There's plenty to love about Park City's in-town mountain biking trails: you have the choice of taking the chairlift or pedaling to the top of the mountain; hundreds of loops and routes are made possible via the Mid Mountain trail; and pointing your bike down hill is all that's required to get to a restaurant or bar for a post-ride bite or libation. I ride frequently within the resort boundaries and Round Valley for all these reasons and many more. But when I'm looking for a quick, hour-long ride when the weather's hot, I head up to Summit Park's Short Stack/The Road to WOS loop.

My favorite way to ride this easy-intermediate loop in a counterclockwise direction beginning at the Innsbruck Strasse trailhead. (A map of Summit Park's trail system and trailheads can be found here.) Some fairly steep and sharp switchbacks begin the route--I usually have to get off my bike and walk up at least one or two. But, thanks to the elevation and plenty of shade provided by old-growth evergreens, the trail is almost always smooth, tacky, and ideal for navigating most of those tight, hairpin turns. After about a half of a mile, the trail intersects with the Over Easy hiking-only trail on your right. Make a left there onto The Road to WOS trail, which continues to climb for another half mile or so. At the top of the ridge, stop and catch your breath while taking in the views of the Jeremy Ranch and Pinebrook neighborhoods. Then hop back on your bike and enjoy the fun, flowy ride down to the trailhead on Matterhorn Drive. From there, head left and pedal to the end of the pavement and through a gate onto a short two-track road. Follow the road for the final half mile to the Innsbruck trailhead. 

Note: The No Worries Cafe, previously housed next to the Sinclair station just off the I-80 Summit Park exit, moved to the Pinebrook area at Quarry Village above O'Shuck's earlier this year. The Moose Cafe is now open in its place in Summit Park. I have yet to try it but if you've been, I'd love to hear what you think. My email is [email protected] Happy trails!