Park City’s trail system is one I can’t imagine getting any better. But then Mountain trails Foundation goes and does just that. Such is the case with the new 9k Trail. Much like the famous Mid Mountain Trail following the 8,000-foot contour line from Deer Valley to the far side of Canyons Village, the 9k Trail meanders on the 9,000-foot contour line.
Only 2 miles of the 9k Trail have been completed so far, and that section just opened in late summer of 2019. The eventual goal is for the singletrack to stretch all the way to Shadow Lake and Scott’s Bowl. But for now, the 2 mile start is open for tires to roll.
The 9k Trail begins at Empire Pass above Deer Valley. From there it heads generally northwest along the ridge above the Daly Chutes and Empire Bowl. The views are most impressive the entire way as the path crosses open ski runs and winds through aspen and evergreen forest.
Soon after passing under the Empire Express chairlift, the 9k Trail ends at the Black Forest trail. For intermediate riders, this is a good place to turn around and go back to Empire Pass, because Black Forest is an advanced downhill that is very steep with innumerable root drops, rutted, loose dirt, and tight switchbacks in a thick forest.
Until the 9k Trail is completed, Black Forest is the only way down. But when the project is finished, this new singletrack will surely become a classic in the already impressive Park City trail system.
For more information and updates about the trail’s construction, visit mountaintrails.org