Mountain biking in Park City is a great way to enjoy summers in the Wasatch. But it can also mean dealing with big crowds on the trails. So if you’re looking for some singletrack where you’re likely to not see another soul, then the Princess Di trail fits the bill.
Princess Di is located in the Promontory neighborhood on the other side of Highway 40. She is a lonesome trail. There is no network here. Just one solitary, old-school trail that wraps around a mountainside. But oh what a trail it is. Princess Di is what I like to call an adventure trail. The terrain, the features, the views, and tons of variety make this route interesting to explore on a bike.
How to Mountain Bike Princess Di
You can ride Princess Di from either the north trailhead at the Promontory entrance on I-80, but I think starting on the other side and creating a loop is the better way to ride. This version begins at the Rail Trail Promontory trailhead. There is no way to get to the trailhead except to pedal up a paved bike path. It winds up through the gated community to the entrance of the Painted Valley golf course. Just beyond that, where the pavement ends is where the Princess Di singletrack begins.
The Singletrack Ascent
Princess Di is old-school, hand cut, classic trail. The path is narrow. There are no berms. Sections can be loose and rocky. But that’s what makes the ride so fun. It begins with a few descending switchbacks then climbs steeply as it crosses dry drainages, all below a new housing development. The switchbacks are tight and can be loose, especially if it hasn’t rained in a while. It’s a test-piece that expert riders should be able to clean, but will prove challenging for beginners. Through this area, check out the cool rock formations and keep an eye out for deer hiding within Gambel oak groves.
After this section, the best part of the ascent begins. The trail traverses across the mountainside. Sweeping views of Rockport Reservoir come into view to the east. You’ll cross sections of sage brush and scrub oak, interspersed with gorgeous Aspen groves.
The final climb is cool to ride because you pedal through a burned-out forest. A wildfire years ago left behind charred ghost trees. A few switchbacks up through the blackened woods brings you to the top of a ridge. From here you get 360-degree views of the Park City valley and the Uinta Mountains.
A Boisterous Descent
After crossing a dead-end street, pick up the singletrack on the other side and prepare for a long, boisterous descent. Expect more tight switchbacks between long straightaways where you can pick up tons of speed, only to slam on your brakes at every blind corner. You’ll drop 1,000 vertical feet over the course of four miles as the trail winds all the way down to I-80 and the north Promontory entrance.
Once there, cross over the interstate on the overpass to the other side. Hike your bike down to the stream on your right and locate the metal tunnel that goes back under the interstate. You then walk your bike through the tunnel (hopefully the creek isn’t running high) to the Rail Trail that is between the northbound and southbound lanes. It may seem crazy, but going through that tunnel is the correct way.
Once on the Rail Trail it’s an easy ride four miles back to the trailhead.
Getting There
From Park City or Salt Lake City, take I-80 east to Highway 40. Go south toward Heber City. Take the first exit (Silver Summit) and go left. Continue straight through the roundabout on Silver Creek Drive, then turn right on Promontory Ranch Road. A half-mile later, park at the Rail Trail Promontory trailhead on your left, across the street from a fire station. The paved bike trail begins in front of the fire station.