Trail difficulty
Blue
Elevation Gain
1,636.00 ft (498.65 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
11.00 mi (17.70 km)
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The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a part of the vast Great Western Trail and can be accessed from East Canyon between Salt Lake and Park City. This is not a common place for people to hike or ride, so it is really nice to avoid the increasing crowds of nearby trails. While most people start their ride from the bottom of a trail so they can enjoy the ride back down as a reward, I would recommend doing the opposite so you don't need to pay for parking at Little Dell Reservoir State Park at the bottom.

The single track is smooth overall and relatively well maintained, but you will have several road crossing along the way. The ride down is fast and fun, and you will rarely need to avoid other hikers and riders. The views from the top are quite stunning, and the autumn colors pop in the fall. Keep an eye out for the many deer and moose in the area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Fall
Summer

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

No

Open from

April 15 to October 15

Pros

Almost no one uses this trail. Fun downhill. Smooth singletrack.

Cons

Many road crossings.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

5,800.00 ft (1,767.84 m)

Highest point

7,436.00 ft (2,266.49 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Historically significant
Big vistas
Bird watching
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Hiking

Route Characteristics

Trail

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

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