Mountain Biking
Deer Valley Resort
Park City, Utah
Riding llike a pro on pro grade trails (in my opinion anyway)
9/3/06 - by Dana Farnsworth, Outdoor Travels
Deer Valley Resort in Park City Utah, is by original design a ski resort. Riding the ever so popular wave of building mountain bike trails to extend their summer business, 12 years ago Deer Valley began creating what is now, over 50 miles of mostly singletrack trail. The trails range from easy cross country to double black diamond downhill gear required expert only. All the trails lie somewhere between 7,200 - 9,400 feet above sea level so those from flat states without a lot of elevation (like this Floridian) will find even the easiest trails aerobically challenging if much pedaling is required - one of the main reasons I chose to take advantage of the lifts and ride trails that pointed downward for the majority of their length. It’s also worth mentioning that there is also a small terrain park on the upper mountain that includes teeter-totters, ramps, skinnys and other prefabbed stunts.
Bike rentals, lift passes and good advice are all available at the day lodge at the base of the Silver Lake Express lift. It’s important to mention that the trails are more or less centered around two lifts. The Silver Lake Express is the first lift that arrives at Silver Lake Village at 8,100 feet above sea level. At Silver Lake Village you can refresh yourself with a famous Utah low test beer or have a nice lunch. Once off the lift, you’ll be faced with two immediate choices, ride back down the mountain on either NCS (double black diamond), Devo (single black diamond), Deer Crest (intermediate) as well as a few interconnecting trails like Little Stick (intermediate), Pipeline (intermediate) or the Gap Trail (intermediate) that continue on to other areas not around the base of the Silver Lake Express lift. The second option was the one I chose - riding the McHenry Practice Loops to the west of the lift en route to the Sterling Express Lift which would take me to the precipice of Bald Mountain at 9,400’ asl. The McHenry practice loops are just that, a nice easy way to test your rental bike, or your switchback skills. The last portion of the this connector trail offers up an easier and harder route to the Sterling Lift. With all my bravado (and lack of witnesses) I chose the harder route. Twisting through the aspens in numerous loose dirt switchbacks was a lot of fun. The terrain was challenging and this flatlander was up for cleaning (it wasn’t real pretty) this short but fun section .
On to the next lift! Even if you don‘t ride bikes, it‘s worth noting that the view atop Bald Mountain is worth the ride up. On top of one of the highest peaks in the region, there are sweeping vistas to behold. I was there to see if my well honed Florida biking skills could stack up to Utah’s challenging singletrack, so after a brief viewing and a few pictures, I was off and riding! At the top of the Sterling Lift, there are several more trail choices than at the Silver Lake lift. There are Deer Camp (intermediate), Homeward Bound (difficult and intermediate), Nail driver (intermediate) as well as many others, some of which can be combined making a long and varied ride terminating either at the base of a lift or even right through the middle of Main Street Park City (perfect for the last ride of the day).
I chose to ride Homeward Bound which is the longest downhill route on the mountain. It begins with fast downhill sweeping switchbacks with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. It was hard keeping my eyes on the trail and not on the New Zealandesque views. Since there were no trees to run into and no riding buddy witnesses, I pushed my speed well past my comfort limits (there’s not too many extended downhill trails in Florida). As I masterfully (actually probably really sloppy) carved into each bank switchback, my confidence (and fear) began to grow. I was tearing up some of Utah’s thrilling downhill trails (and tearing up myself as I lost control in a sandy turn and had to bail off the back of my rented steed). No one around to see, I can remember it how I want! Homeward Bound eventually brought me back to The Silver Lake Village, but not before another “Hard or Easier” choice was provided. I chose to duck into the aspens (see a trend here) and brave the tumbling little trail that to my great surprise (just about crapped my pants) sported several plank bridges with small stepdowns as well as a ton (two or three) really intense (hard but not too hard) ramps and man made features. Added to the level of difficulty is the fact that the trail is always descending, which creates another level of difficulty that I masterfully cleaned (I did clean it, but I‘m sure it was really a great display of blind luck).
This Floridian was getting the hang of these trails (that is before I had to complete a short climb). From Silver Lake Village, in order to continue down the mountain, there is a huge (tiny) bit of climbing along side Silver Lake Village (locals probably wouldn’t even notice the climb) to access the next set of trails. I’m not in bad shape for a recreational level rider, but my sea level lungs, felt as if they were the size of over stressed kidney beans as I scaled my way up the great hill (huff, puffed and weezed up the dirt mound). It was at this moment that I realized how smart my ride plan was - go downhill - good call.
Feeling that my skill level was up for the challenging black diamond trails (well, actually feeling woozy at this point), I chose to ride the black diamonded Devo down to the base lift. Devo drops 1,200’ and is a “extreme level cross country” trail, which means it is a “all mountain” that is steep, rough and full of gnarly switchbacks, all of which I cleaned (well I did dab twice - or maybe three times), but I never walked anything (well okay there was ONE part). Had my riding buddies been with me, I would have been up for the challenge to ride the portion I walked (peer pressure). Devo serves it up! I’m not a full-helmet, full pads kind of rider, so this trail that is just short of that exceptional level of difficulty really made me smile with enjoyment (crap my pants with fear).
Once again down at the Snow Park Lodge and the Silver Lake Express lift, I planned the rest of my ride and headed back onto the lift. This time I chose to stop at Silver Lake Village, make the excruciating climb (barely a dirt knoll) to the Deer Crest Trail. An intermediate trail, on the map it looked to be a nice long 2.5 mile ride back to Snow Park Lodge. For an intermediate trail, Deer Crest was at times a bit challenging (truth be told, I saw a pre-teen girl riding this trail). Seriously though, Deer Crest severed up enough switch backs and minor obstacles to demand attention (I bit it once in a switchback when I was looking around at the scenery). The surrounding views along the crest portion are quite pretty.
Back on lift and onto Silver Lake Village again. This time, I chose to forego the massive scale of Alp De Dirt Road, and chose instead to go into the Royal Street Café for a cold beverage. Mind you, Utah has strange alcohol regulations, and on top of that, has very week beer. I was more than confident that one 3% alcohol Utah Brew would provide me with the calories I was in need of and not even begin to impair my riding ability (I am a pro consumer if not rider).
Here is a valuable tip for those who like a frosty beverage: When in Utah, always ask to see the menu when you order your beer. In Utah, IF you have intentions of eating (even if you don’t order anything) you may order a beverage, if not, you may not. Silly Mormons….
So after perusing the menu and tossing down a tasty local ale, I was back on the bike and heading towards my last ride of the day (my brakes were beginning to be mush). I planned to ride a short section of the Mid Mountain Trail, to the east of the lift, then onto Daly Canyon, which on the map, would lead me right down the middle of Main Street Park City. A good plan. As good plans often go with me, I got a bit lost. Seems a portion of the trail, off of the Mid Mountain Trail that heads into town, crosses a road. Usually not a big deal, but this time, there were no clear trails on the other side of the road. After a bit of searching, I chose to go down a gravel road near the trail’s exit. I soon felt relief (I was thirsty for more beer) as the gravel road quickly became single track again. The fun tumble down the mountain soon turned into a straight, rocky, baby head infested (it probably wasn’t that bad) wide track that was at once hard to go slow on and near impossible to go fast on. My rear brake pads at this point were gone, as I weaved my way down this rather, techy at times (yes, I ate it once) gradual descent. Of interest, as I neared downtown, I went through what I am assuming was an old mining area; Silver mining was huge in this region back in the day. I passed by several old abandoned fifties era vehicles and several piles of wood, that once looked to be homes. Adjacent to the homes, there were many relics of abandoned mining gear. Old rusty steel conveyor towers dotted the trail as old steel cables could be seen laying about. It was an eerie scene. I imagined that it looked like a fifties era film on the effects of nuclear war. It was strange.
I soon found myself riding down Main Street Park City, thirsty for some suds and feeling good about the transfer of my flatlander skills to Utah’s downhill trails (actually feeling windblown and sore from eating it earlier in the day on Homeward Bound) - but you didn’t hear that from me, and hey, no one saw it anyway - no one I know personally at any rate. So it didn't really happen, right?
Trail snapshot
Trail(s): Around 50 miles of mostly single track. Surfaces vary from gravel to dirt to rocks (big and small) and serious drops.
Difficulty: Advanced beginner to advanced expert. Trails all have an element of descending thrown in.
Outdoor Travels Rating:
3.8 bikes out of 5. Lots of trails, lots of challeges and nice scenery.
Thumbs up
- You name a type of trail Deer Valley probably has it.
- Beautiful Scenery
- Very few people
- Easy access to beer and good food at the end of the ride.
- Rentals, repairs and bike shop are nice features.
- Descending is fun!
Thumbs down
- This is barely a thumbs down, but Park City in general has SO many trails, chosing a ride can be a lengthy experience.
- Elevation makes any sort of aerobic effort a near death experience for flatlanders - seriously.
- Weak post-ride beer that make you full before intoxicated.
Nuts & bolts
Location and Directions: Deer Valley Resort - Silver Lake Express Lift: From Main Street in Park City, take Heber Avenue to the roundabout, and then take Deer Valley Drive to Snow Park Lodge.
Facilities: Bike rentals at Snow Park Lodge, good food at Silver Lake Village.
Activities: mountain biking, hiking and of course skiing during the winter.
Admission: No admission is actually needed if you choose to ride up the mountain instead of using the chair lifts. Chair lift passes: $20 for an all day pass or $12 for a one trip pass.
Website
Lodging
We hung out at the
Old Town Guest House
- Less expensive than other options
- Owner Deb is a professional mountain biker and full of useful trail information
1011 Empire Avenue
Park City, UT 84060
Phone: 435-649-2642
Maps and stuff
Trail photos
Trail descriptions
Be aware that even though a trail may be marked Easier, all trails still require basic mountain-bike-handling skills, mountain travel skills and physical fitness. Trails may be temporarily closed at any time due to construction and/or maintenance. Please obey signs for your safety. Bike and helmet rentals, repairs, riding instruction and tours are available.
Lakeside Trails: (easier)1 mile. A series of paved trails that surround the lakes just past the Snow Park parking lots.
McHenry's Practice Loops: (easier) 1.5 miles. Access to the east of the Homestake lift on the right of McHenry's ski run. This is the perfect trail to practice your skills and to check out your bike.
Sultan Out & Back: (easier) 5 miles Multi-use trail, a gradual descent through aspens and pines ending at a viewing deck of Jordanelle Resevoir and Unita Mountains.
Deer Camp: (moderate) 3.5 miles. This trail begins in the meadow and is located to the right of the double track on the way to Flagstaff Mountain. Scenic single-track trail through aspen groves.
Mid-Mountain Trail:
(moderate) This stunning, scenic single-track trail traverses Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons, connecting all three resorts and offering spectacular scenic vistas, lush forests and beautiful aspen groves.
Tour De Homes: (moderate) 2.5 miles. A mix of dirt road and single track beginning off Sterling Drive at Silver Lake. This wide trail follows ski runs through some of Deer Valley's most beautiful homes. This is the least difficult trail down to the Snow Park base area.
Deer Crest: (moderate) 3.5 miles. A wide single-track trail, accessed via Four Point, that connects Bald Eagle and Deer Crest. This trail ends just east of Snow Park Lodge.
Sunset: (moderate) 2.5 miles. One of the least difficult routes. Access via Sunset ski run. Hiking not recommended.
Naildriver: (moderate) 2.1 miles. Access is to the west from the top of the Sterling lift via Sunset ski run. There are some sharp switchbacks and panoramic views. This is the least difficult route down. Caution: Slow riders! Hiking not recommended.
Super G Trees: (moderate) .8 mile. Access from Naildriver to the right of the meadow. A single track with long turns through the aspens.
G.S. Trees: (moderate) .5 mile. Access from Naildriver to the right, 1.3 miles from the top of the Sterling lift after crossing Sunset West ski run. This run is a constantly turning single track through a thick aspen grove.
Four Point: (moderate) 1 mile. A single-track trail that connects to the Deer Crest trail system.
Flagstaff Loop: (moderate - difficult) 4 miles. Access from Deer Camp. You will encounter a mix of uphill and downhill stretches on single track.
Tour Des Suds: (moderate - difficult) 6 miles. Access from Flagstaff Loop. A true cross-country trail encircling Flagstaff Mountain. Mainly on single track. Caution: Watch for uphill traffic!
TBB "Team Big Bear": (moderate - difficult) 2 miles. A cross-country trail that meanders through open meadows then drops through rugged forest. Caution: Watch for uphill traffic! Access from Flagstaff Loop.
Homeward Bound: (moderate - difficult) 3 miles. From the top of Sterling lift, go straight toward the reflector panels. This trail winds around to the Homeward Bound ski run. Variations of this trail contain freestyle features. Hiking not recommended.
Ontario Loop: (difficult) .5 mile. Single-track traverse around Ontario Bowl with great views of the Silver Lake Village.
Freestyle: (difficult) .5 mile. Access from Aspen Slalom. Very tight, twisting single track in the trees, with an exciting drop at the end! Hiking not recommended.
Aspen Slalom: (difficult) 2 miles. This tight single track through the aspens follows the chairlift down. Hiking not recommended.
Twist and Shout: (difficult) .75 mile. Access from the Naildriver to the right, 1.7 miles from the top of the Sterling lift. A thrilling steep and twisting single track with tight curves and lots of trees. Hiking not recommended.
Devo: (difficult) 3 miles. A tight, technical single track from the top of Bald Eagle Mountain to the Snow Park base area. This steep trail has numerous turns and was part of the National Championship Series cross-country course. Hiking not recommended.
Fire Swamp: (expert only) 1.5 miles.State championship downhill course. Pads and downhill bike recommended. Hiking not recommended.
Thieves Forest: (expert only) 1.5 miles. Pads and downhill bike recommended. Hiking not recommended.
NCS (National Championship Series Downhill Course): (expert only)1.5 miles. This trail is one of the most difficult downhill race courses in the country. Steep and very technical, this trail is only for the properly equipped expert or pro downhill racer. Downhill-specific bike and protective gear recommended. Hiking not recommended. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR RECREATIONAL RIDERS.
