Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway is huge. From Soldier Hollow, to WOW Trail, to Dutch Hollow and everything in between, there are many miles of trails to mountain bike on. But one set of singletrack that gets overlooked is the network above the Wasatch Mountain State Park visitor center and golf course.
Trail Description
The network is a series of loops that allow riders different mileage options. From the visitor center you can ride a one-mile beginner loop up to the nearly 5-mile Crow’s Nest loop.
The trails here are of the old-school, hand cut variety. The singletrack is more suited for hiking, and it’s obvious when you’re grinding straight up the mountain while coughing up a lung. Yes, the trails are steep and narrow, and that’s part of the allure. If you need to remember what mountain biking was like in the ’90s, this is a good place to reminisce.
Suggested Route
Below is my favorite way to ride Wasatch Mountain State Park. It incorporates the “easiest” ascent route and the most fun descent to make a long loop.
Start at the visitor center and ride up the Huber Grove doubletrack. At the intersection with Epperson, go left. Follow this to Spring Pond and go left again, as it switchbacks up the mountainside.
When Spring Pond connects with the SECOND Middle Mountain trail on the left, go up this. The ride gets very steep at this point. Middle Mountain becomes Crows Nest, which tops out at a nice meadow. From here, Crow’s Nest descends down the other side. Don’t miss the actual “Crows Nest” overlook with a bench – it’s the best spot on the loop to take a break.
Crows Nest ends at Wild Turkey. Go left on this trail. I think Wild Turkey is the most fun descent trail in the whole network. There’s a bit of flow, nice smooth singletrack and shaded groves.
Where Wild Turkey intersects Spring Pond, take the left fork, then take another left on Epperson. When Epperson ends at Huber Grove, follow the doubletrack back to the visitor center.
Final Word
If you’re tired of the crowds on more popular trails on the Wasatch Back, check out the network above Wasatch Mountain State Park’s visitor center. You’ll test your legs and lungs, but you’ll also enjoy the serenity of a place seldom visited. Note that there is a $7, per-car fee at the park. For more information, visit https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/wasatch-mountain/