Family-friendly bike riding trails for Utah summer adventures

Convincing your family or friends to go on a bike ride is as easy as … riding a bike? It’s true, especially because scenic areas across the Beehive State have plenty of trails. KSL Classifieds shares our favorite bike riding spots across Utah this summer — most family friendly, some easy, some tough, all amazing. 

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*Tip: If bike riding in southern Utah during summer, go before sunrise or after sunset to avoid the heat.

Many trails in Utah are surrounded by Aspen trees and other foliage.

Road bike trails

Even on trails within city limits, you’ll still get epic scenery. Road bike trails are great for those with kiddos who want to get started with riding a bike outside the cul-de-sac. 

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• City Creek Canyon Road, 11.2 miles, hard: This steep uphill climb in City Creek Canyon near Salt Lake City gives you excellent views and wildlife sightings. Kids can join for some or all if they’re up for the challenge.

• Jordan River Trail, 45 miles, easy: Follow the Jordan River through Salt Lake Valley and stop at any number of parks along the way. 

• Murdock Canal Trail, 20 miles, easy: Ride through beautiful Utah Valley and below gorgeous views of Mt. Timpanogos. Connect to the Jordan River Trail on the north end of the trail. 

• Cedar Canyon Trail, 2.7 miles, easy: This route in Cedar City is a short and sweet way to dabble in pinyon pines and red rocks. This trail is great for family rides, sightseeing and a picnic at the trailhead.

• Virgin River Trail, 11.2 miles, easy: This St. George trail has gorgeous views of buttes, mesas and the Virgin River. In summertime you’ll roast if you go after 9 a.m., so start early!

• Provo River Parkway, 15 miles, easy: The scenery in this Utah County canyon is rugged and lush. Ride along the Provo River, ride past Bridal Veil Falls, make a stop at a few parks for water and snacks.

• Utah Lake Shoreline Trail, Saratoga Springs, 6.1 miles, easy: Enjoy the views of Utah Lake and the Wasatch Front. If you ride in the evening, you may have time to stop at the Saratoga Hot Springs for a dip!

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Mountain bike trails

Hold on to your handlebars. You don’t want to be saying “Look ma, no hands!” while on your mountain bike. If you’re riding in southern Utah during summer, there are a few higher elevation trails to explore that will keep you cool.

• Beaver Mountain Loop, 3.3 miles, easy: If you’re staying at Bear Lake for a summer vacation, drive 20 minutes to Beaver Mountain Ski Resort for some high elevation rides.

• WOW (Wasatch Over Wasatch), 9.1 miles, hard: Teens may enjoy this trail more than younger kiddos. Ride up through high alpine terrain in Big Cottonwood Canyon and enjoy a lengthy downhill ride into Midway. Watch out for moose!

• Round Valley, easy to moderate: Choose your own adventure in Park City with any number of routes that connect with each other. The miles of family friendly trails here make this a bike riding haven.  

• Millcreek Pipeline (Lower), 7 miles, moderate: You can only mountain bike in Millcreek Canyon on even days, but it’s worth waiting for the right days to go. The canyon is often lush and green during the summer months. 

• Brian Head Resort (Color Flow), 4 miles, easy: Head up high to this resort just outside Cedar City, nearing 11,000 feet! Enjoy this (and plenty of other) downhill flowy trails that wind through rugged alpine scenery. 

• Gooseberry Mesa, 13 miles, moderate to hard: This higher elevation trail near St. George is a bit more technical, but some kiddos and teens can do it with a responsible adult around. The red desert views bring people from all over the world, so bring your camera.

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Gooseberry Mesa

Bike safety equipment

Whoever started the rumor that helmets weren’t cool was … not cool. You’ll need a helmet for all scenarios of bike riding, but especially when you’re zooming down a dirt trail with rocks and trees in your periphery, or when you’re next to traffic. And you’ll want to set a good example for your kids, right? So be the cool person and pick up some safety gear and other essentials before heading to any bike trails. 

• Bike helmet

• Bike pump

• Bike bag

• Bike rack

• Cycling clothing

KSL Classifieds has all the things you’ll need to get started with bike riding around Utah this summer. Check out our listings regularly for deals on bike essentials.