The Mueller Park Trail offers a great change in pace from most of the mountain bike rides in the Salt Lake City area. It’s low elevation keeps it open late season, but the thick tree cover keeps it cool during the summer. The trail is not technical or challenging, which makes it a great trail for the family.
Although there is parking at the trailhead itself, it’s limited enough that you may want to park on the street at the entrance to the park. From there it’s a quick pedal until you see the trailhead on a bridge over the stream. Soon you’ll be climbing through deep pines that lead into an abundance of plant life that is rarely seen in this area. The trail drops deep into draws that are full of poplar, cottonwoods, aspens, ferns, and undergrowth. Then it winds through pines, cuts through scrub oak, and swings you out and across the grass covered ridges, only to repeat the process over and over again. The sheer variety of nature on this trail is impressive. The climb, though relentlessly consistent, is mercifully mellow. Finally you’ll arrive at a junction, and you can continue up the trail and eventually turn your ride into a loop if you stay right. If you cut to the left, it’s only a few yards to a lookout over Big Rock and options to hike down to the base of the rock.
Now it’s time to descend. That same consistent climb becomes a fun and mellow descent. The trail is broad and tacky, making it an easy descent for beginners. You’ll get the same grand vistas as the climb, but in a little quicker succession. As you enjoy the views and the descent, do remember that this is a busy trail, and there may be hikers around any corner.
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