Road Biking


Utah is quickly winning over cyclists from all around the world. The Tour of Utah and LoToJa races showcase Utah's best scenic roads. Ride Park City, Antelope Island, desert roads through national parks, and lots, lots more.

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Northern Utah

Near Logan and throughout Cache Valley, rural roadways pass through small towns and farming communities nestled among a patchwork of agricultural lands. Wetlands lure an array of migratory birds and wildlife while the Bear River Range and Wellsville Mountains create alpine backdrops. On Highway 89, Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, dramatic canyon scenery competes with frequent sightings of technical rock climbers inching up craggy slopes and fisherman casting baited lines to unsuspecting trout. The ride up Blacksmith Fork Canyon ends at the Hardware Ranch elk refuge. And along the 45-mile Bear Lake loop, thoughts of a creamy milkshake blended with fresh Bear Lake raspberries will quicken the pace.

In the Ogden area the Pineview Reservoir loop passes many lakeside cafes, including the Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville, Utah's oldest continually operating saloon. Take a side trip to the Trappist Monastery to snack on fresh baked breads topped with honey made by these resident monks. The Snowbasin Road is an advanced-level hill climb rising to the base of Snowbasin Ski Area; views of the rugged Wasatch Mountains above and placid Pineview Reservoir below are compelling.

Road bicyclists of all abilities, and rollerbladers, too, can be found spinning effortlessly along the paved Davis County Causeway to Antelope Island State Park. Distant sights of the Wasatch Range reflect off the Great Salt Lake's ever blue waters and its marshy shore lures an array of waterfowl. Those with added stamina can extend the tour by following the island's paved 8-mile loop road. On the mainland, you can tour the lake's eastern shore along the level, 34-mile Great Salt Lake Bicycle Route.

On the west side of Weber and Davis Counties, numerous rural roadways can be linked together for a tour along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. Pack along binoculars to view an array of migratory waterfowl that are attracted to the lake's wetlands.

A bicycle is the ideal way to tour Salt Lake City's historical sights centered about Temple Square. Designated bike lanes parallel many outlying city streets as well. For a natural getaway minutes from the central business district, pedal up City Creek Canyon immediately northeast of the state capitol. Bicycles are allowed up the paved canyon road on odd-numbered days, whereas vehicles are allowed on even-numbered days. Or overlook the entire Salt Lake Valley from the Wasatch foothills on Wasatch Boulevard between 3900 South and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Near the state's capital, Salt Lake City, bicyclists can venture up a number of canyons carved into the central Wasatch Range. Emigration Canyon is an all-time favorite because of its moderate grade, low traffic, and trickling roadside creek. Brigham Young and Mormon Pioneers descended Emigration Canyon to the Salt Lake Valley 150 years ago to culminate their historic trek. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are reserved for strong bikers; each ends at ski resorts surrounded by alpine beauty.

Those who have a burning desire for distance riding can set out on a century ride around the Oquirrh Mountains, which passes through Salt Lake City and Tooele. And west of Tooele, there are endless miles of vacant roadways.

Farther south in Provo, the Alpine Scenic Loop Highway is a challenging route curving around Mount Timpanogos. Verdant forests, glacial valleys, and chiseled peaks beckon your camera's lens. Park City cyclists frequently race through Browns Canyon to Kamas, and those with exceptional endurance cross the Uinta Mountains along the scenic Mirror Lake Highway between Kamas and Evanston, Wyoming. The Heber-Charleston-Midway loop is a moderate ride on mostly flat terrain passing through this trio of Swiss-heritage towns.

If you want to tackle your first century ride, try the 100-mile loop around Utah Lake west of Provo; it's mostly flat.

The 66-mile Mount Nebo Loop begins in Nephi and loop's around a wilderness area that boasts the Wasatch Range's tallest peak. A long, steady climb is offset by a rocketing descent.

Glowing sandstone landscapes balanced by forested mountain slopes highlight many of the routes found near Vernal and Dinosaur National Monument on the Uinta Mountains' eastern slope. In Central Utah, the Fish Lake-Loa loop begins at a rustic lakeside lodge and winds through high plateaus draped with aspen forests.

Southern Utah

Cycling is part of the appeal of Fremont Indian State Park south of Richfield. Use it as a base camp for exploring nearby Clear Creek Canyon, or set out on a multi-day tour through open ranges and fertile farmlands from Marysvale to Panguitch. If climbing long grades is your forte, tackle Beaver Creek Canyon from Beaver to Eagle Point Ski Resort. The Tushar Mountains' 12,000-foot peaks tower over this stream-cut gorge.

The Arches National Park Scenic Drive has 22 miles of paved roads leading past redrock fins, towers, and petrified sand dunes. A spur road branches to the Windows Section, where short foot trails take you to (and through) numerous rock spans.

Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky District has 18 miles of pavement. Viewpoints overlook colorful desert strata dropping thousands of feet to the Colorado River and Green River.

Capitol Reef National Park's 12-mile-long Scenic Drive ends at Capitol Gorge, where you can dismount and hike through a slot canyon enclosed by colossal sandstone walls.5. Thirty-five miles of paved roads in Bryce Canyon National Park lead to numerous viewpoints, where rock amphitheaters composed of orange-white pinnacles, spires, and monuments break from the plateau's forested top.

At Zion National Park, the Pa'rus Trail takes you 1.7 miles from Watchman Campground to Zion Canyon junction. From there, pedal the Scenic Drive up Zion Canyon beneath sheer cliffs to Gates of the Virgin River Narrows--a watery corridor hemmed between 2,000-foot-high sandstone walls.

National Parks are the focal points of multi-day tours, too, if you choose to pack up your panniers. A classic loop ventures from Zion National Park's warm slickrock desert to Cedar Breaks National Monument's cool forested plateau.

The route from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park follows several scenic byways. Near its end the road enters Red Canyon, where brilliantly colored rocks are eroded into enchanting shapes. From Bryce, head to Escalante, cross the 10,000-foot-high Aquarius Plateau, and descend to Capitol Reef National Park for the ultimate adventure.

Places to Stay in Utah

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Lodging nestled at the edge of a pine forest on a high plateau that overlooks the beautiful Bryce Ca...
Explore Utah in a fully outfitted Toyota TRD Off-Road 4Runner!
Indulge in magnificent nature without sacrificing luxurious comfort.
Located near Monument Valley, Bears Ears, San Juan River and Cedar Mesa. The perfect place to relax,...
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The Cabins at Bear River Lodge provide the serenity you can only get in the Utah mountains.
Stay at this quiet RV Park near Bryce Canyon. Horses, dogs, RVs and campers welcome!
Stay locally in Park City and enjoy the comforts provided by Wyndham Park City Accommodations.
As low as $85/night
The Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn is steps away from the main street and only one mile away from the ...
This 58 acre resort situated in Torrey, Utah, just one mile from the entrance of Capitol Reef Nation...
Where glamorous camping meets bed and breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites is located close to UVU, BYU, and multiple recreation areas.
Located at the base of Arches National Park, this desert oasis is the perfect blend of outdoor adven...
Set against the stunning Wasatch Mountain Range and halfway between Provo and Salt Lake City, the Ho...
A lovely hotel located in the straight-out-of-a-movie town of Tropic.
Abbey Inn of Cedar City is based in Southern Utah and provides all the standard amenities. Elegant a...
Cottonwood Meadow Lodge offers a variety of lodging to ensure the best experience in Southern Utah. ...
Escape the heat and enjoy the serene outdoors at The Lodge at Duck Creek. Duck Creek Village is a qu...
Located off 1-15 and 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the airport, and world-class skiing.
Sleep Inn Provo is located near Provo Towne Centre, Brigham Young University and Splash Summit Water...
The Broken Spur Inn is the ideal lodging destination for quick access to Capitol Reef.
Luxury accommodations with spectacular panoramic views of Bear Lake!
Escape to Zion Mountain Ranch for relaxation and rejuvenation just minutes from Zion National Park.
The Ramada by Wyndham Provo is easily accessible from I-15 and is within walking distance of area sh...
A new, safari-inspired, outdoor resort.
Enjoy an on-site restaurant after exploring the depths of Escalante's epic slot canyons. And a good ...
Under Canvas®Lake Powell - Grand Staircase provides upscale tents, offering guests the opportunity t...
Stay at this family-friendly private vacation home cabin in Duck Creek Village, Utah.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, this Comfort Inn will have you taken care of. The...
Boulder Mountain Lodge is located in Utah's scenic red rock canyon country close to Grand Staircase ...
Stay in this beautiful historic home located steps from downtown Park City.
RV Campground near Zion National Park Willow. Wind RV Park offers the benefits of exciting outdoor a...
Experience a unique stay in Bryce Glamp & Camp's glamping domes, where luxury meets nature.
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Can’t decide between Utah and Arizona for your next travel adventure? The Best Western East Zion Thu...
Located halfway between Moab and Salt Lake City, Castle Gate RV Park is Helper's new and only RV par...
Cabins - Breakfast - Farm - Pool - Zion 18 min - Bryce 1 hour - Quiet Side of Zion - Avoid the Crow...
The Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand in Bryce Canyon City, Utah truly does have something to off...
Park Plaza Resort is a family-friendly all-suite condo resort situated in the heart of Park City, Ut...
Find the perfect RV rental in Utah. Simple, easy and fully insured.
Experience Homestead's timeless charm and hospitality.
Lake Powell Resort is located at Wahweap Marina in Page, AZ - right in the heart of all your down-la...
Some people seem to have all the fun. Bear Lake Fun can help make you one of those people! From sea-...
Transform your upcoming escape into an opportunity for strengthening bonds and creating unforgettabl...
Stay centrally in downtown Salt Lake City. Little America Hotel offers 850 luxurious guestrooms,...
Located in Utah's Uinta Mountains, Crystal Ranch Lodge is the ultimate fly fishing destination.
Near The Shops at South Town, Mountain America Exposition Center, Jordan Commons, Rio Tinto Stadium....
Kayak Horseshoe Bend with Kayak the Colorado. Backhaul taxi service and the most complete watercraf...
CooperWynn Property Management offers a variety of condominium vacation rentals in Park City and Dee...
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