If you haven’t already heard, the gravel biking is one of the fastest growing cycling disciplines. According to Cognitive Market Research, the gravel bike market is anticipated to hit a 13.5% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030. These are big numbers—what’s all the rage?

Gravel cycling is a vibe! It’s about exploration—not only of the roads less traveled, but also of the individual rider; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re on sleepy gravel roads, chunky single track, or your favorite road climb, a gravel bike excels no matter the surface.

The pavement ends and gravel begins!

Some days are for going hard and fast, and other days are for social cruises with friends. Some days are for Lycra kits and speed shades, and some days are best suited for jorts and a party shirt. To me, gravel cycling is the most inclusive of all cycling disciplines, which is part of the reason for the explosive growth. Riders of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, body types, are not only welcomed but celebrated, and the sport has led me to many of the strongest relationships in my life today.

Fortunately, Summit County is a pretty good spot to be when it comes to gravel riding! Over my lunch break on a Friday afternoon in June, I grabbed my gravel bike, jumped on the McLeod Creek Trail, and headed towards Snyderville Basin.

Gravel Routes & Rides in Park City

The McLeod Creek Trail is an 8-foot wide trail that connects Park City to the south side of the Swaner Preserve, and features both paved and gravel sections. As I dove onto the trail and began wrapping around Quarry Mountain, I found a perfectly maintained gravel path thanks to Basin Recreation. The vistas were top-notch, but I was sure to enjoy some gems along the way, including bridge crossings, art on the trails, wildlife, and creek-side benches to put your feet up. Come fall, the changing leaves make for a breathtaking scene.

Take it slow and keep your hands close to the brakes as the McLeod Creek Trail is enjoyed by a wide range of trail users, including runners, baby joggers, dog walkers, equestrians, and others.

After a few glorious miles of gravel and a quick photo of the old green Chevy truck at the Copper Moose Farm Stand, I jumped on Old Ranch Road for some rolling road miles around the east side of Swaner Preserve. While my preference may be for dirt surfaces, the large shoulder coupled with views of Kimball Creek and the wetland habitat helped pass the time.

Various scenic paths connect neighborhoods and businesses throughout Park City!
Park City's historic Wallin Barn!

On the north side of Swaner Preserve, I was able to jump back on the Highland Dr Trail, which is another mixed-use path that offers panoramic lookouts of the 850-acre southern section of the preserve with views of the Wasatch Crest in the distance.

Shortly after exiting the Newpark area on the northwest corner of the Swaner Preserve, I found myself back on gravel on the E 224 Trail. The E 224 Trail passes the Wallin Barn, which was built in 1933. Is there anything better than seeing a beautifully restored barn in a mountain town while on a ride? My camera roll has hundreds of barn photos from over the years.

Quick Gravel Rides in Park City

I had some extra time, so I added a couple quick gravel loops around the Willow Draw Open Space on the Willow Creek Loop. This is one of my favorite parts of town not only for riding, but also for hanging with the family and Bruce, our 10-year-old Bernedoodle. As I neared the end of my lunch loop, I remembered I forgot to pack a lunch, so I put power to the pedals and raced right on past McPolin Barn and back toward Main Street as quickly as I could. Don’t worry, the profile trends upward toward Main—and I’m not a climber anyway—so my pace along the Farm Trail and Poison Creek Trail was well below the Park City-area path speed limit of 15 miles per hour.

Find the road less traveled!

Refuel and Ready to Go Again

I made it to Main Street and needed something quick that would travel well back to the office. I think some mild dehydration led to a lapse in judgement, but two scoops from Java Cow was all I could think of. I tried my best to transport my double-scoop of Purple Cow in a waffle cone, but after some funny looks from other passersby, I walked over to Miner’s Park and enjoyed my “lunch” while taking in the energy of Main Street that we all know and love.

Some of my other favorite Gravel Rides in Summit County:

Other Bike Adventures in Park City

Mountain Biking

Fat Biking

Five Road Bike Routes & Rides