The network of trails in Park City is immense. With over 400 miles of singletrack interwoven on the mountainsides above town, it can be difficult to figure out a good loop for a quick ride. One of my go-to rides is the 12-mile-long, Jenni’s to Crescent Mine Grade (CMG) loop. This ride features an easy, mellow ascent on Jenni’s, followed by a straightforward, mildly technical descent back to the Park City base.
To ride this loop, park in the lower lot at Park City Resort near the golf course. Pick up Jenni’s Trail as soon as you cross the concrete barriers. Note that this is a new start for Jenni’s/Silver Star that is lower than the old route which began closer to the summer carnival rides. Climb the low-grade, very smooth Jenni’s for 3 miles to the top of the PayDay lift (you’ll also see the bottom of the Bonanza lift here as well.) At this point, ride toward Deer Valley on a double track where a sign points you toward the Mid Mountain Trail. In just over 600 feet, hang a left on the actual Mid Mountain Trail, and a shirt distance later, go right onto Tommy’s Two Step.
Follow Tommy’s Two Step as it switchbacks for one mile through an aspen forest to where it ends at a yurt. This is the end of the climb. Just beyond the yurt, locate the Mojave Trail. Lower your saddle, because it’s all downhill from here!
Mojave is a nearly 1-mile long, flowing descent with a few bermed corners and some rocky sections to keep you honest. It ends at the Mid Mountain Trail. Continue down the easy MMT until you come to Crescent Mine Grade. You pick up CMG where Mid Mountain Trail crosses a dirt road. Do not cross the road! Instead, make a very sharp right on the road where you will see the sign for CMG.
This section is the most technical and continuous downhill of the ride. CMG begins with very few turns, is mostly buff singletrack, and can be very, very fast. Rock gardens will slow you down somewhat, but overall you can lay off the brakes and cruise. After the 4-way intersection with Jenni’s, CMG becomes more flowing, with bermed corners, especially at the bottom of the ride above the Park City Resort base. It’s a total of three miles of fun.
The total Jenni’s to CMG loop is 11.8 miles, and can be done in an average of 1 1/2 hours.
Got any other favorite loops in Park City? Let us know in the comments below!