Salt Lake City has one of mountain biking’s ultimate glory laps in its backyard. The Wasatch Crest Trail is 20-plus miles of well-maintained singletrack that runs in and around old-growth forests, alpine lakes, open meadows, and rocky ridgeline with incredible views of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Park City, and Salt Lake City. The trail is only open from July 1 to November 1, but the ride is one of the best ways to enjoy a summer day in the stunning mountains of Utah. Take your time or charge through, the trail hosts all types of riders, but is only open on even numbered days of the month for biking. The most popular access route is to take a metro bus to the 3900 South Wasatch Boulevard Park & Ride (there are several that stop here) and catch the cheap shuttle to the top of Guardsman’s Pass, riding down the Crest Trail into Mill Creek Canyon. Those looking for the added burn can do the route in reverse, turning around at the transmission towers along the Wasatch Crest, for a longer, more strenuous ride.

GETTING THERE: From the University of Utah, take the 354 Bus to 3900 South Wasatch Boulevard Park & Ride and catch the Wasatch Crest Shuttle (it costs $15) to the top of Guardsman’s Pass. It makes limited runs, so check the schedule beforehand. For the reverse route, take Mill Valley Canyon Road up to the Big Water Trailhead to connect with the Wasatch Crest Trail proper.

TRAVEL TIME: About 60 minutes.