Provo sits at the base of the Wasatch Mountains with over 100 mountain biking trails within riding distance of the city. The trail network spans everything from paved riverside paths to technical singletrack with 2,000+ feet of climbing to lift-served downhill at Sundance Resort. If you own a mountain bike and live in Provo, you could ride a different trail every weekend for two years without repeating.
This guide covers the best trails organized by difficulty, plus the practical info you need — where to park, when to ride, and where to rent gear if you don't have your own.
Beginner Trails
Provo River Parkway
Distance: 15 miles one-way · Surface: Paved · Elevation Gain: Minimal
Not technically mountain biking, but the Provo River Parkway is the best starting point for anyone new to cycling in the area. The paved trail follows the Provo River from Utah Lake through the city and up into Provo Canyon past Bridal Veil Falls. It's flat, shaded in sections, and gorgeous — ideal for families, casual riders, and anyone building fitness before hitting dirt. See our Provo River Parkway Guide for the full breakdown.
South Fork Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip · Surface: Dirt/gravel · Elevation Gain: ~300 ft
An easy, scenic singletrack ride in the South Fork of Provo Canyon. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and surrounded by forest. It's the ideal first "real" mountain bike trail — enough dirt to feel like an adventure without the technical features that intimidate beginners. Trailhead is about a mile past Big Springs Park in Provo Canyon.
Murdock Canal Trail
Distance: 17 miles one-way · Surface: Paved · Elevation Gain: Gentle
A paved rail-trail following the enclosed Murdock Canal from the mouth of Provo Canyon to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Long, mostly flat, and ideal for endurance rides or commuting between Provo, Orem, and points north. Connects to local trail networks along its entire length. Year-round riding as snow allows.
Intermediate Trails
Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST)
Distance: 6.8 miles (Provo section) · Surface: Doubletrack/singletrack · Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft
The BST follows the ancient shoreline of prehistoric Lake Bonneville along the Wasatch foothills. The Provo section runs from Rock Canyon to Slate Canyon with consistent views of the valley and mountains. The trail is mostly wide doubletrack with some singletrack sections — moderate climbing, not overly technical, and accessible to intermediate riders. Connects to multiple trailhead access points along its length.
Best for: Riders wanting a solid workout with views. Rideable after work on long summer evenings.
Dry Canyon Loop (Kris' Loop)
Distance: ~8 miles loop · Surface: Singletrack/doubletrack · Elevation Gain: ~1,400 ft
A loop ride in the foothills on the southwest side of Mount Timpanogos, incorporating a section of the BST. The terrain includes some moderately steep sections but nothing overly technical. Good intermediate ride with varied terrain and solid views of Timp and Utah Valley. Access from Orem.
Archie's Loop
Distance: 2.2 miles · Surface: Singletrack · Elevation Gain: ~600 ft
A relatively new trail connecting Scott's Pond loop to the Boneyard loop. Despite its short length, Archie's Loop delivers outstanding panoramic views — Mount Timpanogos, Provo Peak, Cascade Peak, Provo Canyon, Deer Creek Reservoir, and the Heber Valley are all visible from a single vantage point. Great for a quick before-work ride.
Race Loop (Provo Canyon)
Distance: ~6 miles · Surface: Singletrack · Elevation Gain: ~800 ft
A classic local loop in Provo Canyon between the upper and lower mountain slopes. Varied terrain with views of Timpanogos to the north and Cascade Mountain to the south. The marked race course has additional side trails branching off for extended rides. Popular with local riders for good reason.
Advanced Trails
Slate Canyon
Distance: ~8 miles loop · Surface: Singletrack · Elevation Gain: ~2,500 ft
The most popular advanced trail in the Provo area, with a 4.5-star rating on AllTrails. Slate Canyon starts with a punishing uphill that tests your fitness immediately, then rewards you with stunning views of the Wasatch Range, Provo, and Utah Lake. The descent is fast and technical — loose rock, tight switchbacks, and exposure. Not for beginners, but the views and the downhill make the climb worth it.
Squaw Peak Trails
Distance: Varies · Surface: Singletrack · Elevation Gain: Varies (up to 4,000+ ft)
A network of trails radiating from Squaw Peak Road above Provo Canyon. The Squaw Peak downhill segments feature gap jumps, steep descents, and technical rock gardens. Multiple route options let you customize your ride length and difficulty. The tree-side trails offer shade and flowy singletrack, while the ridgeline trails provide exposure and views.
Kyhv Peak
Distance: ~10 miles · Surface: Singletrack · Elevation Gain: ~4,400 ft
The biggest climb in the immediate Provo area. Kyhv Peak trails are a series of narrow singletracks with significant elevation gain, technical features, and navigation challenges. The descent rewards the climb with varied terrain — loose rock, root-lined trails, and creek crossings. Season is typically June through September due to snow at elevation.
Lift-Served: Sundance Resort
$$ · 20 minutes from Provo
Sundance operates a lift-served mountain bike park during summer months with downhill trails of varying difficulty. This eliminates the climbing entirely — ride the lift up, bomb downhill, repeat. Trail styles range from flowy singletrack to technical DH runs. Lift passes and bike rentals are available. If you want the adrenaline of mountain biking without the cardio punishment, Sundance delivers. See our Sundance Resort Guide for more.
When to Ride
Peak season: May through October. Lower-elevation trails (BST, canyon mouth trails) open first in spring, while high-elevation trails (Kyhv Peak, Squaw Peak) may have snow until June.
Best months: June and September. Summer can be hot at lower elevations — early morning rides beat the heat. September offers perfect temperatures and fall colors.
Off-season: November through March, options are limited to paved trails and lower-elevation doubletrack. Fat biking is possible on packed snow.
Trail conditions: Check Trailforks or local mountain biking forums before riding, especially in spring when trails transition from snow to mud. Riding muddy trails damages the tread — if it's muddy, wait.
Gear & Rentals
Bike Shops
Racer's Cycle Service — The go-to local shop for repairs and knowledgeable advice. Mobile service available.
Taylor's Bike Shop — Full-service shop with mountain bike rentals.
Noble Cycling — Orem-based shop with a strong selection and experienced staff.
Rentals
If you don't own a mountain bike, several shops rent quality hardtails and full-suspension bikes by the day. Expect $50–$100/day depending on the bike. BYU's Outdoors Unlimited program also rents bikes at student-friendly prices.
What You Need
At minimum: a properly fitting helmet (non-negotiable), water (dehydration at altitude is serious), and basic repair tools (spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool). For advanced trails, add gloves, knee pads, and eye protection.
Related Guides
- The Complete Provo Hiking Guide
- Provo River Parkway Guide
- Rock Canyon Trail Guide
- Sundance Resort Guide
- Best Gyms & Fitness in Provo
- Summer Activities in Provo
Last updated: April 2026. Trail conditions change seasonally — check current conditions before riding.