Because of its relatively lower altitude—topping out just below 7,100 feet—this mostly-smooth singletrack is usually rideable between April and late October and is extremely popular with bikers and hikers looking for a close-to-home adventure.
This 13.5-mile out-and-back begins in Mueller Park and climbs uphill on the Mill Creek Trail, following the contours of Cave Peak's northern slope. You'll cross a clear-cut path of an oil pipeline near mile 2 and the climb mellows briefly before re-entering the shade and catching fine canyon views to the north and east.
About halfway to the Rudys Flat, park your bike at Big Rock, a bench-equipped resting spot perfect for a breather or a turnaround point when snow still covers the trail farther uphill. Prepare for a few minor technical sections above this point—you'll encounter more rocks and roots.
Rudys Flat, your hilltop destination, awaits near mile 6.5. Continue west 0.3 mile over the summit for killer views of the city and canyons before turning back, or scope out the North Canyon Trail for an alternative loop route back downhill toward Bountiful.
-Mapped by Gene Poncelet
TO TRAILHEAD: From I-15 north of Salt Lake City, take exit 315 for 2600 S. Stay right at the fork toward Bountiful on E 1100 N. Continue straight for 1.6 miles as E 1100 N turns to W 2600 S and S Orchard Drive. Turn right onto E 1800 S and drive 2.3 miles to the parking lot just before the Mueller Park fee station.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Mueller Park - Mill Creek
| Dist: 13.50 mi |
Points: 1553 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
MUL001
Location: 40.863866°, -111.836714°
There are restrooms and picnic areas at the trailhead in Mueller Park where this singletrack begins. Cross the bridge to begin your winding, uphill ride.
MUL002
Location: 40.855176°, -111.825800°
Just past mile 2, the climb mellows briefly and you'll cross over a buried oil pipeline. The trail along the northern slope of Cave Peak is a novice-level climb on smooth and flowing hard-packed dirt with few technical interruptions.
MUL003
Location: 40.854234°, -111.817002°
Take a left at this junction for the short spur to Big Rock where benches and a sweeping view await. This point at mile 3.5 is a popular turnaround point for hikers and novice cyclists. The trail above is an intermediate ride, but it's steeper and more technical than the lower reaches of the trail. It's also less crowded.
MUL004
Location: 40.847710°, -111.815736°
The trail flattens briefly as it rounds the western edge of this mid-mountain flat near mile 4.8.
MUL005
Location: 40.839496°, -111.811767°
You'll reach a small clearing and the highpoint of this ride at Rudys Flat (7,165 feet above sea level and 1,900 feet above the trailhead). From here, continue west along the ridge to an overlook above North Canyon. An overgrown spur trail heads 0.25 mile south, but becomes impassable less than 0.25 mile to the left.
MUL006
Location: 40.838668°, -111.817024°
This viewpoint above North Canyon offers far-reaching views of the canyons, valleys, and city below.
MUL007
Location: 40.839463°, -111.818419°
Though this mapped route is an out-and-back, the North Canyon Trail continues downhill to the west and creates a 13.5-mile loop option. This mapped route retraces the trail to Mueller Park, but descending North Canyon from here (and adding a short road ride in town) will also lead back to the trailhead.
Trailhead
Location: 40.863745°, -111.836615°
This footbridge near the Mueller Park Picnic Area parking lot is the access point for the trail. © Gene Poncelet
Oaks
Location: 40.860239°, -111.836700°
Autumn leaves pave the trail in the fall. This trail, at lower elevation than most nearby rides, is usually one of the last trails to be covered in snow and one of the first to emerge in spring. © Gene Poncelet
Big Rock
Location: 40.854592°, -111.816959°
Benches and a big rock decorate the overlook and rest area at Big Rock. © Gene Poncelet
Traffic
Location: 40.845275°, -111.809621°
Pay attention to your speed and breaking power, this trail is popular with hikers and bikers and you'll likely encounter some traffic on your ride. © Gene Poncelet
Downhill
Location: 40.839955°, -111.810941°
© Gene Poncelet
Salt Lake City
Location: 40.838408°, -111.811638°
City views from the ridgeline near Rudys Flat. © Gene Poncelet
North Canyon
Location: 40.839528°, -111.818333°
This trail leads down North Canyon toward Bountiful where a 3-mile road ride lands you back at the trailhead parking lot. © Gene Poncelet
City Creek Trail
Location: 40.836347°, -111.811552°
The trail to City Creek is completely overgrown from this point, 0.25 mile from Rudys Flat. Even the short stretch to this point is no fun. © Gene Poncelet
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