The Round Valley area is a network of mountain bike trails near Park City that is an easy going, well maintained spot. Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders, Round Valley also offers a little technical fun for experts out for an easy day. As with all rides in Park City, buffed out singletrack is the name of the game here. There are several trails to choose from, but many people find the standard Round Valley Loop to be the best way to ride.
The Round Valley Loop begins near the National Ability Center parking lot. From there, the trail rises up onto the ridge through a series of easy switchbacks before going down into the Round Valley itself. Another climb to a second ridge leads to a somewhat technical descent back to the valley on the Park City side of the ridge. From there, easy riding on the McLeod Creek and Rail Trails leads riders back to the car on the other side for a loop that is just over 14 miles.
A good variation on the Round Valley Loop is to retrace the ride back up to the ridge from the valley floor and choose any of the other trails that can be found in the complex of singletrack. Rademan Ridge, Quarry Road, Rambler, Nowhere Elks, Somewhere Elks, Matt’s Flat and Backslide are just a few examples of the trails that are all interconnected in the Round Valley complex. In fact, after riding the main loop, you can spend the entire day weaving around and exploring all the different variations.
There are so many trails with multiple intersections, that the Round Valley can be a bit intimidating for first-timers. However, it’s impossible to really get lost as each trail and intersection is well signed, and even if you tried to lose your way, you’ll eventually end up back where you started as all the trails connect back to themselves.
In Park City terms, Round Valley is a low elevation ride, which means it is among the first to open in the spring and is able to be ridden well into late fall. The elevation also gives the area a different feel for Park City as you’ll be riding through scrub oak forests and over sage and rabbit brush, much like the nearby Glenwild Loop.
If you go: take I-80 to US 40 and exit right. Drive south a bit and turn right on Kearns Boulevard. Park in the lot by the baseball fields right after exiting the highway. Ride on the paved trail up to the National Ability Center where you will find the Round Valley trailhead.
I just found this website and what a great resource it is for living outdoors in Utah! Thanks! I also frequent the Round Valley Trails in Park City and love the beginner-intermediate level. However, I mostly trail run (mountain biker in training). If you like the Round Valley Trails, you may enjoy the Park City Mini Trail Series designed to get runners off the roads and onto the trails. Check it out at http://www.R-U-Nevents.com.
Happy Trails!
Thanks Rhielle! Glad you stumbled upon us. 🙂
Great post, Jared. I wanted to leave a comment for those unfamiliar with the area. Be aware that these trails are also occasionally used for horseback rides, as well. The National Ability Center’s participants typically have a physical or cognitive disability, and they benefit from some extra TLC. Please give the horses a little extra room on the trails if you see them. Feel free to give them some words of encouragement too!