Bike Trails and Tips for Beginners in Park City
Mountain biking is a thrilling sport that gets you fit and lets you explore nature in a whole new way. Taking on rugged trails is an adrenaline rush that tests you and gives you the excitement of going fast or soaring over obstacles.
Park City is a perfect spot for serious mountain bikers, but if you’re new to the sport, the town also has trails and options that let you build your ability and your love of the outdoors.
Why Is Park City an Excellent Area for Beginner Bicyclists?
You can mountain bike without a mountain, but the rugged beauty of alpine areas sure makes the experience more thrilling — and Park City is within easy access to some of the best mountains and alpine trails in the country. Park City and the surrounding area also have lots of perks for bikers:
Park City has been named by the International Mountain Biking Association as the first Gold Level Ride Center for its more than 450 miles of trails for experienced, beginner, and moderate riders, so there’s always new ground to cover.
The alpine climate means smooth and even dirt, which is perfect for someone just starting out.
Park City has embraced mountain biking, so you’ll find gear, bike repairs, bike rentals, and everything else you need right in town.
There is a community dedicated to riding the city’s many trails, so if you want to ride in groups or learn from advanced riders, that option is open.
Mountain biking here is never boring, with wildflower meadows, moose, foxes, bald eagles, and other wildlife making each excursion an adventure.
In the winter, skiing rules in Park City. But once the melt begins, you’ll start to see bikes pop up everywhere. Whether you’re interested in expanding your comfort zone or want an easy ride where you can stop to take photos of wildlife, Park City has you covered.
What Are Some Easy Trails to Check Out?
There are some very serious mountain bikers in Park City and the surrounding areas, and there are some trails that are absolutely for expert riders only. No matter what your challenge level, you can find complex trail networks, high elevation riding opportunities, steep trails, and more. If you’re just getting started, there are also some great local trails perfect for beginners:
The Mid Mountain Trail. If you want to put the “mountain” back into mountain biking, this alpine singletrack trail takes you through groves of trees and offers up amazing views of Park City, The Canyons, and the mountains. The trail is buffed down and there are some fast and easy sections, but the technical sections mean that if you’re a beginner you will want to at least be fit to tackle this trail.
Round Valley. A good mix of singletrack and doubletrack trails, this is a great spot for any mountain biker. For beginners, Down Dog is ideal because it has easy angles, machine-cut terrain, and plenty of room. You won’t have to worry about any technical sections, either.
RTS Loop. You’ll find this trail in the north portion of the Olympic Park area. This singletrack is simple enough for families, with no technical or steep sections and plenty of clear signage. There is plenty of room on corners and angles. The smooth, well-maintained terrain takes you through meadows and forest views. If you’re absolutely new to mountain biking, this trail is ideal.
Road to WOS. On Summit Park Peak, this maintained singletrack is shaded by evergreen trees and boasts berms and jumps. The loop is short and has the added benefit of having lots of wildlife to make the ride interesting.
As you build your skills, you’ll find a whole community of mountain bikers in the area. Since they’ve blazed the trail before you, you’ll see plenty of new trails to explore, some with more challenging terrains. Another good option is Park City Mountain in the summer, where you can purchase a Lift Access/Bike Haul summer season pass for intermediate-level trails.
What Are Some Good Tips for New Mountain Bikers?
The best trail riding tips, mountain bike tips, and outdoor hacks are those that keep you safer and encourage you to build your skills. Some of what you learned on your first bike still applies, but you’ll want to make sure you stay alert and choose trails that match your skills level. To get bicycling and increase confidence, you’ll also want to:
Train for it. Mountain biking takes a lot out of you, so fuel your body with a healthy diet and build up your fitness gradually to reduce the risk of injury. Get out on rides three or four times a week, being careful not to overdo it.
Get your bike right. Adjust your seat height and suspension to your body. Your seat should be high enough so that your knee is slightly bent when the pedal is low and your suspension is ideal when your bike’s tires have the right air pressure for your body weight.
Keep your posture right. One of the best mountain bike tips is to treat your body as an extension of the bike. Make sure to use the correct posture and keep your body slightly relaxed so you can control the bike. Keep your shoulders relaxed by keeping your chest lower, at the handlebars. Your knees should be wide and be ready to keep hips off the seat, especially on turns. When your hips are moving away from the bike rather than always in contact with it, you enjoy more control.
Wear the right gear. Protect your elbows and knees with pads and always wear the best helmet you can get your hands on.
There are many more tips for new mountain bikers, and you will gradually pick them up from trial and error as you find your own biking style. The primary goal at first, though, is to have fun and to get gradually stronger and better so you stick with it.
You’ve got your trail riding tips, mountain bike, helmet, and gear. Now it’s time to see where those trails take you. The more you ride, the better you’ll get at handling the bike and the terrain.
How Is Benloch Uniquely Positioned for Those Who Want to Do More Bicycling?
Whether you’re looking for trail riding tips, mountain bike trails, or are just wondering if this recreation is right for you, first you need to find a spot to ride. What if you didn’t even have to head anywhere to find the right trail? At Benloch Ranch, we have more than 20 miles of trails for residents, so you can’t hop on your bike right outside your door and just go. And since you’re not competing with as many riders as some of the more popular spots in Park City, you can try out mountain bike tips and maneuvers without worrying as much about space.
That’s not all. Benloch Ranch also has Benloch Ranch Concierge, rentals, and the Benloch Ranch Shoppes, so you can get help and all the gear you need as a beginner. Indoor and outdoor storage in our community lets you keep your bike, helmet, and other equipment secure and ready to go. With Park City and the mountains only 15 minutes away, you always have plenty of trails to ride, too.
Even the most ardent mountain biker knows riding isn’t everything. When you’re ready to put your bike away, you’ll love the stunning architecture at Benloch Ranch, the nearby trophy fishing, easy ski access, and the many, many other amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities to explore. Contact Benloch Ranch to learn more about living in one of the best recreation spots in the country.