lake City suburb is nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, a location that gives Bountiful residents and visitors easy access to beautiful trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. If you're planning a biking excursion, we've gathered information on five popular biking trails near Bountiful, including the skill level required, the length of the ride, and the driving directions for each one.
Big Rock Trail
Also known as Elephant Rock, this trail is located just to the east of Bountiful, above Mueller Park. It's best for beginner to intermediate level bikers and offers a zigzag path up the hillside, which helps maintain a reasonable incline. You'll encounter side canyons, streams, and wooden teepees along the path. At the top of the trail to the left, you'll find a lookout bench from which you can enjoy views of Big Rock before turning around to retrace your tire treads on this out-and-back route. If you're looking for a fun weekend activity for the family, the Big Rock Trail might be the one for you.
To access this trail, take exit 315 from I-15 and travel east on 2600 South until the road becomes Orchard Drive after 0.8 miles. Continue to follow Orchard Drive for one mile, then turn right onto 1800 South. After 2.7 miles on 1800 S., you'll see the entrance to Mueller Park.
Mueller Park Trail
Intermediate riders may enjoy the Mueller Park mountain bike trail. On this trail, you'll encounter about 6.5 miles of gentle incline culminating in a flat clearing known as Rudy's Flat. The second half of the ride includes a slightly steeper 6.5-mile decline that ends a few miles down the road from the starting point. Highlights of this trail include beautiful wildflowers and fall foliage. On busy weekends, you might share this trail with hikers and horseback riders. It may also be useful to bring an off-line navigation tool, as there may be poor cell phone reception on this trail.
To get to the Mueller Park Trail, take exit 318 from I-15 onto 2600 South & North Salt Lake. Follow 2600 South as it curves to the left and becomes Orchard Drive. Next, turn right on 1800 South and follow it for 2.5 miles until you reach the Mueller Park Picnic area.
Parrish Creek Trail
This 8.7-mile trail runs from the floor of Parrish Canyon up to the top of Bountiful Peak. Bikers follow the path along a ridge between Parish and Centerville Canyons until it connects with Skyline Drive, which leads to the summit of Bountiful Peak. You can expect beautiful views and wildflowers. This trail includes steep and narrow pathways and may be best for advanced bikers. You may also get the best experience by following this trail between April and September. Those who choose to access this trail in the winter might encounter snow.
To access this trail, take exit 319 from I-15 onto 400 North and Parrish Lane. Continue East off the highway on 400 North until the road ends after 1.2 miles, then turn left and drive a short distance to the parking lot.
North Canyon Trail
North Canyon Trail, at 7.5 miles out and back, includes an elevation gain of over 1,600 feet and may be best for intermediate bikers. You begin this trail by following a dirt road. As you gain elevation, you enter a forest path and continue along the side of the mountain. Eventually, you emerge at Rudy's Flat. You may encounter flowers, fall leaves, or snow depending on the time of year, however, the trail is best used from March through October. This trail is also open to hikers and on-leash dogs.
To get to the North Canyon Trail, take exit 315 from I-15 onto 2600 South in North Salt Lake, then continue east on 2600 South until it becomes Orchard Drive. Turn right onto 1800 South and follow it until it intersects with Bountiful Boulevard or 1600 East. At this point, turn south and continue straight for 1.5 miles. Next, turn onto Canyon Creek Road and travel east until the end of the paved road. Alternatively, you may access the North Canyon Trail via the Mueller Park Trail.
Francis Peak Trail
The Francis Peak Trail is a good option for advanced bikers looking for a steep and challenging opportunity. It covers 10.8 miles and over 4,600 feet of elevation in a steep journey from the Shepard Canyon to a road that leads to Francis Peak. While it's rarely crowded, you may encounter hikers and runners on this trail. The Francis Peak Trail features beautiful views and an opportunity to explore the wilderness while following trail markers after about 2.5 miles of path.
To access the Francis Peak Trail, follow take exit 396 from 1-15 onto 1225 N/Shepard Lane. Continue for 0.4 miles, then turn left onto Main Street. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto W 1400 NW Farmington Drive North. Follow this road for 0.5 miles, then make a right turn onto N Compton Road, followed by a left turn onto Grandview Drive. Finally, turn left onto Bella Vista Drive and look for the destination on your right.
For your next picturesque biking adventure, hop on one of these five beautiful trails near Bountiful, Utah. If you're interested in an easy or intermediate ride, consider the Mueller Park trail, the Big Rock trail, or the North Canyon Trail. Experienced bikers who are up for a challenge might prefer the Parrish Creek or the Francis Peak Trails. Whichever path you choose, you're sure to experience scenic routes and stunning views. Don't forget your camera.
Have you been biking or hiking near Bountiful? Are you a Utah local? What are your favorite biking trails or hidden nature sanctuaries? Be sure to let us know so we can add them to our list. See you on the trails.