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Utah Valley is loaded with great rides, from smooth paved paths along the river to dirt singletrack up in the foothills. Here are the best bike trails in Utah County, loosely ranked by how much locals love them.
This paved path runs about 15 miles from Utah Lake up into Provo Canyon, hugging the river the whole way. The stretch up the canyon to Bridal Veil Falls is the local favorite, with shade, cool mist off the falls, and canyon walls towering over you. It works for road bikes, cruisers, and kids, which is why you see every kind of rider on it.
A 17-mile paved trail that follows the old Murdock Canal from the mouth of Provo Canyon up to Thanksgiving Point. It is wide, smooth, and connects seven cities, with big open views of the Wasatch peaks the whole way. The gentle grade and lack of car crossings make it one of the safest long rides for families in the valley.
Over 16 miles of dirt singletrack winding through scrub oak and maple on the edge of the foothills. It has everything from easy intermediate cruisers to flow trails with berms and small jumps, which makes it the go-to spot for valley mountain bikers. The trails are well marked and link together, so you can build a loop that fits your skill and time.
The Provo section of the BST runs along the bench above town following the old shoreline of prehistoric Lake Bonneville. It is a broad, mostly doubletrack path with wide-open valley and lake views the whole way, and it connects from Rock Canyon down toward Slate Canyon. One fun stretch near Y Mountain wraps past the airport, where you can watch small planes take off.
The most challenging mountain bike ride in Provo, starting at the mouth of Slate Canyon and looping toward Slide Canyon. It is a lot of uphill to get going, but the payoff is stunning views of the surrounding Wasatch ranges, and on the way back you roll out over Provo and Utah Lake. This is the one local riders point to when they want to earn the view.
Tucked up the South Fork, this area has short, sweet singletrack loops like Big Spring Hollow at a cooler, higher elevation. The mild climbing and low-intermediate terrain make it a relaxed escape when the valley floor is hot. Tree cover and the higher elevation keep it noticeably cooler than the exposed bench trails.
Up the North Fork past Tibble Fork Reservoir, the canyon opens into serious high-country riding like the Mud Springs to Mill Canyon loop and the long haul up to Ridge Trail 157. The climbs are steep and the altitude is real, but the alpine scenery and long descents are some of the best in the state. This is summer-only terrain for fit, experienced riders.
A flat, paved lakeside path along the east shore of Utah Lake with wide sunset and water views. It is gentle and family-friendly, perfect for an easy spin, a stroller, or kids still getting comfortable on two wheels. The lack of hills makes it one of the most relaxed rides in the valley.
A mellow paved path following the river through Spanish Fork with mountain and canyon views opening to the east. It is quieter than the busy Provo trails and a low-key option for the south end of the valley. The calm, uncrowded feel makes it a nice everyday ride or an easy family loop.
On the west side of the valley, the Eagle Mountain system has short practice loops near the Hidden Valley trailhead plus longer ridgeline singletrack out toward Lake Mountain. The sandy desert soil drains fast, so it rides well in early spring, late fall, and even some winter days when the clay trails are mud. It is an easy place to build skills or grab a quick dirt ride without driving up a canyon.
Picking the right ride in Utah Valley comes down to two questions: pavement or dirt, and how much climbing you want. The paved paths follow the rivers and canals on a gentle grade, so they suit road bikes, beach cruisers, kids, and strollers. The dirt trails climb into the foothills and canyons, so they reward fitness and a little skill. Match the trail to your bike and your legs and you will have a good day.
Season matters here too. The low foothill dirt like the south side of Lambert Park and the Bonneville Shoreline clears of snow first, often by March, while the high American Fork Canyon trails stay buried into early summer. West-side spots like Eagle Mountain ride well in shoulder season because the sandy soil drains fast. In July and August, start early or ride the shaded canyon paths, since the west-facing benches bake in the afternoon with almost no shade.
Keep exploring Utah Valley: Best Hikes in Utah Valley: Trails Near Provo for Every Level · Best Waterfalls in Utah Valley: Bridal Veil, Stewart Falls & More · Hot Springs Near Utah Valley: Soaking Spots Within Driving Distance. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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