31.5 miles
Distance
3,932 ft
Climb
-3,952 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
-19 ft
Altitude change
7,817 ft
Altitude min
9,739 ft
Altitude start
9,721 ft
Altitude end
-55%
Grade max
44.8%
Grade min
15 miles
Distance climb
14 miles
Distance down
2 miles
Distance flat

A nice way to access the Wasatch Back without having to drive to Park City. Begin the loop from Guardsman Pass located up Big Cottonwood Canyon. A nice, long, scenic loop while also keeping the elevation gain/loss in check. The return climb sees a lot of deep shade, great for a mid-day summer ride.

Detailed Description
Wasatch Back Loop from Guardsman Pass is a 32 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Brighton Utah. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 58 trails. This route climbs 3,932 ft with a max elevation of 9,888 ft then descends -3,952 ft.
Tags
CanyonViews

Trail Issues on Route

  • Significant Issue / Amber: 1 trail (newest: Aug 30, 2024)
  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 2 trails (newest: Jul 8, 2026)

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Stats

  • Distance
    32 miles
  • Avg time
    7 hr 55 min
  • Altitude min
    7,817 ft
  • Altitude start
    9,739 ft
  • Altitude end
    9,721 ft
  • Climb
    3,932 ft
  • Descent
    -3,952 ft
  • Grade max
    -55%
  • Grade min
    44.8%
  • Distance climb
    15 miles
  • Distance down
    14 miles
  • Distance flat
    2 miles

44 Reviews & Comments


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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Activity Logs
    2
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Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
Mid MTN   (2 ambush) - Park City, UT - MTB...
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Ridge Connector - Park City, UT - MTB Trail Preview
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Keystone
Oct 17, 2026 @ 4:38pm (America/Boise)
Oct 17, 2026
Mid Mountain
Oct 8, 2026 @ 10:58am (America/Boise)
Oct 8, 2026
beautiful, 3 bobcats at the dry iron creek bridge (Dutch Draw)
Mid Mountain
Oct 8, 2026 @ 10:58am (America/Boise)
Oct 8, 2026
beautiful aspen colors
Wasatch Crest (North)
Oct 6, 2026 @ 9:30am (America/Denver)
Oct 6, 2026
Wasatch Crest (Puke Hill)
Oct 1, 2026 @ 11:00am (America/Denver)
Oct 1, 2026
I nearly puked
more reports »
  • By kpwarnick & contributors
  • #4926 - 8,207 views

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