Park City Mountain Bike Tours

GREEN CIRCLES : We don’t expect any heart stoppage on these trails, and they are suitable for most kids to ride with minimal whining. In fact, these trails have been designed with families, seniors, and beginner riders in mind. They are also suitable for towing a kid in a trailer. There shouldn’t be anything more technical than a street curb for you to clear, and you can spend your time enjoying the scenery and the delightful mountain air.

BLUE SQUARES: If you are coming from sea level, and you are past your twenties and/or you don’t get much exercise, these rides will get you huffing and puffing a little, or maybe a lot. While there is some challenge involved, any crash should be patchable with a Band-Aid. And unless you are a heart patient, we wouldn’t expect your friends to have to perform CPR as long as you bring enough water and use your head. You will have to clear small obstacles and be able to go up and down switchbacks. If you aren’t comfortable with these skills, head over to White Pine Touring, and they can give you a one hour clinic that will do wonders for you. Any decent athlete in reasonable physical condition will have a lot of fun on an intermediate ride if they use their head.

DOUBLE BLUE SQUARES: Strength is the major determinant in the jump from one square to two. You will have to clear some obstacles that require the front tire to get airborne briefly and on several of the rides, you’ll be in the saddle for a long time. Strong intermediate riders in good physical shape can probably handle most of this with relatively little bike pushing or carrying as long as they don’t get stupid.

BLACK DIAMONDS: Riders in this category should know who they are, but the jump from two squares to one diamond means more grunt factor and more technical difficulty, plus generally more time in the saddle. Advanced riders may elect to skip some of the bigger obstacles. In any event, you will have to clear obstacles that will bend your big chain ring if not done properly, and endos are pretty easy to come by. You’ll want to feel comfortable with one or more tires off the ground occasionally and being able to get your chest on your top tube for some downhills is a good idea. You will also have to be in pretty good shape or be willing to spend a long time out there taking your time. Wrecks on these rides could earn you a trip to the emergency room for stitches, casts, or maybe worse. If you aren’t in good shape, you could also have to rely on your buddy to beat on your chest while he gives you the kiss of life.

DOUBLE BLACK DIAMONDS: Park City doesn’t have that much riding that is truly intimidating, but there is a little on these rides. Advanced riders will be able to handle most of these trails without walking or carrying their bikes too much, but it will take them longer than Expert riders. On one of the rides, fatigue will be a factor even for good riders. A major mistake on these trails will almost assuredly earn you a trip to the clinic, and may earn you a two week vacation in the Salt Lake hospital of the ambulance driver’s choice.